Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y12a and Y17 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y17 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, slightly better performance, and potentially improved camera capabilities. While the Y12a is a decent budget option, the Y17 offers a more compelling overall package for a small price difference.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| 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 + 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 (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 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm - Global
16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm - China |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Mineral Blue, Mystic Purple, Peach Pink, Peacock Blue |
| Models | V2102 | 1902, V1901A, V1901, 1901, 1902_19 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y12a
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Slow charging
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
vivo Y17
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better performance (Helio P35)
- Potentially better camera
- Sleek design
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.35-inch HD+ (720 x 1544 pixels) IPS LCD displays. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The Y17 might have slightly better brightness due to potential panel improvements, but this is not definitively confirmed.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup (typically a main sensor and a depth sensor), the Y17's Helio P35 chipset often includes a better image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect similar video recording capabilities on both devices.
Performance
The vivo Y17's MediaTek Helio P35 chipset holds a noticeable advantage over the Y12a's Snapdragon 439. The Helio P35 boasts higher clock speeds for both its primary and secondary cores, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a generally more responsive user experience. Gaming performance will also be better on the Y17.
Battery Life
The Y17's 18W fast charging is a significant upgrade over the Y12a's 10W charging. This means significantly faster charging times and less time tethered to a wall outlet. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so battery life should be comparable between uses, but the Y17's faster charging makes it more convenient.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y12a? Users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. Who should buy the vivo Y17? Those seeking faster charging, a smoother user experience, and potentially better camera performance without breaking the bank.
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 smooth performance in demanding titles. The Y17 is a better choice for gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the vivo Y12a?
With the 10W charger, it will likely take around 3-4 hours to fully charge the vivo Y12a.
❓ Does the vivo Y17 support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y12a nor the vivo Y17 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
