Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £161.37 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. 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 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S21 5G offers a smaller and lighter design with a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Samsung's device includes more RAM and a larger battery, which may appeal to multitaskers and heavy users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers higher screen resolution and a higher megapixel front camera, which benefits those who want sharper visuals and selfies. Storage options for the iPhone also go up to 512GB, offering more space for files and apps. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS, screen size, and storage needs.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, operating system, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which means it can hold more charge compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This difference may be noticeable for users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs Android, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS. Your choice will depend on your preference for Android or Apple's ecosystem, affecting app availability, interface, and integration with other devices.
Device Size
The Galaxy S21 5G is smaller and lighter at 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 169 g, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max which measures 160.8 mm by 78.1 mm and weighs 226 g. The Galaxy suits those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance focuses on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer strong performance, but differences in RAM and storage may suit different users.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps active and smoother multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, which is optimised for iOS but offers slightly less memory for running multiple apps at once.
Storage Choices
The Galaxy S21 5G is available in 128GB and 256GB options, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max also offers a 512GB option. This larger storage suits users who need more space for photos, videos, and apps.
Chipset Variants
The Galaxy S21 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on 5 nm technology, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max features the Apple A14 Bionic. Each chipset delivers strong performance tailored to its platform.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and display technology. These factors affect how you see content and interact with your phone daily.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen, which fits comfortably in one hand and is easier to carry. The iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6.7 inch display offers more room for watching videos and reading, ideal for those who want a larger viewing area.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, providing sharper and more detailed images. The Galaxy S21 5G's 1080 x 2400 resolution is still clear but better suited for users who prioritise size and brightness over maximum pixel density.
Display Technology
Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S21 5G is known for vibrant colours and high brightness. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent colour accuracy and contrast, making both screens strong choices for visual quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras, influencing how you capture photos and video calls.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering slightly higher resolution selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 10 megapixels. This suits users who want clearer self-portraits or video chats.
Main Camera Similarity
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, delivering strong photo quality for everyday use. Either device will serve well for capturing standard photos and videos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover connectivity, physical dimensions, and SIM options. These affect how the phone fits your lifestyle and network needs.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, allowing users to manage two physical numbers and an additional eSIM. The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports one physical SIM and an eSIM, which may suit users with simpler SIM needs.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, a common standard for charging and data transfer on many devices. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, which works with many Apple accessories.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is thicker at 7.9 mm and lighter at 169 g, making it easier to carry and handle. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly thinner at 7.4 mm but heavier at 226 g, reflecting its larger screen size and build.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones come unlocked and support 5G networks, giving flexibility to use them with many carriers and benefit from faster mobile internet where available.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £161.37 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 Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 5G consistently mention how good the condition of their refurbished phones is, often describing them as looking like new with excellent battery life. Many highlight the reliability and smooth performance, with some appreciating the dual SIM capability for managing separate internet and call lines. Users note the value of buying refurbished for environmental reasons and praise the wide range of product conditions and prices. A few mention minor regional feature limitations but overall find the phone meets their expectations for quality and usability.
For the iPhone 12 Pro Max, customers frequently comment on the pristine condition and long-lasting battery, with many expressing satisfaction with the screen quality and overall device performance. Some appreciate the large storage capacity and elegant design. While most reviews are positive about the device's operation and appearance, a small number report issues with condition or receiving the wrong colour. The iPhone suits those who want a premium look and feel with iOS and a large, detailed screen.
Both devices attract users who value high quality refurbished phones. The Galaxy S21 5G appeals to those favouring Android, lighter phones, and dual SIM flexibility. The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits buyers seeking a bigger display, iOS experience, and higher storage options.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
