iPhone 12 vs Samsung S21: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and features. The competition is fierce, and two titans often top the list: the Apple iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy.
Today, we’re putting two popular models head-to-head: the iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21. Both phones offer premium experiences, but they cater to different preferences and ecosystems.
This comparison delves into the key aspects of each phone, from their stunning displays and powerful processors to their impressive camera systems and battery life. We’ll explore the nuances of each device to help you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.
Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the iPhone 12 and the Samsung S21, so you can make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 12 | Samsung S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.2-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual | 12MP Triple |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 8K |
| Storage Options | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, but the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.
- Samsung S21: Boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. The display is vibrant and bright, but the plastic back may feel less premium.
- Winner: s21
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, known for its exceptional speed and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and games with ease and offers excellent battery life.
- Samsung S21: Equipped with either the Snapdragon 888 (US) or Exynos 2100 (international) processor, both offering powerful performance. While fast, performance may vary slightly depending on the region.
- Winner: iphone 12
Camera
- iPhone 12: Features a dual 12MP camera system that excels in image quality, especially in low-light conditions thanks to Night mode. Video recording is also top-notch, but lacks the flexibility of the S21’s camera system.
- Samsung S21: Offers a versatile triple 12MP camera system with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. It provides more shooting options and impressive zoom capabilities, but image processing can sometimes be over-saturated.
- Winner: s21
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Provides decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. However, it can drain faster with heavy usage or gaming.
- Samsung S21: Battery life is generally good, but can be shorter than the iPhone 12 depending on the usage of the 120Hz display.
- Winner: iphone 12
Design
- iPhone 12: Features a flat-edge design with a premium feel, and is available in multiple colors. The Ceramic Shield front cover provides excellent durability.
- Samsung S21: Boasts a sleek design with a contour-cut camera housing. The plastic back panel on the base model feels less premium than the iPhone’s glass back.
- Winner: iphone 12
Software
- iPhone 12: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, smooth performance, and strong privacy features. It offers consistent software updates and a well-integrated ecosystem.
- Samsung S21: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, which offers extensive customization options and features. Android provides more flexibility, but the software experience can vary.
- Winner: iphone 12
Storage Options
- iPhone 12: Offers storage options from 64GB to 256GB. There’s no microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Samsung S21: Offers storage options from 128GB to 256GB. There’s no microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 12: Generally has a higher starting price compared to the base model S21.
- Samsung S21: Often available at a slightly lower price point, making it more accessible.
- Winner: s21
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Samsung S21 |
| Performance (Real-world) | Tie |
| Camera Versatility | Samsung S21 |
| Video Recording | iPhone 12 |
| Operating System | Subjective |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available. This is a crucial feature for future-proofing your device.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 12 and the Samsung S21 are rated IP68, offering excellent protection against water and dust. This means they can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth for a period of time.
- Fast Charging: Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish your battery when you’re running low. While the exact charging speeds differ, both offer a significant advantage over slower charging methods.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones boast vibrant and sharp displays, providing an immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and browsing. They both use advanced display technologies for excellent color accuracy and brightness.
- Advanced Cameras: Both devices feature advanced camera systems capable of capturing stunning photos and videos. They include multiple lenses and software features to enhance your photography experience.
iPhone 12 vs Samsung S21 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12, powered by the A14 Bionic chip, and the Samsung S21, equipped with either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on the region, both deliver exceptional performance. The A14 Bionic often holds a slight edge in raw processing power, particularly in single-core tasks. However, the S21’s graphical capabilities are impressive, handling demanding games and applications with ease. Both phones offer smooth multitasking experiences and quick app loading times. The choice depends on your preference for iOS or Android ecosystems and their respective optimization strategies.
Display
Both phones boast vibrant and high-quality displays, but the S21 edges ahead with its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. This feature provides a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display, offering excellent color accuracy and brightness. However, it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. The S21’s display also tends to be slightly brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. Both screens are sharp and offer excellent viewing angles.
