Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Starting at
£163.65£759.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G starts at £163.65, £169.05 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max both come from 2020 but suit different types of users. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers a larger battery and a slightly smaller but still roomy Super AMOLED screen. It supports expandable storage and dual physical SIM cards, which can appeal to those who value flexibility and longer daily use without charging. It offers more storage options and a front camera with lower megapixels but runs on iOS, ideal if you prefer Apple's ecosystem. Both phones support 5G and have triple rear cameras with the same main camera resolution, giving you strong photographic capabilities either way.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone lasts daily and how long it can stay current with new features.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which provides more capacity for longer usage between charges. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is smaller but still sufficient for all-day use according to customers.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G runs on Android, offering more customisation options and a wide range of app choices. The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs on iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and devices.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM and storage options. These influence how fast the phone feels, multitasks and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Apple A14 Bionic. Both chipsets offer strong performance for everyday apps and games, suiting users who want smooth operation.
RAM
Both devices have 6 GB of RAM, which supports running multiple apps and smooth multitasking. This amount is suitable for most everyday tasks and moderate multitasking needs.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, which should hold plenty of apps, photos and media. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 128GB, 256GB and a larger 512GB option for users who need more space without relying on external memory.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see content for work, entertainment and photos. Differences in size, resolution and display type shape the viewing experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 6.5 inch screen, which is spacious for browsing and watching videos. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a slightly larger 6.7 inch screen, offering a bit more room for immersive viewing.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, which results in a sharper display for detailed images and text. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, which still provides clear and vibrant visuals.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G uses a Super AMOLED display, known for bright colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which provides high contrast and accurate colours, ideal for photo and video viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front-facing camera resolution. These affect how you capture photos and video calls.
Camera Setup
Both phones have triple rear cameras with a main camera resolution of 12 megapixels. This setup allows versatile photography with multiple lenses for different perspectives.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video chats. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which still delivers high quality images but with fewer pixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other features include network compatibility, physical characteristics and extras like SIM options and connectors that can influence daily use.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving the freedom to use various carriers and benefit from faster mobile data speeds.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which is helpful if you want separate numbers on one device. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses one physical SIM and one eSIM, offering flexibility for users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G includes a microSDXC slot, allowing storage expansion with a memory card. This suits users who want to add more space for photos and files. The iPhone 12 Pro Max does not include this feature.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G measures 159.8 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide and 8.4 mm deep, weighing 190 g. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly taller at 160.8 mm, wider at 78.1 mm, thinner at 7.4 mm and heavier at 226 g. These differences affect how the phones feel in your hand and pocket.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 FE 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 specific to Apple devices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 FE 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £163.65, £169.05 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Nov 2025)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S20 FE 5G often praise its excellent condition and good value for money. Many say the phone feels almost new, with no marks or only tiny scratches. Users highlight the smooth performance and long battery life that lasts all day. Some appreciate the expandable storage option with an SD card and the solid feel of the phone. A few mention easy setup and fast app transfers while others enjoy the bright screen and customisation options. However, there are a small number of less happy customers who report usability or battery issues.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is well liked for its pristine condition and reliable battery that lasts all day. Customers appreciate the sharp and elegant design and the availability of larger storage options. Many say the phone works perfectly with no noticeable scratches or marks. Some mention it feels like new and is a good choice for those upgrading within Apple's ecosystem. There are a few reports of issues with device condition and battery health but most users are very satisfied with the phone's performance and screen quality.
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G suits buyers who want a larger battery, expandable storage and dual physical SIMs, with a bright AMOLED screen. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is ideal for users who prefer a higher resolution screen, the iOS environment and more storage choices, with support for the latest software updates.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £163.65 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G ended in Nov 2025. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
