Updated on November 8, 2023
When it comes to smartphones, two brands that often dominate the conversation are Apple and Samsung. In this blog post, we will compare the notable features of the Apple iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21. Let’s dive in and explore what sets these devices apart.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 12 features a combination of glass front and back with an aluminum frame. With dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 164g, it offers a sleek and premium feel.
The Samsung Galaxy S21, on the other hand, boasts a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. It has dimensions of 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighs 169g.
Both devices offer IP68 dust and water resistance, but the iPhone 12 can withstand submersion in water up to 6m for 30 minutes compared to 1.5m for 30 minutes on the Galaxy S21.
Conclusion
In terms of design and build quality, both phones offer a premium look and feel. The iPhone 12’s use of Corning-made glass and the Galaxy S21’s Gorilla Glass Victus provide durability and protection against scratches. The iPhone 12 takes the lead with its higher water resistance capability.
Display Technology
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display measuring 6.1 inches, with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. The display offers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, thanks to Apple’s display technology.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 comes with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display measuring 6.2 inches, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Samsung’s display technology provides deep blacks and rich colors, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Both phones also support features like HDR10+ and offer Corning Gorilla Glass for display protection.
Conclusion
Both the iPhone 12 and the Galaxy S21 deliver impressive displays with vibrant colors, sharpness, and excellent viewing angles. While the iPhone 12’s Super Retina XDR OLED display offers higher resolution, the Galaxy S21’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display provides deep blacks and a more immersive experience.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 12 is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chipset, coupled with a hexa-core CPU and Apple GPU. It runs on iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 16.3, offering a smooth and optimized user experience.
The Galaxy S21, on the other hand, is equipped with the Exynos 2100 (5 nm) chipset (international version), along with an octa-core CPU and Mali-G78 MP14 GPU. It runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.1, providing a feature-rich and customizable interface.
Conclusion
When it comes to performance, both the iPhone 12 and the Galaxy S21 offer powerful hardware and software optimization. The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chipset and the Galaxy S21’s Exynos 2100 (international version) deliver fast and reliable performance. The choice between iOS and Android comes down to personal preference.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system with two 12 MP lenses, offering great photography capabilities in various lighting conditions. It excels in capturing detailed and vibrant shots with impressive dynamic range.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 comes with a triple-camera setup, including a 12 MP primary lens, a 64 MP telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens. It offers excellent zoom capabilities and a versatile photography experience.
Conclusion
Both phones deliver exceptional camera performance, but the Galaxy S21’s triple-camera setup offers more versatility with its telephoto lens and ultra-wide lens options. The iPhone 12 impresses with its computational photography and intuitive camera app. The choice depends on whether you prioritize versatility or exceptional image processing.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 12 houses a 2815 mAh non-removable battery, offering all-day battery life with optimized power management. It supports fast charging and wireless charging, giving users convenient options to charge their devices.
The Galaxy S21, on the other hand, comes with a larger 4000 mAh non-removable battery. It supports 25W wired charging, allowing for faster charging times.
Conclusion
Battery life is always a crucial factor for smartphone users. While the iPhone 12 offers all-day battery life, the Galaxy S21’s larger battery capacity ensures longer usage. Additionally, the Galaxy S21’s support for 25W wired charging gives it an advantage in terms of faster recharging.
Notable Features
Key Specs |  |  |
Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21 | |
Launch | 2020, October 23 | 2021, January 29 |
Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
Weight | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
Build | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
IP Rating | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches |
Display Resolution | 1170 x 2532 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio |
Display Protection | Ceramic Shield glass | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Operating System (OS) | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 16.3 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International |
CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) | Octa-core |
GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G78 MP14 - International |
Memory | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
Main Camera | Dual: 12 MP | Triple: 12 MP, 64 MP, 12 MP |
Selfie Camera | Single: 12 MP | Single: 10 MP |
USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
Battery Type | Li-Ion 2815 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
Charging | Wired | 25W wired |
Colors | Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink |
Price | $599 / €867 / £679 / C$518 / ₱43,990 / ₹48,990 / Rp14,129,394 | $214 / €849 / £780 / C$619 / ₱44,990 / ₹38,999 / Rp6,300,000 |
Full Specifications & Review |
Overall Conclusion
Both the Apple iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 offer impressive features and capabilities. The iPhone 12 stands out with its water resistance and superb computational photography, while the Galaxy S21 excels in display quality and camera versatility.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, whether it’s the ecosystem, design, or user experience. No matter which device you choose, you’ll have a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at your fingertips.
Your thoughts are welcome. Feel free to leave any comments below.
