1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | S24+ is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | S24+ is slightly heavier, potentially noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has superior screen protection, reducing risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | S24+ offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3120 | S24+ has a sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 460 | 513 | S24+ displays text and images with greater clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | iPhone 12 Pro has OLED which typically has excellent color accuracy. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/China | S24+ has a newer and more powerful chip, offering faster processing and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 1,639,695 | S24+ provides a significantly smoother and faster user experience. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) - USA/Canada/China | S24+ handles graphically intensive tasks more efficiently, leading to better gaming. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB | S24+ can handle more apps running simultaneously without slowdowns. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | S24+ captures images with more detail and allows for greater cropping flexibility. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 Pro lets in more light, potentially better in low-light conditions. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.57" | S24+ captures more light and detail. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 12MP | 10MP | iPhone 12 Pro provides slightly more detailed zoomed-in images |
| Telephoto Lens Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.4 | iPhone 12 Pro lets in more light, potentially better in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S24+ lets in slightly more light for wider shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24+ allows for higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional use. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S24+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 15W | Both offer wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | MagSafe | Reverse Charging | S24+ can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24+ offers access to the 6GHz band, potentially reducing interference and improving speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24+ has more advanced Bluetooth features and potentially better connectivity. |
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (upgradable) | Android 14 (upgradable) | Personal preference for ecosystem and user interface. |
| Security | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | S24+ includes a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Compact Size: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Dolby Atmos: Slightly better audio experience with enhanced spatial sound.
- Video Scores: The iPhone 12 Pro has superior video and selfie scores.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Reduced charging time.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video for professional use.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Enhanced security.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Newer Software: More up-to-date features and security.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 Pro is older, meaning it is missing out on several years of technological advancements that the Samsung Galaxy S24+ includes.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, prioritize a compact design, and prefer iOS.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, everyday tasks, users who value portability.
- Price-to-Value: Given its age, the iPhone 12 Pro may not offer the best value unless heavily discounted.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Ideal User: Users who want a large screen for media consumption, gamers, power users, and those who prefer Android.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, playing games, multitasking, professional photography and videography.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value with its advanced features, powerful performance, and long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- What is your budget? The price difference is a significant factor.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? This is a fundamental preference.
- What are your priorities? Performance, battery, camera, display, or size?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Tight Budget, Basic Needs: iPhone 12 Pro (if heavily discounted)
- Best All-Around Performance and Features: Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Prioritize Compact Size: iPhone 12 Pro
- Prioritize Battery Life and Display Quality: Samsung Galaxy S24+
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While the iPhone 12 Pro has its merits, the S24+ offers a far superior experience in almost every category that matters to me. The larger, brighter, and higher refresh rate display is a huge plus for media consumption and gaming. The significantly faster performance and longer battery life make it a more capable and reliable device for daily use. While I appreciate the compactness of the iPhone 12 Pro, the benefits of the S24+'s larger screen outweigh that advantage.
