Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially in the competitive budget segment. The vivo Y35 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S are both strong contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. Let's break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12S edges out the Y35 5G thanks to its faster charging, potentially better camera, and slightly more refined software experience. However, the Y35 5G's 5G connectivity and more modern chipset make it a compelling option for those prioritizing future-proofing.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2023, March 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2023, April 26 |
| 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) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, 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 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 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black, Blue | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green |
| Models | V2230A | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 |
vivo Y35 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- More Modern Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Sleek Design
- Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Potentially Less Impressive Camera
- 60Hz Display (likely)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Potentially Better Camera System
- Likely AMOLED Display
- Refined MIUI Software
- Older Chipset (Helio G96)
- No 5G Connectivity
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 12S and a standard 60Hz on the Y35 5G. The Redmi Note 12S may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its AMOLED panel (assumed), while the Y35 5G likely uses an IPS LCD. Expect similar viewing angles and sharpness.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 12S is expected to have a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor (likely 108MP) and improved image processing. The Y35 5G likely features a decent camera setup, but may not match the Redmi Note 12S in low-light performance or overall image quality. Both offer standard features like portrait mode and HDR.
Performance
The Dimensity 700 in the Y35 5G holds a performance advantage over the Helio G96 in the Redmi Note 12S. The 7nm process and newer architecture of the Dimensity 700 should translate to better efficiency and slightly faster processing speeds, especially in demanding tasks and gaming. However, both phones are adequate for everyday use.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12S wins hands down in this category with its 33W fast charging. The Y35 5G's 15W charging is significantly slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so the Redmi Note 12S will charge much faster, a significant convenience.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y35 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience thanks to its newer chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those prioritizing fast charging, a potentially superior camera system, and a slightly more polished MIUI experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y35 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset offers a slight edge in gaming performance due to its newer architecture and 7nm process, but both are suitable for casual gaming.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 12S have 5G?
No, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S does not support 5G connectivity. The vivo Y35 5G is a 5G phone.
