S21 5g vs iPhone 12: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 12? You’re not alone. Both phones are powerhouses, packed with features and designed to impress. This comparison dives deep to help you make the right decision for your needs.
The S21 5G offers a stunning display and a versatile camera system, while the iPhone 12 boasts a sleek design and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. We’ll explore the key differences, from performance and display quality to camera capabilities and battery life.
Get ready to discover which phone truly deserves a place in your pocket. We’ll examine the pros and cons of both the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 12, breaking down everything you need to know to make an informed choice. Let’s find out which one comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s21 5g | 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 chip |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 2815 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable | iOS 14, upgradable |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
- S21 5g: Features a vibrant 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The display is bright and offers excellent color accuracy, but can be prone to accidental touches on the curved edges.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with excellent color accuracy and HDR support. The display is sharp and offers great viewing angles, but lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found on the S21.
- Winner: s21 5g
Display
- S21 5g: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 (in the US) or Exynos 2100 (in other regions), offering exceptional performance for gaming and multitasking. The performance is consistently strong, but the Exynos variant can sometimes lag behind the Snapdragon in benchmarks.
- iPhone 12: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, known for its blazing-fast performance and efficiency. The A14 consistently outperforms its Android competitors in raw power and is optimized for the iOS ecosystem.
- Winner: iphone 12
Processor
- S21 5g: Features a versatile triple-lens camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors and impressive zoom capabilities. The software processing can sometimes oversaturate images.
- iPhone 12: Includes a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses. Captures stunning photos and videos with natural colors and excellent dynamic range. The camera system is simple to use and offers consistent results.
- Winner: s21 5g
Camera
- S21 5g: Comes with a 4000mAh battery that provides all-day battery life for moderate to heavy usage. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and the refresh rate settings.
- iPhone 12: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. The battery life is generally good, but can be shorter than the S21 depending on usage.
- Winner: s21 5g
Battery Life
- S21 5g: Features a sleek and modern design with a contoured camera module. The phone is available in a variety of colors and offers a premium feel. The plastic back can feel less premium than the iPhone 12’s glass back.
- iPhone 12: Sports a flat-edged design with a premium glass back and aluminum frame. The design is iconic and feels incredibly solid. The flat edges can feel uncomfortable for some users.
- Winner: iphone 12
Design
- S21 5g: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering a highly customizable experience with a vast app selection. The interface offers many features, but can be overwhelming for some users.
- iPhone 12: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration, and strong privacy features. The ecosystem is tightly integrated, but offers less customization than Android.
- Winner: iphone 12
Operating System
- S21 5g: Offers excellent 5G connectivity, supporting both mmWave and sub-6GHz networks, providing fast download and upload speeds. 5G performance is dependent on network availability.
- iPhone 12: Also supports 5G connectivity, with good performance on both mmWave and sub-6GHz networks. 5G performance is dependent on network availability.
- Winner: Tie
5G Connectivity
- S21 5g: Generally available at a slightly lower price point compared to the iPhone 12, especially used. Offers a good value proposition for its features.
- iPhone 12: Typically priced at a premium, reflecting its brand value and performance. The price is higher than the S21, but it retains its value well.
- Winner: s21 5g
Price
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Processor Performance | Tie |
| Camera Versatility | s21 5g |
| Software Ecosystem | iPhone 12 |
| Battery Life | s21 5g |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12 are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and submersion.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp displays, providing excellent visual experiences for media consumption and everyday use.
- Fast Processors: Both devices are equipped with powerful processors, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and running demanding applications.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing for convenient and cable-free charging options.
S21 5G Vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
The S21 5G and iPhone 12 both offer exceptional performance, but with different approaches. The S21 5G, often featuring a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, excels in raw power and gaming capabilities, especially in the graphics department. Its Android operating system allows for extensive customization and multitasking features. The iPhone 12, powered by the A14 Bionic chip, delivers fluid performance and optimized software integration. iOS’s efficient resource management contributes to a snappy user experience. Ultimately, both phones handle demanding tasks with ease, but their strengths lie in different areas: raw power versus software optimization.
