1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 227g | iPhone 12 Pro is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for multimedia and gaming. iPhone 12 Pro is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra has a sharper, more detailed display, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 515 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks; differences are subtle and depend on calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (International) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | A14 Bionic provides very fast and smooth experience, excelling in graphically intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 749,000 | iPhone 12 Pro delivers smoother multitasking and app loading. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple's GPU is optimized for iOS, ensuring smooth graphics performance in games and other demanding applications. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | S21 Ultra handles multiple apps running in the background more efficiently, reducing the need to reload apps frequently. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions; allows for greater cropping flexibility. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 Pro may perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.33" | S21 Ultra captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/4.9 (also a separate 10.8MP Telephoto + portrait) | iPhone 12 Pro has a brighter telephoto lens. S21 Ultra has more telephoto options, making it more versatile for zoomed-in photos. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | iPhone 12 Pro has a standard ultrawide. S21 Ultra has wider and macro capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 44MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution video recording for professional use. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 (Photo: 126, Video: 130) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | iPhone 12 Pro: better video quality in general |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 127, Video: 140) | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | S21 Ultra: Better overall selfie quality |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | S21 Ultra offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging Speed | 20W | 25W | S21 Ultra charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | 15W | Similar wireless charging speeds. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 9W | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices, such as earbuds or smartwatches. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates faster performance for most tasks.
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Video Quality: Better mobile video quality in general.
Practical Implications:
- Smoother experience in graphically intensive applications
- Easier one-handed use and portability.
- Simplified workflow and data sharing for Apple users.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Display: Larger, higher resolution, brighter, and smoother (120Hz refresh rate).
- Battery Life: Significantly larger battery capacity.
- Camera Versatility: More versatile camera system with multiple telephoto lenses and 8K video recording.
- RAM: More RAM for multitasking and future-proofing.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and drop resistance.
Practical Implications:
- More immersive viewing experience, better outdoor visibility, smoother scrolling.
- Longer battery life for all-day use.
- Greater flexibility in capturing photos and videos in various scenarios.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Smaller display and battery, less versatile camera system.
- S21 Ultra 5G: Larger size and weight, lower benchmark scores, Android ecosystem.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who value seamless integration.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Individuals who prefer a smaller, lighter phone that is easier to carry and use one-handed.
- Users Prioritizing App Performance: Those who need the fastest possible performance for demanding applications.
- Video Professionals: Users who want better video quality in general.
Use Cases:
- Quickly accessing and editing documents within the Apple ecosystem.
- Shooting high-quality videos for social media and professional use.
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth performance.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and creating content on their phones.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who want a versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who need long battery life and seamless multitasking.
- Users needing Screen protection: Individuals who want high protection on their phone screen.
Use Cases:
- Enjoying immersive movies and games on the large, high-resolution display.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various settings.
- Working on the go without worrying about battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you deeply invested in either the Apple or Android ecosystem?
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a more compact and lightweight phone, or are you comfortable with a larger, heavier device?
- Camera Needs: Do you prioritize camera versatility and zoom capabilities, or raw video quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Portability and Ecosystem: If you value portability, seamless Apple integration, and performance, the iPhone 12 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia and Photography: If you prioritize a larger, higher-quality display, longer battery life, and a versatile camera system, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: For users seeking a balance between performance, features, and usability, carefully weigh the importance of display quality, camera versatility, and ecosystem integration.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Despite the iPhone 12 Pro's speed advantages, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a more compelling package for my personal needs. I value the larger, higher-resolution display for media consumption and enjoy having a versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities for capturing a variety of photos and videos. Additionally, the significantly larger battery capacity would be a huge benefit, as I often find myself using my phone extensively throughout the day. While the size and weight are a consideration, the benefits of the S21 Ultra's display, camera, and battery outweigh the iPhone 12 Pro's portability for my use case.
