vivo iQOO 12 vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 14, 2023 March 15, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 100.33 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 198.5 g 213 g
Height 163.2 mm 161.1 mm
Width 75.9 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • White (BMW M branding)
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1260 x 2800 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.6 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 453 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1400 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 3000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.77 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.83 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 750 Xclipse 530

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 14 14
Maximum OS Version 16 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Featurevivo iQOO 12Samsung Galaxy A55Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mmiQOO 12 is slightly taller and narrower, A55 is a bit wider and thicker. Negligible difference in hand feel.
Weight198.5 g213 gA55 is noticeably heavier, potentially impacting one-handed use and pocket comfort.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without material information.
Display
Display TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colorsSuper AMOLEDiQOO 12's LTPO panel allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, saving battery. Both offer vibrant colors.
Size6.78"6.6"iQOO 12 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution1260 x 28001080 x 2340iQOO 12 has a significantly sharper display (453 ppi vs 390 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Refresh Rate144Hz120HziQOO 12's higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming.
Peak Brightness3000 nits1000 nits (HBM)iQOO 12 is vastly brighter, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Exynos 1480Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 significantly outperforms Exynos 1480, offering much faster processing and graphics for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)iQOO 12's CPU architecture is newer and more powerful, leading to significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and overall performance.
GPUAdreno 750Xclipse 530Adreno 750 provides a substantial advantage in graphics performance, enabling higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in demanding games.
RAM/Storage512GB/16GB, 1TB/16GB256GB/8GB, 256GB/12GBiQOO 12 offers double the RAM in its base configuration, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance with memory-intensive apps. Larger storage options also available on iQOO 12.
Camera
Rear CameraNot specifiedNot specifiedCamera quality cannot be compared without detailed sensor and lens specifications.
Video8K@30fps, 4K@60fps4K@30fpsiQOO 12 supports higher resolution video recording (up to 8K) and higher frame rates at 4K.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh5000 mAhSimilar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life, though actual usage will depend on other factors like display and processor efficiency.

2. Key Differences Analysis

vivo iQOO 12 Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a major performance advantage for gaming and demanding tasks.
  • Sharper and brighter display: Higher resolution and peak brightness provide a superior visual experience.
  • Smoother display: 144Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and animations.
  • More RAM and storage: Better for multitasking and storing large files.
  • Superior video recording capabilities: Supports higher resolutions and frame rates.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:

  • Potentially longer software support: Expected to receive more OS updates.
  • Lighter color options: May appeal to users seeking a wider range of aesthetic choices.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

vivo iQOO 12: Ideal for power users, gamers, and those who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and ample storage.

Samsung Galaxy A55: Suitable for users who prioritize longer software updates, value a lighter phone, and have moderate performance needs. Best for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? Both are mid-range, but the iQOO 12 might be positioned higher within that range.
  2. What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks and gaming, the iQOO 12 is vastly superior.
  3. How important is software update longevity? The A55 is likely to receive updates for a longer period.

My Choice: vivo iQOO 12

Reasoning: The iQOO 12's superior performance, display, and overall feature set outweigh the potential benefit of longer software updates offered by the A55 for my needs. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking, making the iQOO 12 a more compelling choice. The brighter, sharper display is also a significant factor for me. While the A55 might be a reliable device for everyday use, the iQOO 12 offers a more premium and future-proof experience.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.