Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note20 5G
Starting at
£190.00
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Note20 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Note20 5G starts at £190, £142.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy Note20 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED Plus on the Galaxy Note20 5G, Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy Note20 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max both offer large 6.7 inch displays and triple rear cameras but they differ in some key ways. The Note20 5G has a larger 4300 mAh battery and more RAM at 8 GB which suits users who prioritise longer battery life and keeping many apps open. Storage options also vary with the iPhone offering up to 512GB.
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
- BronzeSold out
- GreySold out
- GreenSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity software updates and operating system. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge and whether it can run the latest apps and security features.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note20 5G has a 4300 mAh battery which is larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This means the Note20 5G may last longer between charges which is useful if you often use your phone heavily throughout the day or want less frequent charging.
Operating System
The Note20 5G runs Android while the iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS. Your choice depends on which system you prefer or are already familiar with as this affects app availability and user experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see videos photos and apps. Both phones have the same screen size but differ in resolution and display technology.
Screen Size
Both the Galaxy Note20 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max offer large 6.7 inch screens. This provides plenty of room for watching videos browsing and typing comfortably.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels compared to the Note20 5G's 1080 x 2400. This means the iPhone screen shows more detail and sharper images. The Note20 5G uses a Super AMOLED Plus screen well known for vibrant colours and deep blacks while the iPhone features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen which is also excellent for clear and bright visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution matter for photos and video calls. Both phones have triple rear cameras and similar main camera megapixels.
Camera Setup
Both phones have triple rear cameras with 12 megapixels for the main sensor. This similarity means both are capable of taking detailed photos with versatile shooting options.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera slightly higher than the Galaxy Note20 5G's 10 megapixels. This can help capture more detail in selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other practical differences include connectivity size and storage options. These affect everyday use and compatibility with accessories.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Note20 5G is available in 128GB and 256GB while the iPhone 12 Pro Max adds a 512GB option. If you need very large storage for apps media or files the iPhone offers more choices.
Connector Type
The Galaxy Note20 5G uses a USB-C connector common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector which may require different cables or chargers.
SIM Card Setup
The Note20 5G supports dual physical SIM cards useful for managing two phone numbers with physical SIMs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports one physical SIM and an eSIM which is a digital SIM allowing easier switching without a physical card.
Size and Weight
The Note20 5G measures 161.6 mm tall 75.2 mm wide 8.3 mm deep and weighs 192 g. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly taller at 160.8 mm wider at 78.1 mm deeper at 7.4 mm and heavier at 226 g. These differences may affect how the phone feels in your hand or pocket.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks making them compatible with a wide range of carriers and future-proof for faster mobile data.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note20 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note20 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £190, £142.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4300 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Sep 2025)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Note20 5G say the phone looks like new and works perfectly. Many mention the battery lasts well and appreciate the included accessories like a case and screen protector. Some highlight the phone's clean condition despite being refurbished and others note the ease of data transfer. A few customers mention minor marks that do not affect use and one notes the S Pen was replaced by a third party version. Overall buyers find it a great value and reliable device.
Buyers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max praise its like-new appearance and long-lasting battery that easily gets through a day. The phone's colour and screen quality receive positive remarks and many are happy with the storage capacity options. Customers appreciate the phone's speed and smooth performance with some saying they will buy refurbished phones again. A few note minor cosmetic issues that do not affect function. However a small number of customers report serious problems such as unresponsive screens and battery health issues.
The Galaxy Note20 5G suits those who want strong battery life more RAM and Android's flexibility. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good fit for users who want the latest iOS updates higher screen resolution and larger storage options.
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy Note20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen type. The Galaxy Note20 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy Note20 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £190 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy Note20 5G has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note20 5G ended in Sep 2025. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note20 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
