1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | S23 FE is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 209g | iPhone 12 Pro is lighter, which could be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.4" | S23 FE provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 Pro has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 403 PPI | iPhone 12 Pro will render finer details more clearly. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. S23 FE brightness is missing, but generally AMOLED screens are bright. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE screen is more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International | Both are high-performance chips. The S23 FE's Exynos 2200 has higher benchmarks, but real-world performance is often similar for most tasks. A14 has more mature software optimization. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 1,188,176 | The S23 FE may handle very demanding games slightly better, though both phones are capable for most games. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Xclipse 920 - International | Both GPUs are powerful enough for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | S23 FE can keep more apps open in the background, reducing the need to reload. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | S23 FE captures more detail in good lighting conditions and has better low-light performance due to the larger sensor. The wider aperture of the iPhone 12 Pro may provide a slightly shallower depth of field. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 (Telephoto + portrait) | Both phones have similar telephoto lenses. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Both phones have similar ultrawide lenses. S23 FE additionally has macro capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | Both are adequate for selfies and video calls. The wider aperture on the iPhone 12 Pro allows slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S23 FE supports higher resolution video recording for more detailed videos and future-proofing. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 127 | 127 | Overall camera performance is similar according to DXOMark, with marginal differences in photo and video capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | S23 FE will likely last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W wireless (MagSafe & Qi) | 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.4W reverse wireless | S23 FE charges faster and can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 13 (upgradable to Android 17) | iOS is known for its user-friendliness and tight integration with Apple's ecosystem. Android offers more customization options and open-source flexibility. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Limited by the internal storage option you choose. |
| Security | Basic security features | Fingerprint Sensor | S23 FE offers a faster and more convenient way to unlock the phone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- More compact and lighter design: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Higher pixel density display: Sharper images and text.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Brighter Display: Dramatically better outdoor visibility (1200 nits).
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Larger Display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate (120Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Significantly longer battery life.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video for professional use.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and secure unlocking.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Charge other devices wirelessly.
- More RAM: Better multitasking performance.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: More efficient power management.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro sacrifices battery life and screen size for a more compact design and potentially better outdoor visibility.
- S23 FE is larger and heavier, but offers a larger display, better battery life, and more features like a fingerprint sensor and reverse wireless charging.
- The absence of brightness for the S23 FE is a significant limitation.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for iPhone 12 Pro:
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Those who prioritize a compact and lightweight phone.
- Users who need a very bright screen for outdoor visibility.
- Users who prefer iOS and its user-friendly interface.
Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:
- Everyday use for those who want a premium, pocketable device.
- Photography and videography within the Apple ecosystem.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Users who want a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- Those who need longer battery life.
- Android enthusiasts who value customization options.
- Those who want a fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking.
- Users looking for a feature-rich phone at a competitive price.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Gaming and watching videos.
- All-day use without needing to recharge frequently.
- Using reverse wireless charging to charge accessories like earbuds.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (Since the S23 FE is newer, the used price for the iPhone 12 Pro should be lower)
- How important is battery life to you? If you need all-day battery, the S23 FE is the clear choice.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? This is a fundamental preference that should heavily influence your decision.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Apple Enthusiast: If you're deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration, the iPhone 12 Pro is a good choice, especially at a lower price point than the newer iPhones.
- For the Android Gamer/Media Consumer: If you prioritize gaming, watching videos, and long battery life, the S23 FE is the better option. The 120Hz display and larger battery make it ideal for these use cases.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Weigh the cost savings of the older iPhone 12 Pro against the extra features and newer technology of the S23 FE. Consider how much you value those additional features.
My Choice
If I were making the decision today, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Although the iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, the S23 FE is more compelling, primarily due to its significantly larger battery capacity and the smoother 120Hz refresh rate. The ability to record 8K video is a nice-to-have, and the fingerprint sensor offers a more convenient unlocking method. Although the iPhone has better outdoor visibility, I think the S23 FE is still a great choice because the increase in battery and refresh rate is worth it.
