Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 December 21, 2020
Release Year 2020 2020

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 110.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 189 g 205 g
Height 146.7 mm 164 mm
Width 71.5 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 45.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 10
Maximum OS Version 18 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy A12Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mmiPhone 12 Pro is smaller and thinner, easier to handle with one hand. A12 is larger and may be less pocketable.
Weight189g205giPhone 12 Pro is lighter, more comfortable for extended use.
Build Material(Not Specified)(Not Specified)Impact on durability and premium feel (information missing).
Display
Size6.1"6.5"Galaxy A12 offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x2532720x1600iPhone 12 Pro has a much sharper and detailed display for better visuals.
Pixel Density460 PPI270 PPIiPhone 12 Pro's text and images appear crisper.
TechnologyOLEDPLS LCDiPhone 12 Pro has superior contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks for richer viewing experience.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 Pro is much more visible in direct sunlight.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth displays refresh at the standard rate.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm)iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644103,000iPhone 12 Pro provides a drastically smoother and more responsive user experience.
GPUApple GPU (4-core)PowerVR GE8320iPhone 12 Pro delivers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications.
RAM6 GB3/4/6 GBiPhone 12 Pro provides adequate multitasking capabilities.
Camera
Main Camera12MP (f/1.6)48MP (f/2.0)iPhone 12 Pro: Better low-light performance due to wider aperture, potentially better image processing. Galaxy A12: Higher resolution sensor for more detailed shots in good lighting.
Ultrawide Camera12MP (f/2.4)5MP (f/2.2)iPhone 12 Pro: Better detail and potentially wider field of view in ultrawide shots.
Telephoto Lens12MP (f/2.0)2MP (f/2.4)iPhone 12 Pro: Higher zoom range and better quality zoomed-in photos.
Selfie Camera12MP (f/2.2)8MP (f/2.2)iPhone 12 Pro: Sharper and more detailed selfies.
Video RecordingUp to 4K 60fpsUp to 1080p 30fpsiPhone 12 Pro: Higher quality video recording with more detail and smoother motion.
DxOMark (Mobile)12790iPhone 12 Pro: Higher overall camera quality in both photo and video.
Battery
Capacity2815 mAh5000 mAhGalaxy A12 is likely to offer significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging15W Fast ChargingiPhone 12 Pro charges faster with wired charging and offers the convenience of wireless charging.
Storage
Internal128/256/512 GB32/64/128 GBiPhone 12 Pro offers significantly more storage space for apps, photos, and videos.
ExpandableNoYesGalaxy A12 has expandable storage via microSD card.
Software
OSiOS 14.1Android 10Different user experience: iOS is known for its simplicity and ecosystem integration, while Android offers more customization.
Security
BiometricsFace IDSide-mounted Fingerprint SensoriPhone 12 Pro: Secure and convenient facial recognition. Galaxy A12: Fingerprint sensor offers a different biometric option.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly faster processing and graphics, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
  • High-Quality Display: The OLED display offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and high brightness, making it ideal for media consumption and outdoor use.
  • Advanced Camera System: Features like 4K video recording, optical zoom, and excellent image processing provide superior photo and video quality.
  • Premium Build Quality: (Assumed) Premium materials and construction offer a more luxurious feel and potentially better durability.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life.
  • Expandable Storage: The microSD card slot allows users to increase storage capacity.
  • Affordability: Typically available at a much lower price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient and familiar biometric security option.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 Pro: Significantly higher price point.
  • Galaxy A12: Noticeably inferior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Professionals and Creatives: Users who require high performance for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and photography.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Users who value the latest technology, premium design, and seamless ecosystem integration.
  • Users prioritizing camera quality: Those who want to capture high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.

Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Video Recording: Shooting high-quality videos for vlogs, social media, or professional projects.
  • Gaming: Playing graphics-intensive games with smooth performance.
  • Photography: Capturing detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions.
  • Content Consumption: Enjoying movies, TV shows, and other media on a high-quality display.

Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A12:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who prioritize affordability and essential smartphone features.
  • Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use.
  • Users Needing Expandable Storage: People who store a lot of photos, videos, and music on their device.

Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A12:

  • Everyday Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using social media.
  • Basic Media Consumption: Watching videos and browsing the web.
  • Long Battery Life Needs: Extended use without frequent charging.
  • Storage Intensive Uses: Storing large media libraries via expandable storage.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your performance needs? If you need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro is the better choice.
  3. How important is battery life? The Galaxy A12 offers significantly longer battery life.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Performance and Camera are Paramount: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro. It offers superior performance, a better display, and a more advanced camera system.
  • Scenario 2: Battery Life and Affordability are Key: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12. It offers significantly longer battery life and is much more affordable.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced User Seeking Good Performance and Features: Neither of these phones are balanced. Look at other phones with similar features in the middle

My Choice

If money wasn't a factor, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. The dramatic difference in performance and camera quality, as well as the more premium user experience provided by the superior display and software, makes it worth the investment. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 has expandable storage, it is not as important as the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.