Display and Design
Both phones boast stunning displays and premium designs. The S21 5G often features a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more immersive visuals. Its design includes a sleek camera bump that blends into the frame. The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display known for its accurate color reproduction and impressive brightness. Its flat-edged design offers a modern and durable aesthetic. The choice depends on personal preferences: the S21 5G’s smooth refresh rate or the iPhone 12’s color accuracy and iconic design. Both phones are crafted with premium materials.
Camera Capabilities
The S21 5G and iPhone 12 both excel in photography, albeit with different strengths. The S21 5G’s versatile camera system, typically featuring multiple lenses, offers excellent zoom capabilities and a variety of shooting modes. Its software processing often delivers vibrant and dynamic images. The iPhone 12’s camera, known for its consistent performance, captures natural-looking photos and videos with excellent dynamic range. Its computational photography enhances images without over-processing. The best choice depends on what you prioritize: versatility and zoom capabilities or natural and consistent results.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any smartphone. The S21 5G’s battery life can vary depending on usage, but it generally offers all-day performance. It often supports fast charging and wireless charging. The iPhone 12 also provides all-day battery life for typical usage, and it offers fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging. The specific battery life performance can be influenced by the display settings and the user’s specific usage patterns. Both phones allow for convenient charging options. The S21 5G offers a slight edge on charging speeds, but both offer solid battery performance overall.
Software and Ecosystem
The S21 5G runs on Android, offering a high degree of customization and access to a vast ecosystem of apps and services. Android’s open nature provides flexibility and choice. The iPhone 12 runs on iOS, known for its user-friendly interface, tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem, and focus on privacy. iOS provides a seamless experience for users already invested in Apple’s products. The choice depends on personal preferences regarding software customization, ecosystem integration, and the desired level of control over the device. Both operating systems have their strengths.
Price and Value
The price of both the S21 5G and the iPhone 12 can vary depending on the storage configuration and the retailer. Generally, the initial price points are comparable. Considering the features and capabilities offered, both phones offer excellent value. The S21 5G often provides a more feature-rich experience, while the iPhone 12 offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience. The overall value depends on your priorities: a versatile feature set or seamless user experience. Look for sales and promotions to find the best deals on either device.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s21 5g If…
- You prefer Android’s customization options and user interface.
- You want a phone with a versatile triple-lens camera system with advanced zoom capabilities.
- You value expandable storage via microSD card (though not available in all regions).
- You desire a larger battery capacity.
Buy iphone 12 If…
- You prefer the simplicity and ecosystem integration of iOS.
- You prioritize a seamless user experience and software updates.
- You prefer a smaller, more compact design.
- You are invested in the Apple ecosystem (e.g., AirPods, Apple Watch).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The S21 5G often features a high refresh rate AMOLED display, providing smoother scrolling. The iPhone 12 has a Super Retina XDR display with excellent color accuracy. The choice depends on preference for either smooth visuals or color accuracy.
Which phone takes better photos?
Both phones take great photos. The S21 5G offers versatility with multiple lenses and zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 excels at natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range and consistent results. The “better” phone depends on the user’s preference for shooting style.
Which phone has better battery life?
Battery life is comparable on both phones, providing all-day performance for average use. Actual battery life varies based on usage patterns and settings. Factors like display brightness and the use of power-hungry applications will influence the overall battery drain on both devices.
Which phone is faster?
Both phones are incredibly fast, but in slightly different ways. The S21 5G often excels in raw power and gaming performance. The iPhone 12 is known for its optimized software and fluid user experience. Both devices handle demanding tasks with ease.
Which phone has more features?
The S21 5G generally offers a wider array of features, including more camera options, expandable storage, and more customization options within the Android operating system. The iPhone 12 offers a more streamlined experience, prioritizing ease of use and integration within the Apple ecosystem. The choice relies on individual requirements.
Which phone has a better operating system?
This is subjective. Android offers extensive customization and an open ecosystem. iOS is known for its user-friendly interface, security, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. The “better” OS depends on personal preferences regarding control and ecosystem preference.
Which phone should I buy?
The best phone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your priorities regarding camera features, performance, battery life, software preference, and ecosystem integration when making your decision between the S21 5G and the iPhone 12.
Final Verdict
The S21 5G and iPhone 12 offer premium experiences, each with distinct strengths. The S21 5G excels in versatile features and raw power, while the iPhone 12 prioritizes seamless software integration and a user-friendly experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs.
Winner: Tie