The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12a and Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value for the budget-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with a marginally higher CPU clock speed, provides a small but noticeable performance advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming. While both phones share similar battery and charging capabilities, the Redmi's slightly better processing power gives it an edge.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, September 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | V2102 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Established brand reputation (vivo)
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Reverse wired charging capability (5W)
- Slightly slower processor (Snapdragon 439)
- Likely less optimized software for gaming
Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport
- Marginally faster processor (Helio G25)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- More customizable MIUI software
- MIUI can include pre-installed apps
- Xiaomi's software update track record can be inconsistent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize standard IPS LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and peak brightness are not provided. The focus here is on functionality, not fidelity. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for basic tasks, but neither phone will impress users accustomed to higher-end displays. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely prioritize scene recognition and basic enhancements over nuanced detail. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the vivo Y12a features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, while the Redmi 9A Sport uses the Mediatek Helio G25. Both are 12nm chips, indicating similar power efficiency. However, the Helio G25 edges out the Snapdragon 439 with a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.95 GHz). While both CPUs utilize the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speed translates to marginally faster application loading and smoother multitasking on the Redmi 9A Sport. The GPU difference isn't significant enough to warrant a major distinction for gaming, but the Redmi will likely handle less demanding titles slightly better.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y12a and Redmi 9A Sport are equipped with 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard by today’s standards, requiring several hours to fully charge the battery from 0-100%. While battery capacity isn't specified, both phones are likely to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, given the power-efficient chipsets and lack of power-hungry features like high-refresh-rate displays. The similar charging speeds and likely comparable battery capacities mean neither phone holds a significant advantage in this area.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12a if you prioritize a brand with a strong reputation for reliability and a potentially more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of raw processing power. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A Sport if you prioritize maximizing performance within a tight budget, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software, which offers more customization options but can include pre-installed apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9A Sport struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Helio G25 chipset is capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing without significant issues. However, expect some loading times and occasional lag when multitasking heavily.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Both phones can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Redmi 9A Sport may offer slightly smoother performance due to its marginally faster processor.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y12a useful?
The 5W reverse charging is a niche feature. It's very slow and only suitable for topping up small devices like Bluetooth earbuds or smartwatches in an emergency. Don't expect to significantly charge another phone with it.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software affect performance on the Redmi 9A Sport?
MIUI is a heavily customized Android skin. While it offers many features and customization options, it can also be resource-intensive, potentially impacting performance on a low-end chipset like the Helio G25. However, Xiaomi has been optimizing MIUI for lower-end devices in recent versions.
