1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | S24+ is larger, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 196g | iPhone 12 is significantly lighter, better for prolonged holding and portability. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ likely more resistant to scratches and drops. Durability of iPhone 12's screen is unknown, may require screen protector. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | S24+ offers more screen real estate for multimedia, gaming, and productivity. iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3120 | S24+ has a sharper, more detailed display. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 513 PPI | S24+ display will look noticeably crisper than the iPhone 12. |
| Technology | OLED | Missing | iPhone 12 has vibrant colors and deep blacks due to OLED. If S24+ doesn't also have OLED, the display might lack the same level of contrast and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24+ provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is significantly easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) will offer significantly faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 1,639,695 | S24+ provides a noticeably snappier user experience across all tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24+ provides superior graphics performance, enabling smoother gameplay at higher settings. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | S24+ can handle more apps running in the background without slowing down, leading to better multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | S24+ captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.57" | S24+ large sensor captures more light and detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP | S24+ allows for optical zoom, enabling closer shots without digital zoom distortion. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S24+ wider aperture on wide angle lens result in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24+ can record higher resolution videos, suitable for professional use. |
| Camera Features | Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode | Night Mode 2.0, Digital Image Stabilization | Both have OIS; S24+ has more advanced digital stabilization and updated night mode, likely producing sharper low-light images and smoother video. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ should offer significantly longer battery life, easily lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging Speed | 20W | 45W | S24+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 15W | Both support wireless charging, but iPhone 12 uses MagSafe. |
| Other Features | Adapter sold separately | Reverse Wireless Charging, Bypass Charging | S24+ can charge other devices wirelessly. Bypass charging allows gaming while plugged without degrading the battery. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus: enhanced spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, better audio separation and immersion
- MagSafe: Convenient magnetic attachment for accessories and charging.
- Potentially lower price: Depending on current market prices, the iPhone 12 could be more affordable.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: Faster processor and more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Superior display: Larger, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and brighter display.
- Better camera system: Higher resolution main camera, telephoto lens, and advanced features like Night Mode 2.0.
- Much longer battery life: Larger battery and faster charging.
- Newer software: Android 14 with longer update support.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
- Reverse wireless charging: Charge other devices wirelessly.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life for a more compact and potentially more affordable device.
- The S24+ is larger and heavier, which may be a drawback for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Users who value the iOS ecosystem and prefer its user interface.
- Users who mainly use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media browsing.
- Users on a tighter budget who are willing to compromise on performance and features.
Use Cases for iPhone 12:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, email).
- Casual social media browsing.
- Simple photography in good lighting conditions.
- Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Users who want the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Users who prioritize a large, high-quality display for multimedia consumption and productivity.
- Users who want a versatile camera system for capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Android Enthusiasts
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Mobile gaming at high settings.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Long hours of usage without needing to recharge.
- Productivity tasks like document editing and presentations.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The iPhone 12 might be cheaper (depending on sales), but consider the long-term value of the S24+.
- How important are performance and battery life to me? The S24+ is a clear winner in these areas.
- Do I prefer a compact phone or a large screen? This is a key factor in choosing between the two.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is king. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+ without hesitation.
- Scenario 2: Portability and price are the primary concerns. The iPhone 12 might be the better option (check current prices), but be prepared for compromises in other areas.
- Scenario 3: Photography is a priority. The Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a more versatile and capable camera system.
- Scenario 4: Existing ecosystem lock-in. If deeply invested in iOS, the iPhone 12 might be easier to integrate. However, consider the S24+ and potentially switching ecosystems.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+.
While the iPhone 12 has the advantage of being more compact and potentially more affordable (depending on market prices), the S24+ offers a far superior experience in almost every other aspect. The significantly better performance, larger and higher-quality display, more versatile camera system, and much longer battery life are well worth the trade-off in size and weight.
As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks including gaming, photography, and productivity, the S24+ would be a much better fit for my needs. The ability to play demanding games smoothly, capture high-quality photos and videos, and work on the go without worrying about battery life are all significant advantages. The larger display also makes it much easier to consume multimedia content and work on documents.
While I appreciate the compactness of the iPhone 12, the improvements offered by the S24+ are too significant to ignore. The long-term value of the S24+ is much higher, as it will continue to perform well and remain relevant for longer than the iPhone 12. Also with it running the newer OS, I am guaranteed to get more updates in the future, ensuring the longevity of the device.
