Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting at
£269.45£1,199.99 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra starts at £269.45, £63.25 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 12 Pro Max both offer large screens and strong cameras but suit different needs. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a larger battery, more RAM, and a higher resolution screen, making it a good choice if you want long battery life and detailed photos. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone offering more variety. Your choice depends on what you value most: battery and camera detail or software updates and network speed.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system, all of which affect how long the phone meets your needs and how it performs day to day.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This means the Galaxy S20 Ultra may last longer between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life throughout the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 Ultra runs on Android, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses iOS. Each system offers a different user experience and app ecosystem, so your preference here will influence your choice.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, gaming, and daily use. Screen size, resolution and panel technology all play a role in this.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen, slightly larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6.7 inch display. This extra size offers more room for watching videos or multitasking.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3200, the Galaxy S20 Ultra delivers sharper detail compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 1284 x 2778 screen. This higher resolution benefits those who want crisp text and images.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, but the naming may reflect differences in display technology preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera and front camera specs determine the quality of your photos and selfies. More megapixels can capture finer detail, and the number of main cameras affects versatility.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a quadruple camera system, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's triple cameras. This may provide more options for different types of shots, like wide-angle or zoom.
Main Camera Megapixels
With 108 megapixels, the Galaxy S20 Ultra's main camera captures more detail than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12 megapixels. This suits photographers who want high-resolution images.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a 40 megapixel front camera, significantly higher than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12 megapixels. This is ideal if you take many selfies or use video calls and want detailed results.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Various features like network type, connectors, and storage options affect how the phone fits your daily routine and accessories.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports 4G, which suits users who do not require the latest network speeds.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, giving you more choice depending on how much space you need. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is stocked with 128GB.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 Ultra includes a microSDXC slot for adding extra storage, which is useful if you want to increase space without buying a higher storage model.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has dual physical SIM slots, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses one physical SIM plus an eSIM. Your preference for SIM types and managing multiple numbers will guide this choice.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses a USB-C connector, a common standard for charging and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, which fits Apple's ecosystem.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 Ultra or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £269.45, £63.25 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)
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra often praise its condition, with many saying it looks brand new or better than described. Several mention the battery life remains good and the phone performs well with fast app loading. The large camera and wireless charging were highlighted positively, along with the phone's overall performance after initial setup. A few customers noted minor issues like leftover data from previous owners or screen problems, but most remain satisfied and recommend it. The device suits users who want a high-performing Android phone with a large screen and detailed cameras.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 Pro Max emphasise the phone's excellent condition and reliable battery that lasts all day. Customers appreciate the pristine look and smooth operation, with some upgrading from earlier iPhones for more storage. The colour options and elegant design are also mentioned positively. A few customers report serious issues with battery health or screen responsiveness, but the majority express satisfaction and would recommend the phone. This device suits users who want a polished iOS experience with good battery life and multiple storage choices.
Both phones attract buyers who value condition and performance in a refurbished device. The Galaxy S20 Ultra appeals to those focused on camera detail and battery capacity, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those who prefer iOS, 5G connectivity, and storage flexibility.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £269.45 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3687 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 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
