S21 vs iPhone 12: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield. With so many options, how do you decide which one is right for you? This comparison dives headfirst into the battle of titans: the Samsung Galaxy S21 versus the Apple iPhone 12.
Both phones boast cutting-edge features and premium designs, but they cater to different preferences. The S21 and iPhone 12 represent the best of Android and iOS, respectively. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a loyal Android user considering a switch or an iPhone enthusiast curious about the competition, this comparison is your ultimate guide. Get ready to explore the key differences in performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and overall user experience to determine which phone truly deserves your attention.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | S21 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4000 mAh | 2815 mAh |
| Charging | Fast Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging, MagSafe |
| Operating System | Android 11 | iOS 14 |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S21: Features a vibrant 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. Offers excellent brightness and color accuracy. However, the screen size might feel small to some users.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, known for its sharp visuals and accurate colors. Offers good brightness and HDR support. The notch at the top of the screen can be a distraction for some.
- Winner: s21
Processor
- S21: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 (US/China) or Exynos 2100 (rest of world) processor, providing fast performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Offers strong performance, but Exynos versions sometimes lag behind Snapdragon.
- iPhone 12: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, known for its blazing-fast performance and efficiency. Delivers a consistently smooth and responsive user experience.
- Winner: iphone 12
Camera
- S21: Features a versatile triple-lens camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. Offers excellent image quality, especially in daylight, and a variety of shooting modes.
- iPhone 12: Packs a dual-camera system with 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses. Delivers excellent image quality, especially in low light, with great video recording capabilities.
- Winner: s21
Battery Life
- S21: Has a 4000mAh battery, providing decent battery life for moderate use. Battery life can be shorter with heavy usage or high refresh rate enabled.
- iPhone 12: Features a smaller battery, leading to slightly shorter battery life compared to the S21. Battery life is acceptable for a day of use, but may require charging before the end of the day for heavy users.
- Winner: s21
Design
- S21: Features a sleek and modern design with a contoured camera housing that blends into the frame. Uses a plastic back (on base model) which can feel less premium.
- iPhone 12: Offers a flat-edged design with a premium build using a glass back and aluminum frame. Aesthetically pleasing and feels high quality.
- Winner: iphone 12
Software
- S21: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering a highly customizable interface with a wide range of features. Offers a lot of features, but can feel overwhelming to some users.
- iPhone 12: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, simplicity, and tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Offers a streamlined experience and regular software updates.
- Winner: iphone 12
Storage & Price
- S21: Offers a starting storage of 128GB, with options for 256GB. Price is competitive, but can vary depending on the retailer and promotions.
- iPhone 12: Also starts with 64GB of storage, with options for 128GB and 256GB. Generally more expensive than the S21 at launch.
- Winner: s21
5G Connectivity
- S21: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available. Offers good 5G performance.
- iPhone 12: Also supports 5G connectivity, providing fast data speeds. Excellent 5G performance.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | S21 |
| Battery Life | S21 |
| Software | iPhone 12 |
| Ecosystem | iPhone 12 |
| Expandability | S21 |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G networks, ensuring fast download and upload speeds where available. This allows for smoother streaming and quicker online gaming.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S21 and iPhone 12 are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against accidental spills and submersion. This is a must for modern phones.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing users to charge their devices without the need for cables. This adds convenience to the charging experience.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp displays, providing an immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and browsing. The difference is the technology used.
- Dual-Camera Systems: Both phones have versatile dual-camera setups, enabling users to capture stunning photos and videos in various scenarios. They are designed for ease of use.
S21 vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a sleek design with a contour-cut camera housing, offering a modern aesthetic. It features a plastic back on the base model, which some may find less premium than the iPhone 12’s glass back. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, sports a flat-edge design with a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Both phones are water-resistant, but the iPhone 12 generally feels more premium due to its materials.
The S21 offers a more vibrant color selection, while the iPhone 12 keeps it simple with classic colors. The choice often comes down to personal preference for aesthetics and how important the materials feel in hand.
Display Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing a smoother scrolling experience. The iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR display, which offers excellent color accuracy and brightness. While not as smooth as the S21’s 120Hz, the iPhone 12’s display is still exceptionally good.
