1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | S21+ 5G is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 200g | iPhone 12 is significantly lighter, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ 5G offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | S21+ 5G provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 offers slightly sharper text and images, though the difference may be subtle. |
| Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 394 ppi | iPhone 12's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper display, especially for reading small text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21+ 5G provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ 5G is more easily viewable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (International) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | A14 Bionic offers faster app loading and smoother operation based on benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 749,100 | iPhone 12 has a higher benchmark score, translating to snappier performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G78 MP14 | Both offer excellent graphics performance for gaming and video editing. The real-world difference depends on specific game optimizations. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | S21+ 5G handles multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously more efficiently. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | S21+ 5G has a larger sensor and bigger pixel size, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. iPhone 12 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | S21+ 5G offers dedicated zoom capabilities and enhanced portrait mode shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. S21+ has a Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 captures slightly more detailed selfies due to its higher resolution. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21+ 5G can record in 8K, offering higher resolution video for professional use. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 127, Video: 130) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | iPhone 12 scored higher overall and especially in video recording quality according to DXOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4800mAh | S21+ 5G provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S21+ 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 15W | Both offer wireless charging, but iPhone 12 has MagSafe for easier alignment and attachment. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 4.5W | S21+ 5G can wirelessly charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches. |
| Charger Included | No | No | Neither phone includes a charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: A14 Bionic chip provides superior processing power based on benchmarks.
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
- Higher Resolution and Sharper Display: Noticeable difference in clarity.
- Higher DXOMark Score: Better camera performance based on testing.
- MagSafe: Convenient and secure wireless charging.
- Ultrawide lens: Dedicated ultrawide camera for landscape shots
Practical Implications: iPhone 12 is better suited for users who prioritize performance, portability, and a sharper display.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate (120Hz): Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Telephoto/Portrait Camera: Offers more versatile photography options.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Useful for charging accessories on the go.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video recording capabilities.
- More RAM: Better multitasking capabilities.
- Fingerprint sensor: Basic biometric security
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better resistance to scratches and drops.
Practical Implications: S21+ 5G is better for users who value a large, smooth display, long battery life, versatile camera system, and enhanced durability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller battery, lower refresh rate, and lacks a telephoto lens.
- S21+ 5G: Larger and heavier, lower performance, and less sharp display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, portability, and a premium camera experience in a smaller form factor.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: A14 Bionic chip ensures smooth gameplay.
- Photography: Excellent image quality in a compact device.
- Everyday use: Easy to carry and use one-handed.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who value a large, immersive display, long battery life, and versatile camera capabilities, and don't mind a larger device.
- Use Cases:
- Media consumption: Large display and 120Hz refresh rate enhance the viewing experience.
- Photography: Telephoto lens and versatile camera system cater to diverse shooting scenarios.
- Power users: Larger battery provides all-day usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price of both phones fluctuates, so a current price check is essential. Consider whether the specific advantages of each phone (performance vs. battery/display) justify the price difference for your needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: performance or battery life/display size?
- How important is portability and one-handed use?
- What kind of photography do you do most often (general snapshots vs. zoom photography)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: iPhone 12 is the better choice due to its superior performance.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler: Galaxy S21+ 5G is better due to longer battery life and versatile camera.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: iPhone 12 if portability is key; Galaxy S21+ 5G if a larger display and longer battery are more important.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the Apple iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Larger, Smoother Display: I value the immersive viewing experience and smoother animations provided by the larger 120Hz display for watching videos and general use.
- Significantly Better Battery Life: As someone who uses their phone extensively throughout the day, the longer battery life of the S21+ 5G is a major advantage.
- Versatile Camera System: While the iPhone 12 has a great camera, the telephoto lens on the S21+ 5G provides more flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- Better Screen Protection: I'm prone to dropping my phone, so the Gorilla Glass Victus on the S21+ 5G gives me more peace of mind.
While the iPhone 12 has a performance edge, the benefits of the S21+ 5G's display, battery, and camera versatility outweigh that for my personal usage patterns. Ultimately, it comes down to whether I prioritize raw performance or a more well-rounded multimedia and photography experience.
