The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y3, a long-standing budget option, faces a new challenger in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, delivers significantly better performance and efficiency than the vivo Y3’s older Helio P35. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi Note 12R’s inclusion of Power Delivery (PD) adds a layer of convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October | 2023, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2019, October | Available. Released 2023, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ink blue, Jade Red | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RA4BC |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB)
- Familiar Brand
- Simple User Interface
- Potentially Lower Price (depending on region)
- Outdated Helio P35 Chipset
- Limited Performance
- Less Efficient Power Consumption
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R
- Modern Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Chipset
- 4nm Process for Better Efficiency
- Power Delivery (PD) Charging
- More Responsive User Experience
- Xiaomi’s MIUI Software (can be polarizing)
- Potentially Slightly Higher Price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. The Redmi Note 12R’s potential for a slightly higher peak brightness, given its more modern chipset, is plausible, but without concrete data, it’s speculative. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the focus on cost reduction in both devices. Detailed sensor information is absent, but both will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The Redmi Note 12R *may* benefit from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more modern chipset, but this is speculative. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is unlikely on either device. Users should temper expectations regarding low-light performance.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y3’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon translates to significantly improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. The CPU architecture also favors the Redmi Note 12R; its 2x Cortex-A78 cores provide a performance boost over the Y3’s all Cortex-A53 configuration. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience for the Redmi Note 12R. The Y3’s Helio P35 will struggle with demanding applications and heavier multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, but the Redmi Note 12R adds Power Delivery (PD) support, offering wider charger compatibility and potentially faster charging with compatible adapters. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 12R will likely offer longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Y3. The 4nm process allows for more work to be done per watt of power consumed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) if you prioritize a familiar brand and require a basic smartphone for extremely light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and the potential for future software updates, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the vivo Y3 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook over time?
The Helio P35 is a relatively old chipset. While it can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook initially, performance will likely degrade over time as the phone fills with cached data and background processes. Multitasking between these apps and others will also become noticeably slower.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R support fast charging beyond 18W with a compatible PD charger?
Yes, the Redmi Note 12R supports Power Delivery (PD) charging. While it's rated for 18W, using a PD charger capable of delivering higher wattage *may* result in faster charging speeds, depending on the charger's capabilities and the phone's internal charging circuitry. However, don't expect dramatically faster charging than 18W.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and making calls?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12R will provide a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. Web pages will load faster, apps will open quicker, and the overall user interface will feel less laggy compared to the vivo Y3.
