Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y12a and Y12s are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y12s edges out the Y12a thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better performance. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Y12s's CPU provides a smoother user experience, making it the preferred choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 |
| 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) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black |
| Models | V2102 | V2026, V2033, V2042 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Very affordable
- Clean Android experience
- Long battery life
- Reverse charging
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
- HD+ display resolution
vivo Y12s
- Better performance than Y12a
- More versatile camera system
- Long battery life
- Reverse charging
- Slightly more expensive than Y12a
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y12s might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its chipset. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, adequate for media consumption but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Y12a typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Y12s often includes a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Y12s's additional lenses allow for more versatile photography, including macro shots and improved portrait mode performance. Image quality is generally decent on both, but the Y12s has a slight edge.
Performance
The vivo Y12s boasts a Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, which offers a noticeable performance boost over the Y12a's Qualcomm Snapdragon 439. The Helio P35's higher clock speeds translate to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Y12a is adequate for basic tasks but can feel sluggish under heavier load.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent all-day battery life. Expect around 12-14 hours of moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired and 5W reverse wired, meaning charging will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y12a is a good option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a clean Android experience. The vivo Y12s is ideal for those who want a slightly more responsive phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y12s worth the extra money compared to the Y12a?
Yes, the Y12s's improved performance makes it a worthwhile upgrade if you can afford it. The smoother experience will be noticeable in everyday use.
❓ What is reverse charging and how does it work?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable. It's a convenient feature for emergencies.
