Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£233.80£1,220.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G starts at £233.80, £98.90 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max both offer large, high-quality screens and strong camera setups, but they suit different users. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a larger screen and a higher resolution, with more RAM and a much bigger battery, which is ideal if you want a phone that can handle heavy multitasking and long use between charges. Each uses a different operating system and connector, so your choice may also depend on which ecosystem you prefer and what accessories you already have.
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems. These factors affect how long the phone lasts during use and whether it stays current with new features.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This means the Galaxy can support longer use between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life for heavy daily use or long periods away from power sources.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G runs on Android, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses iOS. Your preference for apps, interface, and ecosystem may guide your choice here.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality impacts how you see content and interact with your phone. These devices differ in size, resolution, and display type.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a 6.9 inch screen, slightly larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6.7 inch. This extra space gives more room for watching videos or browsing, which can suit users who value a bigger display.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3200, the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G provides a sharper picture than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 1284 x 2778. This is noticeable when viewing detailed images or text, appealing to those who want the highest possible clarity.
Screen Type
The Galaxy uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the iPhone has a Super Retina XDR OLED. Both provide vivid colours and deep blacks, but each offers a slightly different visual experience that may come down to personal taste.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera and front camera specs affect photo and video quality, key for users who prioritise imaging.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G features a quadruple camera setup with a 108 megapixel main camera, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple camera setup with a 12 megapixel main camera. This means the Galaxy can capture more detailed photos, which suits users who want higher resolution images.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a 40 megapixel front camera compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12 megapixels. This difference benefits those who take many selfies or video calls and want clearer, more detailed front-facing images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other features such as connectors, storage, size, and network compatibility can influence daily use and accessory choices.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, giving more flexibility for those who need extra space for apps, photos, or media. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is available with 128GB storage in our stock.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage beyond the built-in capacity. This suits users who prefer adding storage later or swapping cards. The iPhone 12 Pro Max does not support expandable storage.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, which might influence your choice based on your existing cables and chargers.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G measures 166.9 mm in height, 76 mm in width, and has a depth of 8.8 mm, weighing 222 g. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly taller at 160.8 mm, wider at 78.1 mm, and has a depth of 7.4 mm, weighing 226 g. These small differences may affect how the phone feels in your hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £233.80, £98.90 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G report it looks like new even when refurbished and praise the excellent condition with no marks. Several mention the phone fits heavy use well thanks to its 12GB RAM and large screen resolution. Battery life receives mixed comments, with some finding it lasts well and others wishing it lasted longer. The phone is described as good for taking nice photos and handling day-to-day tasks without problems.
Buyers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max highlight the device's like-new appearance and reliable performance. Many are happy with the battery lasting all day and the storage options fitting their needs. The screen and overall look receive positive remarks, with users noting the phone works perfectly and suits those wanting good-quality refurbished tech. A few customers faced issues around condition or order errors, but most found the device met their expectations.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G suits users who want a large, high-resolution screen, a very detailed camera, and a bigger battery for longer use. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is better for those who prefer iOS, want the latest software updates, and appreciate a range of storage sizes.
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £233.80 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
