Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially in the budget-friendly segment. The vivo Y35 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are both strong contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the overall winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, impressive battery life, and brighter display. While the vivo Y35 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Redmi Note 12's superior features make it a more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 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 | 15W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | V2230A | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
vivo Y35 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Clean Software Experience
- Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Sleek Design
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Weaker Camera Performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Fast Charging (33W)
- Excellent Battery Life
- Brighter Display
- Slightly Better Performance
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be polarizing
- Design may be less premium than Y35 5G
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a brighter display (706 nits) compared to the Y35 5G (estimated around 480-500 nits). Its 'Infinite' contrast ratio suggests excellent image quality. While both offer similar resolutions, the Redmi Note 12's brightness advantage makes it more enjoyable for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more testing. The Redmi Note 12 likely has a slight advantage due to Xiaomi's generally strong camera optimization. Expect decent image quality in both scenarios.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the Y35 5G is a capable chipset, but the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Redmi Note 12 offers a slight edge in raw performance, particularly in gaming. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Redmi Note 12 feels a bit snappier.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours and active use lasting 10 hours 58 minutes. The Y35 5G's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the Redmi Note 12's longevity.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y35 5G is a good option for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a clean software experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for those seeking long battery life, fast charging, and a vibrant display, making it a great all-around value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better 5G speeds?
The vivo Y35 5G is specifically designed for 5G connectivity, so it *should* offer faster speeds in areas with 5G coverage. However, real-world speeds depend on network availability and signal strength.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 worth the extra cost?
For most users, yes. The Redmi Note 12's faster charging, longer battery life, and brighter display justify the slight price premium over the vivo Y35 5G.
