Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy A05s - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 October 18, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 115.02 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.45 "/g
Weight 164 g 194 g
Height 146.7 mm 168 mm
Width 71.5 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Violet
  • Light Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 82.9 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 393 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 43.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 13
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12Samsung Galaxy A05sPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm168 × 77.8 × 8.8 mmiPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. A05s is noticeably larger.
Weight164g194giPhone 12 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
BuildPremium materials (implied)Plastic (implied)iPhone 12 likely feels more premium. A05s might be more durable against drops.
Display
Size6.1"6.7"A05s offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking. iPhone 12 is more compact.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 has a sharper and more detailed display.
Pixel Density460 ppi393 ppiiPhone 12's display will appear significantly crisper and more detailed.
TechnologyOLEDPLS LCDiPhone 12 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzA05s has slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947260,000iPhone 12 is much more responsive and future-proof.
GPUApple (4-core)Adreno 610iPhone 12 provides a vastly superior gaming experience with smoother graphics and higher frame rates.
Camera
Main Camera12MP, f/1.650MP, f/1.8iPhone 12 captures better low-light photos due to the wider aperture. A05s captures more detail in good lighting conditions.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.0Similar selfie performance.
Wide Angle LensYesNoiPhone 12 allows for capturing wider scenes.
Macro LensNoYesA05s can take close-up photos of small objects.
VideoUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsiPhone 12 records much higher quality videos with better detail and dynamic range.
DxOMark117 (Mobile)N/AiPhone 12 has a significantly better camera system overall.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhA05s likely offers significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W25WA05s charges slightly faster.
Wireless ChargingYes (MagSafe & Qi)NoiPhone 12 offers the convenience of wireless charging.
Other
OSiOS 14.1 (upgradable)Android 13Different user experiences and app ecosystems.
WiFiWiFi 6WiFi 5iPhone 12 has faster and more efficient WiFi.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMA05s allows for two physical SIM cards. iPhone 12 offers the flexibility of an eSIM.
Storage64/128/256GB64/128GBiPhone 12 offers a higher maximum storage option.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
AudioStereo Speakers, Dolby AtmosBasiciPhone 12 provides a richer and more immersive audio experience.
SecurityBasicFingerprint SensorA05s provides more convenient biometric security.
SensorsBarometer, Gyroscope, CompassFingerprint sensoriPhone 12 has more environmental sensors while the A05s has a fingerprint sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Significantly Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers a vastly faster and smoother experience for all tasks.
    • Practical Implication: Apps launch quicker, multitasking is seamless, and demanding games run flawlessly. The phone remains responsive for years.
  • Much Better Display Quality: The OLED display with higher resolution and brightness provides a significantly more vibrant and detailed visual experience, especially outdoors.
    • Practical Implication: Movies, photos, and games look stunning. The screen is easily visible in direct sunlight.
  • Superior Camera System: Captures higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low light, with more features like optical image stabilization and 4K recording.
    • Practical Implication: Better memories captured, more versatile shooting options, and higher-quality video calls.
  • Premium Build Quality & Features: Wireless charging, better water resistance (implied), and potentially longer software support.
    • Practical Implication: A more durable and convenient device with potentially longer usability.
  • Better Audio Quality: Immersive audio experience

Samsung Galaxy A05s Advantages:

  • Larger Battery Capacity: Offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more.
    • Practical Implication: Less frequent charging and greater peace of mind when away from a power source.
  • Larger Display Size: Provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
    • Practical Implication: Better for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and quick biometric authentication.
    • Practical Implication: Faster and more secure unlocking compared to PIN or password.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Likely significantly cheaper than the iPhone 12.
    • Practical Implication: More accessible to budget-conscious consumers.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life and a larger screen for significantly better performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
  • Choosing the Galaxy A05s means prioritizing battery life and a larger screen while accepting significantly lower performance and a less impressive camera and display.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Performance Users: Individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-quality camera system for capturing photos and videos in various conditions.
  • Multimedia Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phones and appreciate a vibrant and detailed display.
  • Ecosystem Loyalists: Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem who value seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Use Cases:

  • Professional photographers/videographers needing a reliable mobile camera.
  • Gamers who want a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
  • Users who frequently edit photos or videos on their phone.

Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A05s:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals looking for an affordable smartphone with essential features.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
  • Large Screen Enthusiasts: People who prefer a larger display for media consumption and easier viewing.
  • Basic Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, browsing, and social media.

Use Cases:

  • Students who need a reliable phone for communication and basic tasks.
  • Travelers who need a long-lasting battery for extended trips.
  • Elderly users who appreciate a larger screen and simple interface.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is likely significant and should be a primary consideration.
  2. How important is performance and camera quality to you? If you need a fast phone with a great camera, the iPhone 12 is the clear choice.
  3. How important is battery life? If you need all-day battery life, the Galaxy A05s is the better option.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery Life Needed: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05s.
  • Scenario 2: Performance and Camera are Paramount: Choose the Apple iPhone 12.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced Needs, Mid-Range Budget: Consider other phones in the mid-range category that might offer a better balance of features and price.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12. While the Samsung Galaxy A05s offers a larger battery and potentially lower price, the iPhone 12's superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities provide a significantly better overall user experience. As someone who values responsiveness, enjoys high-quality visuals, and frequently takes photos and videos, the iPhone 12 better aligns with my needs. The trade-off in battery life is acceptable, as I can manage with careful usage and occasional charging throughout the day.

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.