The vivo Y series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y20a and Y12s 2021 are two popular contenders in this space, offering similar specs but with a key difference. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you determine which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core processor and display, but the Y12s 2021’s reverse charging capability gives it a slight edge for users who want to top up accessories. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value that extra feature and the slightly different design.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 02 | 2021, May 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 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) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 191 g (6.74 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) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, Panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| 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/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 a/b/g/n/ac (Y12s), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Y12G) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Mysterious Black (Phantom Black), Ice Blue (Glacier Blue) |
| Models | V2052, V2054, V2070, V2101, V2034 | V2069, V2039, V2068 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y20a
- Clean and minimalist design
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Dated chipset
- Basic camera setup
- No reverse charging
vivo Y12s 2021
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly more modern design
- Wide-angle camera lens
- Dated chipset
- Basic camera setup
- Similar price to Y20a
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is standard for this price range, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction. The Y12s 2021 might have a slightly more modern design with a different notch style, but overall, the display experience is largely similar.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y20a typically features a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The Y12s 2021 often boasts a 13MP main camera, an 8MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The inclusion of the wide-angle lens on the Y12s 2021 gives it a slight advantage for capturing group photos or landscapes.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, both phones offer adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or seamless multitasking with demanding apps. The chipset is a bit dated, but sufficient for the target audience.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Y12s 2021 distinguishes itself with 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y20a is a great choice for users prioritizing a clean, minimalist design and a straightforward smartphone experience. The vivo Y12s 2021 is better suited for those who appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging and a slightly more modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 439 good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 439 is suitable for light gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. It's best for casual games and less intensive titles.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Both phones typically come with 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
