1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | 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, potentially harder to use one-handed. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 227g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 Ultra has superior scratch and drop resistance, increasing durability. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra offers sharper images and text, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 515 PPI | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, but AMOLED can be more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra is more visible in direct sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (International) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Both are high-performance chips. A14 Bionic is known for its efficiency and speed, while Exynos 2100 is also very capable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 749,000 | iPhone 12 may feel slightly faster in some tasks, though both are very responsive in typical usage. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G78 MP14 | Both offer excellent graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | S21 Ultra handles multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously more smoothly, especially with the 12GB or 16GB options. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. The larger sensor improves low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10.8MP, f/2.4 & 10.8MP, f/4.9 | S21 Ultra offers significantly better zoom capabilities, allowing for detailed photos at a distance. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Both offer ultrawide angle. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 44MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures higher-resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 8K@24fps HDR | S21 Ultra can record in higher resolution, offering more flexibility for professional video editing. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | 115 | iPhone 12 has slightly better overall and video camera performance. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | 135 | S21 Ultra has slightly better selfie camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | S21 Ultra likely offers significantly longer battery life, especially with its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges slightly faster, but the difference may not be significant. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 15W | Both offer wireless charging, but MagSafe on iPhone 12 offers potentially faster charging and easier alignment with compatible accessories. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 9W | S21 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly, such as earbuds or smartwatches. |
| Charger | Sold Separately | No Charger in-box | Neither includes a charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry in a pocket.
- Potentially Faster Performance: A14 Bionic chip often benchmarks higher in certain tasks.
- MagSafe: Convenient magnetic attachment for wireless charging and accessories.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility for digital carrier switching.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display with 120Hz: More immersive viewing experience with smoother animations.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers telephoto lenses for zoom capabilities, and high resolution main camera.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life for all-day use.
- More RAM: Better multitasking performance.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers improved durability.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller screen and battery life compared to the S21 Ultra.
- S21 Ultra: Larger size and heavier weight, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal iPhone 12 User:
- Prefers a compact and lightweight phone.
- Values performance and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.
- Doesn't require extensive zoom capabilities in the camera.
- Okay with shorter battery life and charges their phone frequently.
Ideal Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G User:
- Prioritizes a large, high-quality display for media consumption and gaming.
- Needs a versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities.
- Requires long battery life for all-day use.
- Doesn't mind a larger, heavier phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- iPhone 12: Ideal for users who prioritize portability, seamless iOS integration, and quick performance for everyday tasks. Good for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Best for photography enthusiasts, content creators who need 8K video recording, and users who need a large screen for media consumption and gaming on the go. Excellent for users who need long battery life and robust multitasking capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a more compact and lighter phone (iPhone 12) or a larger, heavier phone with a bigger screen and battery (S21 Ultra)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need advanced zoom capabilities and a versatile camera system (S21 Ultra), or is a simpler, high-quality camera sufficient (iPhone 12)?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone 12) or prefer the Android experience with its customization options (S21 Ultra)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Frequent Traveler: S21 Ultra is better due to its long battery life, versatile camera, and large screen for entertainment during travel.
- Social Media Influencer: S21 Ultra is better due to its 8k video recording capabilities and selfie camera.
- Student: iPhone 12 is a good option because it is more compact and is integrated in the apple ecosystem if they are using a MacBook or an iPad.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: The S21 Ultra offers better screen visibility in sunlight and can be used to reverse charge a smartwatch or wireless earbuds.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My primary reason is the combination of its superior display and versatile camera system. I value a large, high-resolution screen for media consumption, and the 120Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage for smoother animations and gaming. The S21 Ultra's camera system, particularly the zoom capabilities, offers more flexibility for capturing various types of photos. I can also appreciate the larger battery life. I can deal with a larger and heavier phone.
