Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Galaxy S10 5G
Starting at
£235.29£1,099.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S10 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S10 5G starts at £235.29, £97.41 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 9820 (8 nm), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10 5G, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S10 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S10 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S10 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro Max both offer 5G connectivity and large 6.7 inch screens, but they suit different users. The Galaxy S10 5G has a larger battery and more RAM, which benefits those who need longer daily use and multitasking capacity on Android. The Galaxy S10 5G is lighter, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is heavier and offers a higher front camera resolution. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS, battery size, storage needs, and camera detail.
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system, all crucial for daily reliability and longevity. The Galaxy S10 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max differ notably in these areas.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S10 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This means the Galaxy S10 5G can support longer use between charges, which is useful if you spend a lot of time away from power sources. The iPhone 12 Pro Max's battery still lasts well for everyday use but may require more frequent charging in heavy use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S10 5G runs Android, appealing to users who prefer the flexibility and customisation of this system. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and apps. Your choice here depends on your preferred ecosystem.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options, affecting how smoothly apps run and how much space is available for files and media.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy S10 5G uses either the Exynos 9820 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Apple A14 Bionic. The A14 Bionic is a newer chipset, which can offer different performance characteristics depending on your use, especially for tasks optimised for iOS.
RAM Size
The Galaxy S10 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly in the background. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, which is optimised for iOS and works well for everyday multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S10 5G is stocked with 256GB of storage, suitable for most users who keep many apps and media. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more storage flexibility with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering to users who need very large storage capacities.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, with resolution and screen type influencing sharpness and colour. Both phones have the same screen size, but the screen technology and resolution differ.
Resolution and Display
The Galaxy S10 5G has a higher resolution at 1440 x 3040 pixels, which means sharper detail especially for high definition videos and images. Its Dynamic AMOLED screen delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels on a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers excellent colour accuracy and brightness, ideal for viewing in different lighting conditions.
Screen Size
Both phones share a large 6.7 inch screen, giving plenty of room for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The size suits those who want an immersive experience without moving to a tablet.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features like cameras influence selfie quality and photo detail, key for users who use their phone for pictures and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering higher resolution selfies and video call quality. The Galaxy S10 5G's front camera is 10 megapixels, which still delivers clear images but with slightly less detail.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, providing similar detail levels in photos. This suits users who want good quality shots for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other practical differences include physical size, weight, SIM options, and carrier compatibility, which affect how the phone fits in your daily life.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S10 5G is lighter at 157 g and slightly narrower at 77.1 mm width and 162.6 mm height, making it easier to hold for some users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max weighs 226 g and measures 78.1 mm in width and 160.8 mm in height, which might feel more substantial in hand.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S10 5G uses a physical SIM card, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM. The dual SIM capability can benefit users who want to manage two numbers on one device.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible carrier. They both support 5G networks, allowing for faster mobile internet where available.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S10 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S10 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £97.41 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4500 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)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S10 5G praise its condition and reliability, often noting that it feels like new even after months of use. They appreciate the battery life, with several mentioning it lasts all day, and value the phone's performance for everyday use. Some users highlight smooth app transfers, making it a dependable choice. A few mention minor issues such as 5G signal problems or foreign language settings, but these do not affect their overall satisfaction.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is well regarded by customers for its pristine condition and long-lasting battery, with many saying it performs perfectly and looks like new. Users value the storage options and design, and several highlight the phone's suitability for those coming from earlier iPhones needing more space. Some customers report minor cosmetic marks that are barely noticeable or disappear with a case. However, a small number of customers have experienced problems with screen responsiveness and battery health, which they found disappointing.
Overall, the Galaxy S10 5G suits those who want a lighter Android phone with a larger battery and ample RAM for multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro Max fits users who prefer iOS with ongoing software updates, more storage choices, and a higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies.
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S10 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy S10 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S10 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S10 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S10 5G no longer gets updates. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S10 5G comes in 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
