The vivo Y12s and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver a functional smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the vivo Y12s is the better choice. While both phones offer a basic experience, the Helio P35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the 28nm Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 5 Pro.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| 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 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | - |
| 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | V2026, V2033, V2042 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
vivo Y12s
- More efficient chipset (Helio P35)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely better battery life
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera performance likely basic
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for calls and texts
- Less efficient chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slower performance and responsiveness
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature basic IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolution, typical for this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – basic. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside depth and potentially macro sensors. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and adequate lighting. The specifications don't reveal sensor sizes or apertures, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the processing capabilities of the Helio P35 might give the Y12s a slight edge in image processing speed and quality. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y12s utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, a 12nm octa-core processor with a clock speed configuration of 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This contrasts sharply with the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm chip with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process of the Helio P35 is significantly more efficient, meaning less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. While the Cortex-A55 cores in the Unisoc chip are architecturally newer, the larger process node and lower clock speeds likely result in a less responsive experience, especially when multitasking. The Y12s will handle app switching and basic games more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn't specified, but both likely house around 4000-5000mAh batteries. The more efficient Helio P35 in the Y12s will translate to better battery life, allowing for more screen-on time between charges despite potentially similar battery capacities. The 28nm Unisoc chip will consume more power, impacting overall endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12s if you need a slightly more responsive user experience and appreciate a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process, potentially leading to better long-term performance and efficiency. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you primarily use your phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are willing to accept slower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is designed for very basic tasks. While it can run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open. The vivo Y12s, with its Helio P35, will offer a smoother experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone fast enough for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Both phones will take approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%. This is acceptable for overnight charging, but not ideal if you need a quick top-up during the day. Neither phone supports fast charging technologies.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming?
Both phones are not ideal for gaming. While they can run some less demanding games, expect low frame rates and significant lag. The Helio P35 in the Y12s will offer a slightly better gaming experience, but don't expect to play graphically intensive titles smoothly.