1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | S21+ is larger, potentially harder to use one-handed. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 200g | iPhone 12 Pro is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ offers superior scratch and drop resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | S21+ provides a more immersive experience for multimedia and gaming. iPhone 12 Pro is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 Pro has slightly sharper image quality, especially noticeable with text. |
| Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 394 ppi | iPhone 12 Pro displays finer details and smoother text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ has better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | A14 Bionic offers generally superior performance in benchmarks and real-world usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 749,100 | iPhone 12 Pro is faster in app loading, multitasking, and demanding games. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Apple GPU offers excellent graphics performance, optimized for iOS. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | S21+ handles multitasking slightly better, especially with numerous apps open. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | S21+ captures more light with larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | 64MP, f/2.0, 0.8µm | iPhone 12 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. S21+ uses its high-resolution sensor for hybrid zoom. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Both provide wide-angle shots, S21+ also offers Macro capabilities |
| Selfie | 12MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | iPhone 12 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 8K@24fps HDR | S21+ offers higher video resolution (8K), but iPhone 12 Pro has superior video stabilization and overall video quality according to DxOMark. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 127 | 111 | iPhone 12 Pro has better overall camera performance according to DxOMark. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro has a good selfie camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4800mAh | S21+ offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S21+ charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 15W | Both support wireless charging. iPhone supports MagSafe. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 4.5W | S21+ can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Performance: Superior chipset and GPU, leading to faster performance and smoother experience.
- Camera Quality: Higher DxOMark score, particularly in video, suggests better overall image and video quality.
- Compact Size: More pocketable and easier to handle for users with smaller hands.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with better detail and text clarity.
- MagSafe: Convenient magnetic wireless charging and accessory system.
Practical Implications:
- The iPhone 12 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a more compact design. It excels in tasks like video editing, gaming, and professional photography.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Battery Life: Significantly larger battery capacity for all-day usage.
- Display Smoothness: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better durability.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Video Recording: 8K video recording capability.
- RAM: More RAM for better multitasking
Practical Implications:
- The S21+ is well-suited for users who value long battery life, a larger and smoother display, and the convenience of reverse wireless charging. It's great for media consumption, gaming, and users who are often on the go.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Shorter battery life, smaller display, no expandable storage.
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Larger size, potentially slower performance compared to iPhone 12 Pro, no charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Content Creators: Benefit from superior video quality and performance for editing.
- Gamers: Enjoy smooth and responsive gaming experience thanks to the powerful chipset and optimized iOS environment.
- Users with Smaller Hands: Prefer a more compact and manageable device.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Appreciate the high-quality camera system and excellent image processing.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:
- Shooting high-quality videos for social media or professional projects.
- Playing graphics-intensive games with smooth frame rates.
- Using augmented reality (AR) apps that require powerful processing.
- Everyday use for those who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Media Consumers: Enjoy watching videos and browsing content on the larger, smoother display.
- Frequent Travelers: Need a phone with long battery life to last through long days of travel.
- Power Users: Require a device that can handle multitasking and heavy usage without frequent charging.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows on the vibrant display.
- Using the phone for GPS navigation and other battery-intensive tasks throughout the day.
- Wirelessly charging earbuds or smartwatches on the go.
- Taking high-resolution 8K videos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: performance or battery life? If you need the fastest performance for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro is better. If you need all-day battery life, the S21+ is the better choice.
- Do you prefer a compact or large phone? The iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable, while the S21+ offers a larger display for media consumption.
- What is your budget, and are you tied to an operating system? These phones are in a similar class of pricing so it's really down to the OS you want.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer and video editor. Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior performance and optimized gaming experience, and its camera.
- Scenario 2: Frequent traveler who needs long battery life. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its larger battery and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Everyday user who wants a balance of features. Depends on operating system preference. If you prefer iOS, choose the iPhone 12 Pro. If you prefer Android, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice
I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a larger, smoother display and longer battery life, my priority is performance and camera quality. I often edit videos and photos on my phone, and the A14 Bionic chip and superior camera system of the iPhone 12 Pro would be more beneficial for my use case. Additionally, the more compact size of the iPhone 12 Pro makes it easier to handle and carry around.
