The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12s and the Tecno Spark Go 2021 aim to provide essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, a significant disparity in processing power exists between these two devices, making the choice less about features and more about prioritizing core performance for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing more than the absolute basics, the vivo Y12s is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its eight cores, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor. While neither phone excels, the Y12s offers a more usable experience for most.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| 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) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 193 g (6.81 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 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| 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 | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 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, OTG |
| 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 | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | V2026, V2033, V2042 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 80 EUR |
vivo Y12s
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Limited display specifications
- Camera quality likely subpar
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Significantly weaker processor
- Poor performance with multiple apps
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Tecno provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible, but we can infer that color accuracy and brightness will be limited on both devices. Bezels are expected to be substantial, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a meaningful comparison is difficult. The focus should not be on image quality, as both will likely produce subpar results in challenging lighting conditions. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment are largely marketing gimmicks and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The vivo Y12s boasts the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This configuration, with four cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, offers significantly more processing power than the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. The Helio P35’s architecture allows for better multitasking and smoother app transitions. The Tecno’s quad-core processor will struggle with even moderate workloads, leading to noticeable lag. RAM configurations are not specified, but both likely feature 2GB or 3GB, further limiting performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The vivo Y12s offers 10W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices, albeit slowly. The Tecno Spark Go 2021’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar or slower, given its lower-tier positioning.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12s if you need a phone capable of handling basic social media, light web browsing, and occasional app use without significant lag. It’s suitable for users who want a slightly more responsive experience. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and very limited app usage – it’s best suited for those prioritizing absolute affordability and minimal smartphone features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Go 2021 struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor and limited RAM will likely result in noticeable lag and slow loading times when using apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, especially with multiple chats or groups open. The vivo Y12s will handle these apps more smoothly.
❓ Can the vivo Y12s handle basic mobile gaming?
The vivo Y12s, with its Helio P35, can handle very basic 2D games. However, demanding 3D games will likely be unplayable or require extremely low graphics settings. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is not suitable for even basic gaming.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the vivo Y12s useful?
While the 5W reverse charging is slow, it can be a lifesaver in emergencies. It allows you to top up a Bluetooth earbud or smartwatch if you're away from a power outlet. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 lacks this feature.
