Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12
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Galaxy S10 5G
Starting at
£235.29£1,099.00 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S10 5G and iPhone 12?
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £65.29 less than the Galaxy S10 5G. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9820 (8 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Galaxy S10 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S10 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 specs
The Galaxy S10 5G and iPhone 12 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S10 5G has a larger battery and screen with higher resolution, ideal if you want more screen space and longer battery capacity. It runs Android and offers 8 GB of RAM for keeping multiple apps open. It has a slightly smaller, sharp Super Retina XDR OLED screen and includes both a physical SIM and eSIM. Choose the Galaxy S10 5G if you prefer a bigger display and more RAM, or the iPhone 12 if you want up-to-date iOS support and more storage options.
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge, how current the software is, and the user interface you will experience.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S10 5G has a larger 4500 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer usage between charges, especially for heavy daily use. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which is smaller but can still provide sufficient power for many users depending on how they use their phone.
Operating System
The Galaxy S10 5G runs Android, which offers a wide range of customization options and compatibility with many apps. The iPhone 12 runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple products and a consistent user experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. These influence how fast the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and how much data or media you can store.
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip built on a 5 nm process, which is designed for efficient and powerful performance. The Galaxy S10 5G uses either the Exynos 9820 (8 nm) or Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm), both capable chipsets from 2019 that handle everyday tasks well.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy S10 5G includes 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and supports smoother multitasking. The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and benefits from Apple's software optimisation to manage tasks efficiently.
Storage Variants
The iPhone 12 offers multiple storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, giving flexibility to choose the amount of space needed for apps, photos, and files. The Galaxy S10 5G comes with 256GB storage in the options stocked, providing ample space for those who need it.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality matters for viewing experience, size, and detail. The two phones offer different screen sizes and resolutions to suit varied preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S10 5G has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a 1440 x 3040 resolution, offering more room for videos and multitasking. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen at 1170 x 2532 resolution, which is smaller but still sharp and clear for most users.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S10 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers bright, accurate colours and high contrast suited for detailed images.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video quality. The front and main cameras differ slightly in megapixels, which influences image detail.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S10 5G offers a 10 megapixel front camera, sufficient for clear images and video but with slightly lower resolution.
Main Camera Quality
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, allowing for similar levels of detail in photos taken with the rear camera. This makes either suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 size and design
Other factors include network compatibility, physical dimensions, SIM options, and weight, all of which affect daily handling and connectivity.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want dual SIM functionality. The Galaxy S10 5G uses a physical SIM card only.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy S10 5G is larger and lighter, measuring 162.6 mm tall, 77.1 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighing 157 g, which may suit those who prefer a bigger screen but a lighter feel. The iPhone 12 is slightly smaller and heavier at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and 164 g, making it easier to hold with one hand.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred mobile carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S10 5G or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S10 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £65.29 less than the Galaxy S10 5G
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S10 5G praise its condition, often describing it as like new and well packed. Many note the battery lasts all day and the phone runs smoothly. Some mention that 5G connectivity is not always reliable for them and a few had minor issues with language settings, but these did not affect general use. Buyers appreciate the value and the straightforward setup process, with some purchasing multiple devices for themselves and partners.
Those who purchased the iPhone 12 highlight its excellent condition, with many stating it looks brand new without scratches or dents. Several customers chose new batteries, which they say make the phone feel premium. The iPhone 12's performance is described as smooth and fast, handling apps and multitasking well. Buyers value receiving up-to-date iOS software and the phone's reliability for everyday use. Many mention the inclusion of useful extras like screen protectors and cases.
Overall, Galaxy S10 5G customers seem to appreciate a larger screen and battery capacity for daily use, while iPhone 12 customers enjoy a polished experience with up-to-date software and multiple storage options. Both devices satisfy users looking for quality refurbished phones.
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9820 (8 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Galaxy S10 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £235.29 for the Galaxy S10 5G.
The Galaxy S10 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S10 5G no longer gets updates. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S10 5G comes in 256GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