Both phones provide excellent viewing experiences, but the S21’s higher refresh rate gives it an edge for everyday use and gaming. Users who prioritize the most fluid animations will find the S21 more appealing.
Performance and Software
The S21 is powered by either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor (depending on the region), offering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks and gaming. The iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip, which is also incredibly powerful and known for its efficiency. Both phones offer smooth multitasking and quick app loading.
Software preference is a key differentiator. The S21 runs Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering extensive customization options. The iPhone 12 runs iOS, known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration. Your preferred ecosystem will influence your choice.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a versatile triple-lens camera system, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. It excels in zoom capabilities and offers unique features like Single Take. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system that delivers outstanding photos and videos, especially in low light. Its image processing is known for its natural-looking results.
Both phones take excellent photos, but the S21 provides more flexibility with its additional lens and features. The iPhone 12 shines in its simplicity and consistently great results, particularly for point-and-shoot photography. Video recording is excellent on both devices.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life on the S21 can vary depending on usage, but it generally offers all-day battery life for moderate use. The iPhone 12 also provides all-day battery life, with similar performance in average situations. Both phones support fast charging, but the S21 does not include a charger in the box.
The iPhone 12 does not include a charger in the box either. The S21 tends to have a slightly better battery efficiency, while the iPhone 12 has a slightly more efficient charging. Charging speeds are comparable, with fast charging capabilities on both.
Price and Value
The initial price of the S21 and iPhone 12 were comparable. However, the price may vary based on storage configurations and current market pricing. Consideration should be given to the overall value proposition, considering features, performance, and long-term software support. The S21’s camera versatility and display refresh rate are valuable features.
Apple’s ecosystem benefits are a factor for some, including ease of use and seamless integration. The best value is the one that meets the user’s demands. Considering each phone’s strengths and weaknesses, the cost should be considered.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy S21 If…
- You prefer Android’s open ecosystem and customization options.
- You want expandable storage via a microSD card.
- You value a versatile camera system with more features.
- You prefer a phone with reverse wireless charging.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You prefer the simplicity and user-friendliness of iOS.
- You are invested in the Apple ecosystem and its services.
- You prioritize a seamless and well-optimized user experience.
- You want access to the latest software updates for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in design?
The S21 features a contour-cut camera design and a plastic back on the base model, while the iPhone 12 has a flat-edge design with a glass back and Ceramic Shield front. The S21 offers a wider variety of colors, while the iPhone 12 has classic, sleek colors. Both are water-resistant, but the iPhone 12 has a more premium feel.
Which phone has a better display?
The S21 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and a smoother experience. The iPhone 12’s Super Retina XDR display provides excellent color accuracy and brightness. The S21’s higher refresh rate gives it an edge for smoother animations and gaming.
How does the performance compare?
Both phones offer exceptional performance. The S21 uses either Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processors, while the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip. Both provide swift multitasking and app loading. The choice may depend on the user’s preferred operating system, as the S21 runs Android, and the iPhone 12 runs iOS.
Which phone has a better camera?
The S21 has a versatile triple-lens camera system with excellent zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system with superb image quality, especially in low light. Both phones take great photos, but the S21 offers more features, while the iPhone 12 focuses on simplicity and excellent image processing.
How is the battery life on each phone?
Both the S21 and iPhone 12 offer all-day battery life with moderate use. Battery life can vary based on usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging, although neither includes a charger in the box. Battery performance is quite comparable between the S21 and iPhone 12.
What are the differences in software?
The S21 runs Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering high customization options. The iPhone 12 runs iOS, known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration. The user’s preference for Android or iOS will heavily influence the choice, as each offers a unique experience and ecosystem.
Which phone is the better value?
The value of both phones is comparable, however, price can vary based on storage configurations and current market pricing. When choosing, consider features, performance, and long-term software support. Consider also the ecosystem benefits of each phone and what your needs are.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 and iPhone 12 both offer compelling features and performance. The S21 excels with its versatile camera system, vibrant display, and higher refresh rate, providing a more feature-rich experience. The iPhone 12 stands out with its seamless software integration, user-friendliness, and exceptional camera performance. The better choice depends on individual preferences for features and operating systems.
Winner: Tie