Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at
£161.35£899.00 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone 12?
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G starts at £161.35, £8.65 less than the iPhone 12.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- The Galaxy S20 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S20 5G, 6.1 inch on the iPhone 12.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 specs
The Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone 12, both released in 2020, offer distinct features suited to different users. The Galaxy S20 5G has a larger battery and more RAM, making it suitable if you want longer battery capacity and multitasking with many apps. The Galaxy's camera setup includes four lenses, ideal for versatile photography, compared to the iPhone's two main lenses but with a higher resolution front camera. Storage options vary, with the iPhone available in smaller sizes too. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS and which features matter most in daily use.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system. These affect how long the device lasts on a charge and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the Galaxy S20 5G is likely to provide longer use between charges, which benefits users who need extended battery life throughout the day. The iPhone 12's battery is smaller but may suit those who charge more frequently or use power-saving modes.
Operating System Preference
The Galaxy S20 5G runs Android, offering flexibility and customisation popular with many users. The iPhone 12 runs iOS, known for its integration with other Apple devices and consistent software experience. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer for daily use.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, refresh rate, and type. These affect how sharp, smooth, and vibrant your viewing experience is.
Refresh Rate and Smoothness
The Galaxy S20 5G has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to the iPhone 12's 60 Hz. This smoother motion is noticeable when browsing or gaming, making the Galaxy S20 5G suitable if you value fluid screen performance.
Resolution and Screen Size
The Galaxy S20 5G has a 6.2 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering more pixels and a slightly larger display than the iPhone 12's 6.1 inch screen at 1170 x 2532 pixels. This means the Galaxy S20 5G delivers a sharper image and more screen space, useful for watching videos or multitasking.
Screen Type and Display Quality
The Galaxy S20 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, while the iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks. The choice depends on which display you prefer, with the Galaxy's Dynamic AMOLED 2X suited for bright, colourful viewing and the iPhone's Super Retina XDR OLED known for accurate colours and high contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing camera resolution. These impact photo quality and selfie detail.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 5G has a quadruple main camera system, giving more options for different types of photography such as wide-angle or zoom shots. The iPhone 12 has a dual main camera setup. This variety on the Galaxy S20 5G suits users who want more versatility in their photography.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 features a 12 megapixel front camera, slightly higher than the Galaxy S20 5G's 10 megapixels. This means the iPhone 12 can capture more detailed selfies, which may appeal to users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar resolution for standard photos. Users looking for consistent image quality in everyday photography will find either device suitable.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 size and design
Miscellaneous specifications include physical size, network compatibility, connectors, and storage options. These affect everyday use and convenience.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, while the iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. The iPhone 12's lower starting storage suits users who do not need as much space, while both provide larger capacities for storing apps, photos, and media.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to increase storage with a memory card. The iPhone 12 does not offer expandable storage, so you rely on the internal capacity you choose.
SIM Card Configuration
The Galaxy S20 5G supports Dual Physical SIM cards, useful if you want two separate phone numbers on one device. The iPhone 12 has a Physical SIM plus eSIM, offering a different way to use two numbers without needing two physical SIM cards.
Connectors and Size
The Galaxy S20 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 uses Apple's Lightning connector. In size, the Galaxy S20 5G is 7.9 mm deep, 151.7 mm tall, and 69.1 mm wide, while the iPhone 12 is 7.4 mm deep, 146.7 mm tall, and 71.5 mm wide. Weight is very similar, with the iPhone 12 at 164 g and the Galaxy S20 5G at 163 g.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 5G or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £8.65 less than the iPhone 12
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 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 Mar 2025)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S20 5G say it looks and works like new, often mentioning the pristine condition and fast performance. Many appreciate its good battery life and smooth operation, with some noting the ease of data transfer and the helpful inclusion of a SIM removal tool. The multiple cameras and screen quality also receive positive mention. A few customers mention concerns about battery life or heat, but overall the phone is described as responsive and reliable.
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 report that it looks brand new with no marks and performs smoothly with fast app opening and multitasking. Many mention the phone feels like a premium device, especially when paired with a new battery, and appreciate the clean screen and frame. The iPhone 12's camera and overall quality are well regarded, with users happy that they can run the latest iOS update. The inclusion of accessories like a SIM pin and phone cover is noted positively.
The Galaxy S20 5G suits those who want a larger, smoother screen with versatile camera options and expandable storage. The iPhone 12 is ideal for users who prefer iOS, value up-to-date software, and want a compact device with a detailed front camera and multiple storage sizes.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy S20 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The Galaxy S20 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 5G ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
