Looking for an affordable Android phone? The vivo Y12a and Y12 are popular choices in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y12 generally edges out the Y12a thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better camera performance. However, the Y12a might offer a more modern design and potentially a slightly better price point, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2019, June 20. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Aqua Blue, Burgundy Red |
| Models | V2102 | 1904, 1940 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Sleek design
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially lower price
- Slightly slower processor
- Potentially weaker camera
vivo Y12
- Faster processor (Helio P22)
- Potentially better camera
- 10W wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.35-inch HD+ IPS LCD displays. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level brightness or sharpness. The Y12 might have slightly better color calibration, but this is often subjective.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature a triple rear camera setup (likely including a main sensor, ultrawide, and depth sensor), the Y12's Helio P22 chipset often provides better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly better detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the Y12. Both will likely offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The vivo Y12's MediaTek Helio P22 generally outperforms the Y12a's Qualcomm Snapdragon 439. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the Y12. Both are adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, but demanding games will struggle.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Y12a includes 5W reverse wired charging, which is a nice bonus for topping up other devices, while the Y12 has 10W wired charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y12a? Users prioritizing a sleek design and a potentially lower price tag, and who aren't heavily reliant on demanding apps or intensive gaming. Who should buy the vivo Y12? Those seeking a bit more processing power and potentially a slightly better camera experience, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y12 is generally better for gaming due to its slightly more powerful processor.
❓ Does the Y12a's reverse charging feature work well?
The 5W reverse charging on the Y12a is a convenient feature for topping up other devices, but it's relatively slow.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones offer decent cameras for their price range, suitable for casual photography. The Y12 likely has a slight edge in image quality.
