The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y12a represents a baseline for essential smartphone functionality, while the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G aims to disrupt with 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significantly faster experience than the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y12a, and the inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device. While the Y12a is cheaper, the performance gap is too large to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | V2102 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
vivo Y12a
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Reverse wired charging (niche benefit)
- Significantly slower processor
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Lower display brightness
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Faster charging speeds (18W)
- Slightly higher price
- May not have the best low-light camera performance
- No significant standout features beyond 5G and performance
Display Comparison
Both devices offer a contrast ratio of 1475:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, significantly brighter than what we’d expect from the Y12a, making it more usable outdoors. While neither device is likely to feature high refresh rate panels, the brighter display on the Poco provides a clearer viewing experience, especially in direct sunlight. The lack of detailed display specs for the Y12a suggests a lower-quality panel overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price points, image quality will likely be heavily reliant on software processing. The Y12a’s camera system is likely to be more basic, potentially lacking features like night mode or advanced HDR. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better results. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode on the Poco would be a significant advantage.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is built on a far more advanced process node than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) in the vivo Y12a. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores offer a substantial performance uplift over the Y12a’s Cortex-A53 cores, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The Y12a’s split core configuration (1.95GHz & 1.45GHz) further highlights its focus on power saving over performance.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 18W wired charging is considerably faster than the Y12a’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. While the Y12a offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature, the faster charging speed of the Poco is a more practical benefit for the average user.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12a if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, the benefit of 5G connectivity, and are willing to spend a little more for a device that will remain usable for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's a significant step up from the Snapdragon 439 and provides a much smoother gaming experience overall. Expect to be able to play at 60fps with optimized settings.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G support all 5G bands available in the US?
5G band support varies by carrier and region. The Poco M3 Pro 5G supports a range of 5G bands, but it's crucial to check compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing. It's primarily designed for European and Asian 5G networks, and US compatibility may be limited depending on your provider.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G from 0% to 100%?
With the included 18W charger, the Poco M3 Pro 5G should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the vivo Y12a, which will take considerably longer with its 10W charger.
❓ Is the camera on the vivo Y12a sufficient for casual social media photos?
The vivo Y12a's camera is adequate for basic social media photos in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting scenarios. The lack of advanced features like night mode will result in noisy and blurry images in low light.
