Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,125.00 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £1.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12 are both unlocked 5G smartphones that offer smooth performance and quality screens, but they differ in several key ways. The Galaxy S21 5G has a larger battery capacity and more RAM, which suits users who run many apps or need longer battery life. Its screen refreshes at 120 Hz for extra smoothness, ideal for scrolling and gaming. The iPhone 12 has a slightly higher screen resolution and a higher megapixel front camera, which benefits those prioritising sharp visuals and selfies. The choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS, faster screen updates, and bigger battery capacity or a higher resolution display and front camera detail.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system, all of which affect how long your phone stays useful and comfortable to use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery while the iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery. This means the Galaxy S21 5G can provide longer usage between charges, which is helpful if you spend long hours away from power sources or use power-hungry apps. The iPhone 12's battery suits those with moderate daily use who can recharge more frequently.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs on Android, which offers flexibility in app choices and customisation. The iPhone 12 uses iOS, known for its consistency and integration with other Apple devices. Your choice here depends on which ecosystem and user experience you prefer.
Software Updates
This means both devices continue to receive new features and security improvements, keeping them current for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance impacts how quickly your phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and manages storage. Both phones offer strong chipsets but differ in RAM and storage options.
Chipset Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, both built on a 5 nm process. The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, also on 5 nm. Each chipset delivers efficient processing and good power management for smooth use in apps, gaming, and multitasking.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G keeps more apps open and running smoothly in the background, which benefits users who multitask heavily or use memory-demanding apps. The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday use and app switching efficiently for most users.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 5G is available in 128GB and 256GB, providing room for apps, media, and files. The iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, allowing you to choose according to your storage needs and habits.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality matters for watching videos, browsing, and general use. These phones differ in refresh rate, resolution, and screen technology.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling smoother, especially noticeable when gaming or browsing social media. The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which still offers good visual performance but without the extra fluidity.
Screen Resolution and Size
The iPhone 12 has a slightly higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels on a 6.1 inch screen, giving it a sharp and detailed display. The Galaxy S21 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels on a slightly larger 6.2 inch screen, providing more screen space for videos and apps. Your choice depends on whether you prefer sharper detail or a bit more display area.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks with high brightness. The iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR OLED screen also provides excellent colour accuracy and clarity. Both screens suit users who value vivid and clear visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera quality affects your photos and video calls. While both phones have similar main cameras, the front cameras differ in megapixels.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video chats. The iPhone 12's front camera has 12 megapixels, which may capture more detail in selfies and face-focused photos.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they offer similar detail levels for primary photography. This makes either suitable for everyday photos and video recording.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 size and design
Other features include connectivity, design dimensions, SIM options, and ports. These details can influence convenience and compatibility with your preferences.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is useful if you want to manage two physical numbers alongside a digital one. The iPhone 12 has one physical SIM card slot plus eSIM, suiting users who need one physical SIM and flexibility with an eSIM.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, a common standard that works with many accessories and chargers. The iPhone 12 uses the Lightning connector, which is standard for iPhones and some Apple accessories.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 169 g. The iPhone 12 is slightly smaller at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 164 g. These differences affect how each phone feels in hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £1.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S21 5G often remark on how the phone looks and feels like new with excellent condition and battery performance. Many appreciate the smooth experience and the larger battery, mentioning that it handles their daily needs well. Some highlight features like dual SIM support for managing multiple numbers. Overall, users praise the quality and reliability of the device and feel confident recommending it to others.
iPhone 12 customers consistently report that their phones look brand new with very few marks, often mentioning that the battery feels like new, especially when a new battery is requested. They value the smooth performance with the A14 Bionic chip and the sharp, bright screen. Many enjoy the simplicity and reliability of the iPhone 12 for everyday use and recommend it for its solid performance and condition.
Both devices suit buyers who want a dependable refurbished phone in very good condition. Choose the Galaxy S21 5G if you want more RAM and a bigger battery with Android flexibility. Opt for the iPhone 12 if you prefer iOS, a sharper screen, and a higher resolution front camera.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
