The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y21e and Infinix Note 12i 2022 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Y21e prioritizes efficiency with a newer Snapdragon chipset, while the Note 12i focuses on quick top-ups with its faster charging capabilities. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a smoother, more efficient experience, the vivo Y21e is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers superior power efficiency. However, the Infinix Note 12i 2022 is a strong contender for those who frequently need to quickly recharge their device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 14 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164.5 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Force Black, Alpine White, Metaverse Blue |
| Models | V2140 | X677 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
vivo Y21e
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 6nm process
- Likely better image processing from the Snapdragon ISP
- Slower 18W charging
- May lack the quick burst performance of the Helio G85's A75 cores
Infinix Note 12i 2022
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Higher peak performance with Cortex-A75 cores
- Potentially lower price point
- Less power-efficient Helio G85 chipset
- 12nm process may lead to more heat and throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power; the Snapdragon 680's efficiency could translate to slightly better battery life even with similar display usage. Without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Y21e's chipset offers potential for optimized display power consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary sensors of limited utility. Without detailed sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 generally offers better image processing capabilities than those found in Helio G85-powered devices, potentially resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The focus should be on the main sensor performance, as the 2MP macro cameras on both devices are unlikely to deliver significant improvements in image quality.
Performance
The chipset is where the most significant difference lies. The vivo Y21e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a clear advantage in power efficiency compared to the Infinix Note 12i 2022’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). While the Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offering a burst of speed, the Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) provides a more balanced and sustained performance. The 6nm process also means less heat generation, potentially leading to less throttling during extended gaming sessions. This benefits users who engage in moderate gaming or multitasking.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 12i 2022’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the vivo Y21e’s 18W charging. This translates to considerably faster charging times, allowing users to quickly replenish their battery. While the Y21e’s Snapdragon 680 is more power-efficient, the Note 12i’s faster charging mitigates the impact of potentially higher power draw. Users who prioritize minimizing downtime will strongly benefit from the Note 12i’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21e if you need a phone that will reliably last a full day on a single charge and you value a more modern, power-efficient processor. This phone is ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Buy the Infinix Note 12i 2022 if you prioritize fast charging above all else and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery throughout the day. It's a good option for users who are often away from a power source.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in the Infinix Note 12i overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G85, being a 12nm chip, is more prone to heat generation than the Snapdragon 680's 6nm process. While it can handle moderate gaming, extended sessions with graphically demanding titles may lead to noticeable throttling and reduced performance. The Y21e is likely to maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Note 12i 2022 from 0% to 100%?
With 33W charging, the Infinix Note 12i 2022 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the vivo Y21e's 18W charging, which would likely take over 2 hours.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y21e powerful enough for popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won't deliver the highest graphical fidelity, it provides a playable experience. The 6nm process helps maintain performance consistency during gaming, minimizing throttling.
❓ What is the real-world battery life difference between these two phones?
The vivo Y21e, thanks to the Snapdragon 680's efficiency, will likely offer around 10-15% longer battery life with typical usage compared to the Infinix Note 12i 2022. Expect a full day of use from the Y21e, while the Note 12i might require a top-up if heavily used.
