Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at
£161.35£1,009.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G starts at £161.35, £171.35 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S20 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max, both released in 2020, offer different strengths that suit different users. The Galaxy S20 5G has a smaller but higher resolution screen and more RAM, making it suitable if you value a crisp display and keeping many apps open. It also supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage and uses USB-C. It uses a Lightning connector and has a smaller battery capacity. Both support 5G and are unlocked, so your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS and which specs matter most in everyday use.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
These factors affect how long your phone lasts daily and how it stays current over time.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which offers more capacity compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This means the Galaxy S20 5G may last longer between charges depending on your usage. If you often need extended battery life, this could be important.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 5G runs Android, which offers different app and customization options compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's iOS. Your preference for Android or iOS will influence which device fits your needs better.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos and use apps. Differences in size, resolution and screen technology matter for your daily experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen, which provides more room for watching videos and multitasking. The Galaxy S20 5G has a 6.2 inch screen that is more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Resolution
The Galaxy S20 5G offers a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 1284 x 2778. This higher pixel count can deliver sharper details, making the Galaxy S20 5G suited for users who prioritise screen clarity.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both provide vivid colours and deep blacks but the different technologies may appeal depending on your viewing preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front sensors that affect photo quality and video calls. Differences here will matter if you use your phone for photography or selfies.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 5G has a quadruple main camera setup, offering four lenses for different photo types. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has three main cameras. This makes the Galaxy S20 5G suitable if you want more camera versatility.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, higher than the Galaxy S20 5G's 10 megapixels. This can provide more detailed selfies and video calls for users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so in terms of sensor resolution, they offer similar detail for general photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other key differences include physical size, connectivity, and storage options. These affect how the phone fits in your hand, what networks and accessories it works with, and how much data you can keep.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available with up to 512GB storage, offering more space for apps, photos and files. The Galaxy S20 5G has up to 256GB but supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage, which lets you add more space if needed.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S20 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which is useful if you want two separate phone numbers on one device. The iPhone 12 Pro Max combines a physical SIM with an eSIM, which can be more flexible if your carrier supports eSIM.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm in height and 78.1 mm wide, and weighs 226 g. The Galaxy S20 5G is smaller and lighter, measuring 151.7 mm tall, 69.1 mm wide and weighing 163 g. If you prefer a more compact and lighter phone, the Galaxy S20 5G fits better.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 5G uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, which is typical for iPhones and compatible accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £171.35 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- 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 chose the Galaxy S20 5G praise its condition, often describing it as pristine or factory fresh. They find it fast and responsive, with good battery life that usually lasts all day. Many appreciate the ease of data transfer and the quality of the screen and camera. Some mention a slight battery capacity drop or occasional heating but overall satisfaction is high. Buyers value the compact size and reliable performance making it a solid choice for those wanting a feature-rich Android phone.
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max highlight its excellent battery life lasting all day and the phone's like-new appearance often noting minimal scratches that disappear with a case. They appreciate the large, elegant design and the availability of higher storage capacities. Several customers find it a reliable upgrade especially if they previously used older iPhones. However a few report issues with the screen or battery health showing some variability in condition. The iPhone suits those who want a large, high-capacity iOS device.
Both phones have strong followings. The Galaxy S20 5G appeals if you want a lighter, smaller Android with expandable storage and a sharper screen. The iPhone 12 Pro Max fits best if you prefer iOS, a larger display and higher internal storage options.
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 5G ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
