Samsung S21 vs iPhone 12: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield. With so many options, it’s easy to get lost in the specs and features. But what if you could narrow it down to two of the best? We’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle between the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Apple iPhone 12.
Both phones represent the pinnacle of their respective brands, offering cutting-edge technology and sleek designs. The Samsung S21 boasts a vibrant display and impressive camera capabilities, while the iPhone 12 shines with its user-friendly interface and powerful performance.
This comparison will break down everything you need to know, from performance and camera quality to battery life and price. We’ll help you determine which phone is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Get ready to discover the ultimate winner in the Samsung S21 vs iPhone 12 showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung S21 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery Capacity | 4000 mAh | 2815 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable | iOS 14, upgradable |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S21: Features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. Offers vibrant colors and excellent brightness, but the curved edges may not be to everyone’s liking.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, known for its sharp image quality and accurate color reproduction. The flat-edged design is comfortable to hold, but the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.
- Winner: Samsung S21
Processor
- Samsung S21: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 (US) or Exynos 2100 (International) processor, both offering top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Can experience some heat under heavy load.
- iPhone 12: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency. Offers seamless performance and is optimized for iOS, but can be less efficient in certain intensive tasks.
- Winner: Tie
Camera
- Samsung S21: Features a versatile triple-lens system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens, offering excellent image quality and a variety of shooting options. Offers a great zoom capabilities, but the software processing can sometimes be overly aggressive.
- iPhone 12: Includes a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses, delivering impressive photos and videos with excellent dynamic range and natural colors. Known for user-friendly interface but lacks optical zoom flexibility.
- Winner: Samsung S21
Battery Life
- Samsung S21: Offers a 4000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate to heavy use, but can drain quickly with heavy gaming or video recording.
- iPhone 12: Comes with a smaller battery but offers efficient power management through iOS, generally providing all-day battery life for typical usage.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- Samsung S21: Features a sleek design with a plastic back and a stylish camera module that blends into the frame. Offers a premium feel, but the plastic back may feel less luxurious than glass.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a flat-edged design with a durable Ceramic Shield front cover and a glass back, offering a premium and modern aesthetic.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Software
- Samsung S21: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering a highly customizable experience with a wide range of features and options. Can be overwhelming for some users.
- iPhone 12: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration, and long-term software support. Offers a simpler, more streamlined user experience.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Price
- Samsung S21: Generally available at a slightly lower price point compared to the iPhone 12 at launch. Value for money is great.
- iPhone 12: Typically has a higher starting price, reflecting its premium branding and features.
- Winner: Samsung S21
5G Connectivity
- Samsung S21: Supports both mmWave and Sub-6 5G, offering faster speeds where available.
- iPhone 12: Also supports both mmWave and Sub-6 5G, providing access to the latest generation of mobile networks.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Camera Versatility | Samsung S21 |
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Battery Life | Samsung S21 |
| Operating System | Subjective |
| Design | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G networks, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
- Water Resistance: Both the Samsung S21 and iPhone 12 are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and submersion.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature stunning displays with vibrant colors and sharp details, perfect for media consumption.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Excellent Cameras: Both offer excellent camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos.
Samsung S21 Vs Iphone 12 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung S21 boasts a sleek design with a plastic back (on the base model) and a metal frame, offering a comfortable grip. The camera bump seamlessly integrates into the frame, creating a modern aesthetic. The iPhone 12 features a flat-edged design with a glass back and an aluminum frame, providing a premium feel. Both phones are IP68 water and dust resistant, offering protection against the elements. The choice largely depends on personal preference for design and materials, with the S21 offering a more curved and modern look and the iPhone 12 a more classic, premium feel.
Display Quality
The Samsung S21 features a vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smooth scrolling and animations. The display offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 12 sports a Super Retina XDR display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While the iPhone’s display is excellent, offering accurate colors and great viewing angles, it lacks the fluidity of the S21’s higher refresh rate. The S21 generally provides a slightly more immersive visual experience.
