Both the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) and the vivo Y20 2021 occupy the fiercely competitive sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) segment in India. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Y20 2021’s Helio P35, despite the Y20’s slightly lower price point.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 13 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| 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 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | V2043, V2048 | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
vivo Y20 2021
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better long-term software support
- Slightly higher price
- May have larger physical dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Lower price point
- Potentially lighter and more compact
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful Helio P35 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Potential for performance throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type and resolution are missing, but both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. While both will likely offer similar color accuracy, the A12’s more capable chipset will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in everyday scenarios, with both devices likely featuring a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but the A12’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Exynos 850, will likely offer superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Y20 2021’s camera system will likely be adequate for casual snapshots, but the A12 will provide more consistent results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the detail required for truly compelling macro photography.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, offers a substantial advantage over the vivo Y20 2021’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm). The 8nm process inherently provides better power efficiency and thermal characteristics, meaning the A12 is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The A12’s Cortex-A55 cores, while clocked at 2.0 GHz, are architecturally more efficient than the Y20’s Cortex-A53 cores (2.35 GHz and 1.8 GHz). This translates to better real-world responsiveness and smoother multitasking. The A12 will handle demanding apps and light gaming more effectively.
Battery Life
The vivo Y20 2021 features 10W charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A12 supports 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the A12’s faster charging will result in quicker top-ups. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. Users prioritizing minimal downtime will benefit from the A12’s faster charging and more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20 2021 if you prioritize absolute affordability and need a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and potentially better long-term software support, even if it means spending a little more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient and less prone to overheating compared to the Helio P35. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it’s unlikely to experience significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited utility. The small sensor size and lack of autofocus result in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are best suited for casual experimentation rather than serious macro photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium graphics settings and potentially with frame rate caps to maintain a smooth experience. The Exynos 850 provides enough power for playable performance, but don't expect ultra settings or consistently high frame rates.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the vivo Y20 2021 with its 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the vivo Y20 2021 will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging.
