The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y55s (2023) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at accessible prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 emerges as the overall winner thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and impressive battery life. While the vivo Y55s (2023) is a solid option, the Redmi Note 12 provides a more well-rounded experience for most users.
| 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 | 2023, January 21 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 21 | 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 12, 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 | - | 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 Y55s (2023)
- Potentially more compact design
- Refined software experience (region dependent)
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Slower charging (18W)
- Less bright display
- Uncertain camera performance
- Lower battery life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Excellent battery life (101h endurance)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display (706 nits)
- Generally better performance
- Likely more versatile camera system
- MIUI software can be polarizing
- Design may be less premium than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significant advantage with its measured 706 nits max brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. While the Y55s likely has a decent display, it lacks the brightness and contrast ratio data to compete. The Redmi Note 12's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. Both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. However, the Redmi Note 12 likely has a more versatile camera system, potentially including a wider range of lenses and features. The Y55s camera is likely adequate for casual photography.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) chipset, while not a flagship, generally offers slightly better performance than the vivo Y55s' Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Cortex-A78 cores in the Snapdragon provide a boost for demanding tasks. Both phones are suitable for everyday use, but the Redmi Note 12 handles multitasking and gaming a bit more smoothly.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours and an active use score of 10:58 hours. This is significantly better than what we'd expect from the Y55s. The Redmi Note 12's 33W charging is also a considerable advantage over the Y55s' 18W wired charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y55s (2023)? Users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and potentially a more refined software experience (depending on region) might lean towards the Y55s. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking longer battery life, faster charging, and a brighter display will find the Redmi Note 12 a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 101 hours compared to the Y55s' expected lower performance.
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 worth the extra money?
For most users, yes. The Redmi Note 12's superior battery life, faster charging, and brighter display justify the potential price difference.
