Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y12a and Y20 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y20 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 460 chipset, faster charging (18W vs 10W), and slightly better camera capabilities. While the Y12a is a decent option, the Y20's upgrades make it a more compelling 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| 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) | 192.3 g (6.77 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 (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| 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, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Obsidian Black, Dawn White, Purist Blue |
| Models | V2102 | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | Rp 2,099,000 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | ₹ 13,990 |
vivo Y12a
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Decent display
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
vivo Y20
- Faster performance
- Faster charging
- Improved camera
- Slightly better display
- Slightly higher price
- Still a budget phone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y20 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset. Viewing angles and brightness are likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Y20 generally boasts a more versatile camera system. While both have a primary 13MP sensor, the Y20 often includes a macro lens and a depth sensor for improved portrait mode. The Y12a typically has a simpler setup. Image quality in good lighting should be similar, but the Y20 has an edge in low light and creative shots.
Performance
This is where the Y20 shines. The Snapdragon 460 is a noticeable upgrade over the Snapdragon 439. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Y20. The Y12a's 439 chipset will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with heavier apps.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Y20's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Y12a's 10W charging. This is a crucial advantage for those who value convenience.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y12a? Those on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and a long-lasting battery. Who should buy the vivo Y20? Anyone seeking a smoother performance, faster charging, and a slightly improved camera experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y12a good for gaming?
The vivo Y12a's Snapdragon 439 is not ideal for demanding games. You can play lighter games, but expect lower frame rates and potential lag.
❓ Which phone has more RAM options?
The vivo Y20 is available with both 3GB and 4GB of RAM, while the Y12a typically comes with 3GB.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically offer 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which phone offers better software support?
vivo generally provides decent software updates, but it's difficult to definitively say which phone will receive longer support. Both are likely to receive standard security patches.
