The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) and the vivo Y21a both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches: Samsung prioritizes a more modern chipset, while vivo focuses on a potentially more efficient, albeit older, processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, 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 Y21a’s Mediatek Helio P22 (or P35 in Egypt), translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While the Y21a may offer slightly better efficiency, the performance gap is too significant to ignore.
| 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, 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 | 2022, January 22 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 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 (~81.8% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| 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 | USB Type-C 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
vivo Y21a
- Significantly better performance with the Exynos 850 chipset.
- More efficient 8nm process for potentially longer battery life.
- Potentially better image processing capabilities.
- Slower 15W charging compared to the Y21a.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y21a.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Faster 18W charging.
- Potentially better battery efficiency with the Helio P22/P35.
- Likely more affordable.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the Exynos 850.
- Older and less efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A53).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates a focus on processing power to drive the UI smoothly. The A12’s more capable chipset will likely result in a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the panels themselves are similar.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices suggests limited photographic capabilities in that area. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, and Samsung generally offers more refined image processing algorithms. The Exynos 850’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is a significant upgrade over the vivo Y21a’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) or P35 (12nm). The Exynos 850 utilizes Cortex-A55 cores, which offer improved performance and efficiency compared to the Y21a’s Cortex-A53 cores. The A12’s CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is more balanced than the Y21a’s (2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) or the Egypt variant’s (2.35 GHz & 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable overall user experience. While the P35 variant of the Y21a offers a slight CPU clock speed boost, the architectural improvements of the Exynos 850 still provide a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The vivo Y21a’s 18W charging is faster than the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging. However, the Exynos 850’s 8nm process is more power-efficient. This means the A12 may offset its slower charging with longer battery life. The actual 0-100% charge times will depend on battery capacity (not specified in the data), but the Y21a will likely charge faster, while the A12 may last longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21a if you prioritize absolute minimal power consumption and are primarily using the phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Its Mediatek Helio P22 (or P35) is designed for efficiency. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or plan to use more demanding apps. The Exynos 850 offers a substantial performance boost, making it the better choice for power users on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is generally well-regarded for its thermal management. While it's not a flagship-level chip, its 8nm process and efficient design minimize heat generation. You may experience some throttling during extended, graphically intensive gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render the phone unusable.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Galaxy A12 and Y21a are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft, lacking in detail, and generally underwhelming. They are best avoided for serious photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps with reasonable graphics settings?
The Galaxy A12 can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will require compromises in graphics settings. Expect to play at 'Smooth' graphics and 'High' frame rate for a playable experience. 'HD' graphics will likely result in noticeable frame drops.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is likely the better choice for video consumption due to its more powerful chipset. This will result in smoother playback and faster loading times for streaming apps. While both phones likely have similar display quality, the A12's processing power will provide a more fluid experience.
