The vivo Y series is known for offering affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y12a and Y15a are two popular contenders in this segment, but which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y15a edges out the Y12a thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better overall performance. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, making the Y15a the preferable choice for those seeking a bit more power within a budget.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, November 15 |
| 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 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 179 g (6.31 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 (~83.0% 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 (4x2.3 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 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 (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 | Wave Green, Mystic Blue |
| Models | V2102 | V2134 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Compact design (potentially)
- Affordable price point
- Slightly slower processor
- Potentially less bright display
vivo Y15a
- Slightly faster processor
- Potentially better display brightness
- Good battery life
- Larger footprint
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.51-inch HD+ IPS display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level display quality. The Y15a might have slightly better brightness based on general vivo trends, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often similar across vivo's Y series, the Y15a *may* have a slightly improved main sensor. Expect a 13MP main camera on both, accompanied by a depth sensor for portrait mode. Front-facing cameras are likely to be around 8MP on both devices. Image quality will be adequate for social media and casual photography in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The vivo Y15a holds a slight advantage here. Its MediaTek Helio P35 chipset boasts a higher clock speed (4x2.3 GHz) compared to the Y12a's Snapdragon 439 (4x1.95 GHz). This translates to potentially smoother app loading, multitasking, and even slightly better gaming performance. Both phones will handle basic tasks without issue, but the Y15a offers a bit more headroom.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired and 5W reverse wired, meaning charging times will be comparable.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y12a? Users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and a potentially lower price point might find the Y12a appealing. Who should buy the vivo Y15a? Those seeking a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming, even on a budget, should opt for the Y15a.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y12a good for gaming?
The vivo Y12a can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding titles. The Y15a offers slightly better performance for gaming.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable. Both phones support 5W reverse charging.
