Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M35 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 May 24, 2024
Release Year 2020 2024

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 116.09 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 189 g 222 g
Height 146.7 mm 162.3 mm
Width 71.5 mm 78.6 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Gray
  • Light Blue
  • Dark Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 83.8 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 137.74 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 51.69 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 6000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G68 MP5

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M35Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mmM35 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is slimmer and more pocketable.
Weight189g222giPhone 12 Pro is lighter, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.
Build Quality (Screen)UnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusM35 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M35Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.6"M35 provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. iPhone 12 Pro is more compact.
Resolution1170x25321080x2340iPhone 12 Pro offers slightly sharper visuals, though the difference may not be noticeable to all users.
Pixel Density (PPI)460390iPhone 12 Pro delivers finer details and sharper text, especially noticeable when reading.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the difference is minimal in real-world use.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzM35 provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience.
Brightness (nits)12000iPhone 12 Pro is significantly brighter and more usable outdoors in direct sunlight.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M35Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)A14 Bionic is significantly faster, providing snappier performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644578,500iPhone 12 Pro offers a much smoother and more responsive user experience overall.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Mali-G68 MP5iPhone 12 Pro delivers superior graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M35Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.650MP, f/1.8M35 captures more detailed photos in good lighting, while the iPhone 12 Pro performs better in low light due to wider aperture and better processing.
Telephoto Lens12MP, f/2.0NoneiPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom for better quality zoomed-in photos.
Ultrawide Lens12MP, f/2.48MP, f/2.2iPhone 12 Pro captures higher resolution ultrawide photos.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4M35 allows for close-up macro photography.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.2Similar selfie quality between both phones
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps HDRUp to 4K@30fps EISiPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rate 4K recording with HDR for smoother, more dynamic videos.
DxOMark (Mobile)127N/AiPhone 12 Pro has a tested and verified camera performance.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M35Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh6000mAhM35 offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more for most users.
Charging20W fast charging25W fast chargingM35 charges slightly faster, but the larger battery means a longer overall charging time.
Wireless ChargingMagSafe (15W), Qi (7.5W)NoneiPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Higher Performance: A14 Bionic chip provides superior speed and responsiveness.
  • Better Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom and better overall image processing, verified by DxOMark scores.
  • Higher Display Brightness: Easier to see the screen in bright sunlight.
  • Wireless Charging: Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for added convenience.

Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:

  • Significantly Larger Battery: Offers much longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate: Provides smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Macro Lens: Allows for close-up macro photography.
  • Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers some improvements in efficiency and range compared to Bluetooth 5.1.
  • Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and drop resistance.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy biometric security.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and a 120Hz display for significantly better performance and camera quality.
  • Choosing the Samsung Galaxy M35 means sacrificing performance and camera versatility for much better battery life and a smoother display.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Ideal Users: Professionals, creatives, users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a premium user experience.
  • Use Cases:
    • Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with optical zoom and advanced processing.
    • Demanding Apps: Running resource-intensive applications like video editing software or graphically demanding games.
    • Outdoor Use: Easy screen visibility in bright sunlight.

Samsung Galaxy M35:

  • Ideal Users: Everyday users, students, and budget-conscious consumers who prioritize battery life, a smooth display, and practical features.
  • Use Cases:
    • All-Day Use: Lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing a recharge.
    • Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, TV shows, and games on a large, smooth display.
    • Macro Photography: Taking close-up shots of small objects and details.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? (While not provided, this heavily influences choice.)
  2. How important is battery life to you? (Do you need a phone that lasts all day without charging?)
  3. How important is performance and camera quality? (Do you need a fast phone for demanding tasks and high-quality photos/videos?)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Performance & Camera are Top Priorities: Choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. The A14 Bionic and superior camera system will provide the best experience.
  • Scenario 2: Battery Life is Paramount: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. The 6000mAh battery will ensure all-day (or longer) battery life.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced Needs, Budget-Conscious: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. It offers a good balance of features at a likely more affordable price point.

What I would choose and why!

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy M35 has a significantly larger battery and a smoother display, the iPhone 12 Pro's superior performance and camera system are more important to my daily usage. I often edit photos and videos on my phone, and the A14 Bionic chip and higher-quality camera would make a noticeable difference in my workflow. Additionally, the brighter display of the iPhone 12 Pro is essential for outdoor visibility, which is important for me. Though the battery life is a compromise, I can manage with strategic charging throughout the day or using a power bank when necessary. The overall user experience and superior capabilities of the iPhone 12 Pro align better with my needs as someone who values performance and camera quality above all else.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.