Camera
The iPhone 12 and Samsung S21 both feature impressive camera systems. The iPhone 12 excels in low-light photography, offering excellent image quality and color accuracy. Samsung S21’s camera system, on the other hand, provides more versatile options, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. The S21 also boasts more advanced video recording capabilities, including 8K video. Both phones take stunning photos and videos, and the best choice depends on your photographic preferences.
Battery Life
Battery life varies slightly between the two devices. The iPhone 12 generally offers all-day battery life for moderate use, but it can struggle with heavy usage. The Samsung S21’s battery life is often comparable to the iPhone 12, also requiring charging at the end of the day with heavy use. Factors such as screen brightness and app usage greatly impact battery performance on both phones. Consider your typical usage patterns when making your decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the iPhone 12 and Samsung S21 showcase premium designs and build quality. The iPhone 12 features a flat-edged design with a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering enhanced durability. The Samsung S21 boasts a sleek design with a metal frame and a plastic or glass back, depending on the model. Both phones are water-resistant and feel comfortable in hand. Personal preference plays a significant role in design choice, with the iPhone’s clean lines and the S21’s curved edges representing different aesthetic approaches.
Price and Value
The initial prices of the iPhone 12 and Samsung S21 were relatively close, with variations depending on storage configurations and retailer promotions. The price of the phones has changed since their release, making them more accessible on the used market. Both phones offer excellent value for their feature sets, considering their performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Evaluate your budget and the features that matter most to you when determining which phone offers the best value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and its user-friendly interface.
- You value a simple and intuitive user experience.
- You want a phone with excellent video recording capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR.
- You prioritize a smaller and more compact design.
Buy Samsung S21 If…
- You prefer the Android operating system and its customization options.
- You want a phone with a more versatile camera system, including a telephoto lens.
- You prioritize a higher refresh rate display for smoother scrolling and animations.
- You desire a phone with more RAM for improved multitasking performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chip often scores higher in single-core benchmark tests, indicating superior performance in some tasks. However, the Samsung S21’s Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 (depending on the region) provides excellent performance, especially in graphics-intensive applications. Both phones handle demanding tasks with ease, making the difference negligible for many users.
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung S21 generally has a better display. It features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, leading to smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 12 offers a vibrant Super Retina XDR display, but it’s limited to 60Hz. The S21’s screen is also slightly brighter, making it easier to see in sunlight. The S21’s display is a standout feature.
Which phone has a better camera?
Both phones have excellent cameras. The iPhone 12 excels in low-light photography, producing great images. The Samsung S21 offers more versatile options, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom and 8K video recording. The best choice depends on your photographic preferences. The S21’s versatile system is hard to beat.
Which phone has better battery life?
Battery life is comparable on both phones, but it varies depending on usage. Moderate users should experience all-day battery life on both. Heavy users might need to charge either device before the end of the day. The S21’s 120Hz display can impact battery life, so consider this when choosing.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are durable, featuring water resistance. The iPhone 12 has a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased drop resistance. The Samsung S21 has a metal frame and a plastic or glass back, depending on the model. Both are well-built, but the iPhone’s Ceramic Shield is a notable feature for drop protection.
Which phone offers a better user experience?
The user experience is largely based on personal preference for iOS or Android. The iPhone 12 offers the user-friendly iOS with its intuitive interface. The Samsung S21 runs on Android, with Samsung’s One UI offering customization options. Both provide excellent experiences, but the best depends on your preferred ecosystem.
Which phone is more expensive?
The initial prices of both phones were similar, but they vary based on storage and promotions. Prices on the used market fluctuate. Consider the features you need and your budget to determine which offers the better value. Both phones are premium devices, and prices reflect their high-end capabilities.
Final Verdict
Both the iPhone 12 and Samsung S21 are excellent smartphones with their strengths. The iPhone 12 excels in low-light photography and offers a user-friendly experience with iOS. The Samsung S21 shines with its versatile camera system, smoother display, and the flexibility of Android. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Winner: Samsung S21