The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12s and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on the core differences in performance and usability to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better CPU performance, the vivo Y12s is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35, with its higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a marginal edge in responsiveness. However, the Redmi 9i Sport remains a viable option for those seeking a reliable, basic smartphone experience.
| 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 | 2020, November 16. Released 2020, November 16 | 2021, September 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 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 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue |
| Models | V2026, V2033, V2042 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
vivo Y12s
- Slightly faster CPU performance due to Helio P35
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially better responsiveness for everyday tasks
- Likely similar camera performance to the Redmi 9i Sport
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Competitive price point
- Reliable basic smartphone functionality
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Slower CPU performance compared to the vivo Y12s
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize standard IPS LCD panels, and detailed specifications like brightness and color gamut are unavailable. The focus here is on functionality, not fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, typical for this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is standard for these devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but both are expected to feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a given. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and softness in low light. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment are unlikely to deliver truly useful results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y12s features the Mediatek Helio P35, utilizing an octa-core configuration with four cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The Redmi 9i Sport employs the Helio G25, with a similar octa-core setup but lower clock speeds of 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds of the P35 translate to a slight performance advantage in CPU-bound tasks. The G25's 'G' designation suggests a focus on gaming, but the difference in GPU performance is likely minimal given the overall chipset class. Both phones will struggle with demanding games, but the Y12s may offer a marginally smoother experience in less intensive titles.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The Y12s offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature allowing it to charge other devices, which the Redmi 9i Sport lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12s if you need a phone that feels a little more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and if you occasionally utilize reverse wired charging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are less concerned with maximizing processing power. Both phones are excellent choices for first-time smartphone users or as reliable backup devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in the Redmi 9i Sport handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G25 is marketed as a gaming chip, PUBG Mobile will likely only be playable at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops. The Helio P35 in the Y12s will offer a similar experience. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y12s useful for charging accessories like Bluetooth earbuds?
Yes, the 5W reverse charging can be used to top up smaller accessories like Bluetooth earbuds or a smartwatch, but it's a slow process. Don't expect to fully charge a phone with it. It's more of a convenience feature for emergencies.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB or 512GB of additional storage, depending on the model.
