1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | S23+ is larger, potentially harder to use one-handed. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 196g | iPhone 12 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | S23+ offers a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be noticeable to all users. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 393 PPI | iPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are subtle and depend on calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 1,508,732 | S23+ provides a smoother and more responsive user experience overall. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | S23+ handles multitasking and running multiple apps more efficiently. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S23+ captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. iPhone 12 may perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S23+ offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | S23+ captures slightly wider shots and may perform better in low light with its wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S23+ allows for recording in higher resolution, offering more flexibility for editing and future-proofing. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie performance. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 117 | 133 | S23+ has better camera overall based on DxOMark score. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4700mAh | S23+ offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging Speed | 20W | 45W | S23+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 10W (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse wireless | S23+ can wirelessly charge other devices, while iPhone 12 has faster wireless charging with MagSafe. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | S23+ offers more base storage, which is important as neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Users need to carefully consider their storage needs when purchasing either phone. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 | Android 13 | Preference based, though both phones receive regular updates. |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23+ has more modern standard with potentially better range and efficiency. |
| Security | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | S23+ offers fingerprint scanner for quick and secure unlocking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Higher Pixel Density: Slightly sharper display.
- MagSafe: Convenient magnetic wireless charging and accessories.
- Operating System: Preference for iOS and Apple ecosystem.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Offers a more immersive audio experience.
- Better photo and video scores for the Selfie camera
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Larger Display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Performance: More powerful chipset and more RAM.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution and telephoto lens.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery and faster charging.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient biometric security.
- Expandable Bluetooth Profiles: More options.
- Hi-Res Audio: High resolution audio experience
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life, performance, and camera versatility for a more compact design and potentially preferred operating system.
- Choosing the Samsung Galaxy S23+ means a larger phone that might be harder to handle and a preference for the Android operating system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Apple iPhone 12 User:
- Value Compactness and Portability: Prioritizes a smaller, lighter phone for easy one-handed use and pocketability.
- Prefers iOS and Apple Ecosystem: Wants seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Casual User: Doesn't need the absolute best performance or battery life.
Use Cases for iPhone 12:
- Everyday Carry: Comfortable to carry in a pocket or small bag.
- Apple Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly connects with AirPods, Apple Watch, and other Apple devices.
- Basic Photography: Takes casual photos and videos.
Ideal Samsung Galaxy S23+ User:
- Values Performance and Features: Wants a powerful phone with a large display, versatile camera, and long battery life.
- Prefers Android and Customization: Enjoys the flexibility and customization options of the Android operating system.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: Watches videos, plays games, and creates content on their phone.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Gaming: High refresh rate and powerful processor provide a smooth gaming experience.
- Content Creation: Versatile camera system allows for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Productivity: Large display and multitasking capabilities make it easier to work on the go.
- Outdoor Use: High brightness makes it easy to see the screen in sunlight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a more compact and lightweight phone (iPhone 12) or are you comfortable with a larger, heavier device (S23+)?
- Operating System: Do you prefer iOS (iPhone 12) or Android (S23+)?
- Performance and Battery Life: Do you need the absolute best performance and long battery life (S23+), or are you willing to compromise for a more compact design (iPhone 12)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: The iPhone 12 may be the better option, IF the price is significantly lower and the user values compactness over the newer tech in the S23+. However, consider that it's an older phone.
- Scenario 2: Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the clear choice, offering superior performance, battery life, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Apple Ecosystem User: If heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 offers seamless integration. However, the S23+ might be worth considering if the other advantages are important and outweigh the benefits of ecosystem integration.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23+. The significantly better performance, larger and brighter 120Hz display, more versatile camera system (especially the inclusion of a telephoto lens), and substantially longer battery life outweigh the iPhone 12's slightly more compact size and lighter weight. While I appreciate the simplicity and polish of iOS, the advantages offered by the S23+ are too compelling to ignore, especially for someone who uses their phone for demanding tasks like gaming, photo editing, and video consumption. I'm also indifferent to the operating system used as I have used both.
