The vivo Y series is known for offering affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y12a and Y12s 2021 are two contenders in this space, but are they truly identical? This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and charging capabilities. The Y12s 2021 generally offers a slightly improved camera experience and potentially more RAM configurations. If camera quality is a priority, the Y12s 2021 is the better choice, otherwise, the Y12a is a solid budget option.
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, May 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, May 12 |
| 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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 | 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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| 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 (Y12s), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Y12G) |
| 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 | Mysterious Black (Phantom Black), Ice Blue (Glacier Blue) |
| Models | V2102 | V2069, V2039, V2068 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Affordable price
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Reverse wired charging
- Basic camera performance
- Limited RAM options potentially
- Slow charging speed
vivo Y12s 2021
- Slightly improved camera quality
- Potentially more RAM options
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Reverse wired charging
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Slow charging speed
- Similar performance to Y12a
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.51-inch HD+ IPS display. While the resolution is similar, the Y12s 2021 might have a slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel variations. However, the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Y12s 2021 typically boasts a slightly improved camera setup, often featuring a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detailed photos on the Y12s 2021. Both likely have a front-facing camera around 8MP.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 439 chipset and CPU, performance will be very similar. Expect adequate performance for basic apps and multitasking, but demanding games may struggle. RAM configurations likely vary, with the Y12s 2021 potentially offering more options (e.g., 6GB vs. 4GB on the Y12a).
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, and 5W reverse wired.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y12a is ideal for users seeking a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The vivo Y12s 2021 is a better fit for those who prioritize a slightly better camera and potentially more RAM for smoother multitasking, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y12s 2021 worth the extra money?
If camera quality is important to you, then yes. The Y12s 2021 generally offers a better camera experience. Otherwise, the Y12a provides similar performance at a potentially lower price.
❓ Can both phones handle gaming?
Both phones can handle basic games, but demanding titles will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience lag. Neither is designed for serious mobile gaming.