Performance and Software
The performance of both phones is top-notch, with both the S21 and iPhone 12 offering powerful processors. The S21 generally utilizes either a Snapdragon or Exynos processor, depending on the region, while the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip. Both chips handle demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing, with ease. The primary difference lies in the operating systems: Android on the S21 and iOS on the iPhone 12. iOS offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience, while Android provides greater customization options.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones excel in photography, capturing stunning images and videos. The Samsung S21 boasts a versatile triple-camera system, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions, including impressive zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system that excels in low-light photography and video recording, producing natural-looking images. Both phones offer advanced features like portrait mode and 4K video recording. The choice between them often comes down to personal preferences in color science and feature sets.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life varies depending on usage, but the iPhone 12 generally offers slightly better battery life due to its optimized software and efficient processor. The S21’s battery life is still respectable, but the 120Hz refresh rate can impact battery consumption. Both phones support fast charging, although the iPhone 12 requires a separate charger. The S21 also supports wireless charging. Battery life is a crucial factor for many, and it’s essential to consider your usage patterns.
Price and Value
The pricing of both phones has evolved since their release, with both phones offering compelling value. The original prices were competitive, and now, they can be found at discounted rates depending on the retailer. Consider the features, performance, and overall user experience to determine which phone offers the best value for your needs. Factor in your preferred operating system, camera needs, and display preferences when making your decision. Researching current market prices is essential.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung S21 If…
- You prefer a phone with a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens.
- You prefer Android’s customization options and user interface.
- You want a phone with a slightly larger battery capacity.
- You want a more compact phone overall.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You’re invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
- You value a user-friendly and streamlined operating system.
- You prioritize video recording capabilities.
- You appreciate a phone with a sleek and premium design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung S21 generally has a better display due to its 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations. The AMOLED technology also offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12’s display is excellent, with accurate colors and good brightness, but it lacks the fluidity of the S21’s higher refresh rate. The S21’s display is more immersive.
Which phone takes better photos?
Both phones take excellent photos, but the specific strengths differ. The S21 offers a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 excels in low-light photography and video recording. The “better” camera depends on your priorities; the S21 is more versatile, while the iPhone 12 shines in specific areas.
Which phone has better performance?
Both phones offer exceptional performance. The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip and the S21’s Snapdragon/Exynos processors (depending on region) handle demanding tasks with ease. Both offer fast app loading times and smooth multitasking. The performance difference is often negligible in day-to-day use, with the choice of OS playing a larger factor in the overall experience.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 12 generally offers slightly better battery life due to its software optimizations. However, battery life varies based on usage patterns. The S21’s 120Hz refresh rate can impact battery consumption. Both phones support fast charging, ensuring you can quickly replenish the battery. Battery life is a key consideration for many users.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are durable, featuring IP68 water and dust resistance. This means they can withstand submersion in water and exposure to dust. The iPhone 12 has a ceramic shield front cover, enhancing its drop resistance. Both phones are constructed with premium materials and are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. Use a case for additional protection.
Which phone has better software?
This is a matter of personal preference. The iPhone 12 runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness and streamlined interface. The Samsung S21 runs on Android, offering greater customization options. iOS is easier to learn, while Android offers more control and flexibility. Both have their strengths, and the “better” software depends on your needs.
Which phone is more expensive?
The initial pricing of both phones was comparable. However, prices fluctuate over time. It’s essential to check current market prices from various retailers to determine which phone offers the better value at the time of purchase. Consider discounts, promotions, and the overall features and performance when making a decision based on price.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung S21 and iPhone 12 are excellent smartphones, each with its strengths. The S21 offers a vibrant display, a versatile camera system, and Android’s customization options. The iPhone 12 boasts a user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and good battery life. The best choice depends on individual preferences for design, operating system, and camera features. Ultimately, the best phone for you is a subjective decision.
Winner: [Tie]