The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y33 and the Infinix Note 12 Pro aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Y33 relies on the established Helio G80, while the Note 12 Pro boasts the newer, more efficient Helio G99. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these chipsets, alongside their charging capabilities, to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 12 Pro is the superior choice. Its Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved efficiency compared to the vivo Y33’s Helio G80. The faster 33W charging further sweetens the deal, making it a more compelling all-around package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 04 | 2022, July 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 04 | Available. Released 2022, July 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.5 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.47 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 12, XOS 10.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | 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 | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 70% in 66 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Light Blue | Volcanic Grey, Tuscany Blue, Alpine White |
| Models | V2057 | X676B |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 420 EUR |
vivo Y33
- Potentially lower price point
- Familiar brand reputation
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Older, less efficient chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Less responsive user experience
Infinix Note 12 Pro
- More powerful and efficient Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 33W charging
- Improved gaming performance
- Better sustained performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Less established brand recognition in some markets
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. The difference in chipset efficiency won't directly affect the display panel itself, but a smoother experience from the G99 will make the display *feel* more responsive.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in image quality. The Helio G99’s newer ISP likely offers improved noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the G80. The absence of information on sensor sizes and lens apertures makes it impossible to definitively declare a winner, but the G99’s processing advantage gives the Note 12 Pro an edge. It's reasonable to assume both phones will feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses, but the quality of those auxiliary lenses is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 12 Pro’s Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the vivo Y33’s Helio G80 (12nm). The 6nm process allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling. The G99 also features newer CPU cores – Cortex-A76 versus the Y33’s A75 – offering a roughly 10-15% performance increase in CPU-bound tasks. The G99’s GPU also provides a noticeable boost in gaming performance. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G99’s overall system-on-chip (SoC) efficiency will result in a snappier user experience.
Battery Life
The Infinix Note 12 Pro’s 33W charging is a clear advantage over the vivo Y33’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed means significantly less time tethered to a wall outlet. The G99’s 6nm process also contributes to better battery life, as it consumes less power during operation. The Y33’s 18W charging will take approximately 66 minutes to reach 70%, suggesting a full charge will take well over two hours. The Note 12 Pro will likely achieve a full charge in under 90 minutes.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y33 if you prioritize a familiar, reliable brand and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its lower price point makes it an accessible option for first-time smartphone buyers. Buy the Infinix Note 12 Pro if you want a more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, and if faster charging is a key requirement. It’s the better choice for users who push their phones a little harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 12 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G99 chipset in the Note 12 Pro is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, the G99’s GPU provides a significant performance boost over the Y33’s G80, resulting in smoother frame rates and less lag. Expect playable frame rates at 60fps with optimized settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Infinix Note 12 Pro compared to the vivo Y33?
The Infinix Note 12 Pro’s 33W charging is considerably faster. The vivo Y33 takes 66 minutes to reach 70% charge with its 18W charger, implying a full charge will take over two hours. The Note 12 Pro’s 33W charging will likely achieve a full charge in under 90 minutes, saving you significant time.
❓ Is the difference between the Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A75 cores in these chipsets noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Cortex-A76 cores in the Helio G99 offer a performance advantage over the Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G80. While the difference might not be dramatic in simple tasks, you'll notice it in app loading times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness. The A76 cores are more efficient and capable, leading to a smoother user experience.
