The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y12s and Nokia G100 represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The Y12s relies on Mediatek’s Helio P35, while the G100 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G100 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance and efficiency advantage over the vivo Y12s’ Helio P35 (12nm). While charging is slightly faster on the Nokia, the overall smoother experience justifies the small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 44, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2022, September 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 195.1 g (6.88 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 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0"
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black | Nordic Blue |
| Models | V2026, V2033, V2042 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 60 EUR |
vivo Y12s
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Reverse wired charging offers limited emergency power sharing.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Helio P35 chipset is less efficient and slower.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Likely limited software update support.
Nokia G100
- Snapdragon 662 provides smoother performance.
- 15W charging offers faster top-ups.
- Qualcomm ISP generally delivers better image quality.
- Potentially better software update support from Nokia.
- Slightly higher price compared to the vivo Y12s.
- May not include a charger in the box (depending on region).
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. The Snapdragon 662’s superior GPU will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if both displays share a similar resolution and refresh rate (likely 60Hz).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia G100 benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally delivers better image processing and noise reduction compared to Mediatek’s ISP in the Helio P35. It’s reasonable to assume the Nokia G100 will produce more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor performance is key.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia G100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is a clear upgrade over the vivo Y12s’ Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm). The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 260 Gold cores offer a performance edge over the Helio P35’s Cortex-A53 cores. This means faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Nokia G100.
Battery Life
The Nokia G100’s 15W wired charging is a step up from the vivo Y12s’ 10W charging. While neither offers incredibly fast charging, the 15W rate will reduce 0-100% charge times. More importantly, the Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency means the Nokia G100 will likely deliver longer battery life despite potentially having a similar battery capacity to the Y12s. The 12nm process of the Helio P35 will consume more power under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12s if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the Nokia G100 if you value a more responsive user experience, slightly better gaming performance, and a chipset known for its power efficiency, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G100 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 662 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, but it's a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio P35 in the vivo Y12s, which will likely require the lowest settings and still struggle with consistency.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the vivo Y12s and Nokia G100?
The vivo Y12s typically runs Funtouch OS, known for its customization options but also potential bloatware. The Nokia G100 runs Android One, offering a cleaner, near-stock Android experience with guaranteed software updates and security patches for a longer period. This is a significant advantage for long-term usability.
❓ Is the 5W reverse wired charging on the vivo Y12s actually useful?
The 5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature. It's extremely slow and only suitable for topping up very small devices like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in an emergency. Don't expect to significantly charge another phone with it.
❓ Does the Nokia G100 support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
The Nokia G100 generally supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) depending on the carrier and region. This ensures high-quality voice calls and the ability to make calls over Wi-Fi when cellular signal is weak. Check with your carrier for specific compatibility.
