The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y56 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at accessible prices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive review breaks 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 Y56 is a decent 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 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 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, February 17 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 17 | 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 | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | IPX4 water/ IP5X dust resistant | 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 (~84.1% 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, Funtouch 13 | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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 |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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 | No | 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 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 | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange Shimmer, Black Engine | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | V2225 | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 220 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 Y56
- Sleek design
- Compact form factor
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Slower charging
- Less bright display
- Potentially lower camera quality
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Excellent battery life
- Fast charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Slightly better performance
- Design may be less appealing to some
- Potential for software bloat (Xiaomi's MIUI)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 boasts a significantly brighter display (706 nits) compared to the Y56, offering better visibility in sunlight. While both have nominal infinite contrast ratios, the Note 12's higher brightness makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. The Y56's display is adequate but lacks the punch of the Redmi Note 12.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Based on available information, the Redmi Note 12 likely provides slightly better image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. Both phones offer standard photo and video capabilities.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 6nm process, generally offers slightly better performance than the vivo Y56's Dimensity 700 (7nm). Both feature octa-core CPUs, but the Note 12's Cortex-A78 cores provide a performance edge in demanding tasks. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the Redmi Note 12.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in the battery department, achieving an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours and offering 50% charge in just 22 minutes with its 33W fast charging. The vivo Y56's 18W charging is considerably slower. The Redmi Note 12's active use score of 10:58h further highlights its superior battery performance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y56? Users prioritizing a sleek design and a slightly more compact form factor might find the Y56 appealing. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12? Those seeking long battery life, faster charging, and a brighter display for media consumption will benefit from the Redmi Note 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has significantly better battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 101 hours and faster charging speeds.
❓ Is the vivo Y56 worth considering?
The vivo Y56 is a decent option if you prioritize a compact design and don't need the fastest charging or brightest display. However, the Redmi Note 12 generally offers a more compelling overall package.
