Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting at
£269.45£1,199.99 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 12?
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £99.45 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 12 both come from 2020 but offer different strengths for different users. The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a larger screen with a higher refresh rate and a bigger battery, which suits those who prioritise multimedia and longer use without charging. Its cameras have higher megapixels and more lenses, making it appealing for detailed photography. The iPhone 12 runs iOS with ongoing software updates and supports 5G, offering a more compact size and lighter weight for those who want a phone that stays current and is easy to carry. Storage options on the iPhone 12 are more varied. The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports expandable storage via microSDXC.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates and operating systems influence how long a device suits daily use. These differ notably between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 12.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the Galaxy S20 Ultra suits users who want longer periods between charges, such as heavy media consumers or those frequently away from power sources. The iPhone 12's smaller battery fits well with a lighter, more compact design and suits users who prefer a phone that is easier to carry.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 Ultra runs on Android, offering a different user experience and app environment compared to the iPhone 12, which runs iOS. Your choice here depends on which system you prefer or are already familiar with.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen size, resolution and refresh rate affect how you experience visuals and interact with your phone. The Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 12 offer distinct screen qualities tailored to different uses.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3200 pixels, making it larger and offering more screen real estate than the iPhone 12's 6.1 inch screen at 1170 by 2532 pixels. This suits users who want more space for watching videos, gaming or multitasking on a bigger display. The iPhone 12's smaller screen is easier to handle and fits more comfortably in one hand.
Refresh Rate
With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the Galaxy S20 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to the iPhone 12's 60 Hz display. This makes the Galaxy S20 Ultra appealing for users who notice and value fluid screen motion, such as gamers or frequent social media users.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, while the iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, but the differences in display technology may affect colour accuracy and brightness preferences depending on personal taste.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera capabilities and front camera resolution differ significantly, influencing photography and video calls on each device.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a quadruple camera system, providing more lens options for different photo styles. The iPhone 12 has a double camera setup, which suits users who want straightforward, high-quality photography without multiple lenses to manage.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy S20 Ultra's main camera has 108 megapixels, capturing extremely detailed images. The iPhone 12's main camera is 12 megapixels, which is well suited for everyday photography needs with reliable image quality.
Front Camera Resolution
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S20 Ultra's 40 megapixels front camera offers higher resolution than the iPhone 12's 12 megapixels front camera. This may benefit users who prioritise detailed front-facing photos or video content.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 size and design
Several practical features like network compatibility, storage options, and physical dimensions vary between these devices and affect everyday use.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, making it suitable for users who want faster mobile data speeds where 5G coverage is available. The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports 4G, which remains sufficient for many users but offers slower maximum data speeds.
Storage Options and Expansion
The iPhone 12 comes in three storage sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, giving more choice depending on your needs. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is stocked with 128GB storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage with a memory card. This suits users needing flexible storage capacity.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is larger and heavier at 166.9 mm tall, 76 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep, and 222 g in weight. The iPhone 12 is more compact and lighter with dimensions of 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and weighing 164 g. The iPhone 12 fits more easily in pockets and one-handed use.
SIM and Connector Types
The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards and uses a USB-C connector, while the iPhone 12 uses a physical SIM plus eSIM and a Lightning connector. This may influence your choice depending on your carrier needs and accessory preferences.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 Ultra or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £99.45 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025)
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S20 Ultra often mention how good the phone looks and performs after refurbishment. Many praise the battery life and camera quality, with some noting the phone feels like new or better than expected. Several users appreciate its large screen and fast app loading. A few mention minor issues like leftover data or screen problems, but overall satisfaction with condition and performance is high.
For the iPhone 12, customers frequently highlight the phone's excellent condition and how it feels like a new device, especially when paired with a new battery option. The performance is noted as smooth with quick app opening and multitasking. Many customers appreciate the clean look and the inclusion of accessories like cases or screen protectors. The iPhone 12 is praised for being a reasonable price for a high-quality device that suits everyday use.
Both phones suit different users: the Galaxy S20 Ultra appeals to those wanting a larger, powerful phone with a detailed camera, while the iPhone 12 suits users who prefer a lighter, more compact device with the latest iOS and 5G connectivity.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £269.45 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 Ultra ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
