Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20
Starting at
£188.75£999.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 starts at £188.75, £143.95 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S20 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 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 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 and iPhone 12 Pro Max both come from 2020 and offer solid performance with some distinct features for different users. The Galaxy S20 suits those who prefer a lighter phone with a smaller 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and more RAM for multitasking. It also supports expandable storage via microSDXC card. It offers more storage options and a slightly higher resolution front camera. Battery capacity is higher on the Galaxy S20, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides newer software support and a bigger screen for media consumption.
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates and operating system. These factors influence daily reliability and how long you can expect the phone to stay current.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 has a 4000 mAh battery, which provides a larger capacity compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This might suit you if longer battery life between charges is a priority. The iPhone 12 Pro Max can still last all day according to customer feedback.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 runs Android, offering more flexibility with customisation and app choices. The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple products and a consistent app experience. Your preference for Android or iOS will guide your choice.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you experience videos, photos and everyday use. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type shape visual comfort and detail.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy S20 has a 6.2 inch screen, which makes it easier to handle with one hand or fit in smaller pockets.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S20 has a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200, which can deliver sharper images and crisper text. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 1284 x 2778 resolution, still very sharp and balanced with the larger screen size.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for bright colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features Super Retina XDR OLED, offering excellent colour accuracy and brightness. Both provide high quality displays suited for media and everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera quality affects selfies, video calls and photos. Front and main camera specs show how detailed your images can be.
Front Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering higher detail for selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy S20's 10 megapixels. This can be important if you often use your front camera for photos or calls.
Main Camera Megapixels
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, which provides similar resolution for everyday photography. Image quality will also depend on software and processing beyond megapixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Additional differences include network support, weight, size, storage options and connectors which influence compatibility and convenience.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, giving access to faster mobile data where available. The Galaxy S20 supports 4G, which still offers good speeds but not the latest generation of mobile connectivity.
Weight and Dimensions
The Galaxy S20 is lighter at 163 g and narrower at 73.7 mm wide, making it easier to carry and use with one hand. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is heavier at 226 g and wider at 78.1 mm, reflecting its larger screen size.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 is available with 128GB storage and also supports microSDXC cards for expanding storage. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more built-in storage options at 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB but does not support expandable storage.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 uses a USB Type-C connector, which is common for many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, which works with Apple-specific accessories.
SIM Card Options
Both phones offer a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing flexibility for multiple phone numbers or carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £188.75, £143.95 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (8 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 bought the Galaxy S20 highlight its clean condition, light weight, and reliable performance. Many say it looks like new and works perfectly, making it a good choice for those valuing a lighter phone with solid specs. Some customers mention minor issues such as screen responsiveness and blacklist problems, but many are very happy with their purchase and recommend PhoneMart.
Buyers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max praise its excellent battery life and pristine condition, with many saying it looks like new and performs well. The larger screen and storage options satisfy those needing more space and a bigger display. Some customers experienced minor cosmetic imperfections or issues with receiving the correct colour or device, but the majority are very pleased and would buy again.
Overall, the Galaxy S20 suits customers wanting a lighter, more compact phone with expandable storage and Android flexibility. The iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those who prefer a larger screen, 5G connectivity and the latest iOS updates.
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 is cheaper refurbished, from £188.75 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
