Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 mm | Virtually identical size; pocket-friendly for both. |
| Weight | 164g | 168g | Negligible difference; both feel lightweight. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23 offers superior scratch and drop protection for the display. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.1" | Identical screen size; similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 has slightly sharper text and images, but the difference is subtle in most use cases. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 425 PPI | iPhone 12 has slightly crisper details, but not dramatically different in daily use. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality; vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1750 nits | S23 offers better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 offers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 1,083,947 | 1,456,671 | S23 has significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 740 | S23's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | S23 handles more apps in the background without slowing down, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | S23 captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 lets in slightly more light, potentially improving low-light performance, but the difference is minor. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.57" | S23's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP | S23 allows for optical zoom, capturing detailed photos of distant subjects without digital zoom artifacts. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S23 captures brighter wide-angle shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S23 allows for higher resolution video recording, providing more detail and flexibility for editing. |
| Slow Motion Video | 1080p@240fps | 1080p@960fps | S23 captures more dramatic slow-motion footage. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 133 | S23 scores higher overall in DXOMark Mobile Score |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 3900mAh | S23 typically lasts longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S23 charges faster than the iPhone 12. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 10W Qi, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | iPhone 12 has faster wireless charging with MagSafe; S23 can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 13 (upgradable to Android 17) | Different user interface and ecosystem; personal preference is key. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S23 offers higher storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23 offers more efficient and reliable Bluetooth connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S23 offers potentially more accurate GPS positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | S23 has the option of using two physical SIM cards. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint Sensor | S23 offers biometric fingerprint security |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have stereo speakers. iPhone 12 has better surround sound. S23 has better call quality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services (iCloud, iMessage, AirPods).
- User Interface Preference: Some users prefer the simplicity and design of iOS.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Better surround sound from speakers.
Practical Implications: Better for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:
- Performance: More powerful chipset and more RAM lead to smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Display: Higher refresh rate and brightness offer a more fluid and vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Camera System: More versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and higher resolution main sensor.
- Battery Life: Larger battery provides longer usage time.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Added biometric security.
- Versatility: Includes features such as reverse wireless charging, ability to use two physical SIM cards.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, battery life, and versatility.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Older hardware, smaller battery, less versatile camera, limited RAM.
- Galaxy S23: May not appeal to users deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, potentially a personal preference for iOS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Ideal Users:
- Users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Those who prefer the simplicity and design of iOS.
- Users who don't require the latest and greatest performance and camera technology.
Use Cases:
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices (AirPods, Apple Watch, Mac).
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance and battery life.
- Those who want a versatile camera system with telephoto lens.
- Android users who value customization and open-source flexibility.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Long days away from a charger.
- Android customization.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Which ecosystem are you more invested in (Apple or Android)? This significantly impacts the user experience and ease of integration with other devices.
- How important are performance and battery life to you? If you prioritize demanding tasks and long usage times, the S23 is a better choice.
- What are your camera priorities? If you need a telephoto lens and high-resolution images, the S23 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Apple Ecosystem Enthusiast: If you own multiple Apple devices and heavily rely on Apple services, the iPhone 12 offers seamless integration, but consider that it is an older device.
- Performance Seeker: If you prioritize performance and battery life, the Galaxy S23 is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want a more versatile camera system with better zoom capabilities and higher resolution, the Galaxy S23 is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones today, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23. While the iPhone 12 still holds up for basic tasks, the S23 offers significant advantages in almost every area that matters to me: performance, display quality (especially the 120Hz refresh rate), camera versatility, and battery life.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 is a much more powerful chip than the A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12, and the 8GB of RAM ensures smoother multitasking. The 120Hz display makes a noticeable difference in daily usage, making scrolling and animations feel much more fluid.
While I appreciate the simplicity of iOS, the improvements in camera quality and versatility in the S23 are too good to pass up. I also value the longer battery life, which would be very helpful on days when I am out and about.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers a more modern and well-rounded experience for my specific needs.
