Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options in the budget-friendly range. Today, we're pitting the vivo Y55 5G against the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 to see which device offers the best overall package for your money. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the stronger contender, boasting faster charging, a brighter display, and exceptional battery life. While the vivo Y55 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Redmi Note 12’s overall performance and features provide better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 17 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 17 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.33 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.8% 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 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | V2127, V2154 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 250 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 Y55 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Streamlined UI
- Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Lower Battery Life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Fast Charging (33W)
- Bright and Vibrant Display
- Good Value for Money
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 may be slightly less powerful than Dimensity 700 in some scenarios
- MIUI can be bloated for some users
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 706 nits and an infinite contrast ratio, offering a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The Y55 5G's display is likely adequate but lacks the same level of brightness and contrast. Expect better outdoor visibility on the Redmi Note 12.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. Based on general expectations for these price points, the Redmi Note 12 likely has a slight edge in image processing and overall camera quality, potentially offering better low-light performance. Further testing would be needed for a definitive conclusion.
Performance
The vivo Y55 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset is a capable performer, but the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, while slightly less powerful on paper, benefits from a more efficient 6nm process. Real-world performance is likely comparable for everyday tasks, but the Redmi Note 12 might handle demanding games slightly better due to improved thermal management.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 absolutely dominates in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101h is exceptional, and it can achieve 50% charge in just 22 minutes with its 33W fast charging. The vivo Y55 5G's 18W charging is significantly slower, and its battery life is likely to be shorter.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y55 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a streamlined, vivo-specific user experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a better choice for those seeking long battery life, a vibrant display, and faster charging speeds, all at a competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 likely offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset and potentially better thermal management.
❓ Is the vivo Y55 5G worth it if I need 5G?
If 5G connectivity is your absolute top priority, the vivo Y55 5G is a viable option. However, consider the trade-offs in battery life and display quality compared to the Redmi Note 12.