Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £98.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 Ultra 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 differ in several key areas to suit different users. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate and a higher resolution, making it suitable for those who want a more immersive viewing experience. It also offers more RAM and storage options up to 512GB, which benefits multitasking and storing large files. Its camera setup is more advanced with a 108 megapixel main sensor and a 40 megapixel front camera for detailed photos. The iPhone 12 is smaller, lighter, and offers a smooth iOS experience with a 6.1 inch screen and 60 Hz refresh rate. It is a good fit for users who prefer a compact device with reliable performance and an excellent all-round camera setup.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
These factors affect how long you can use the device between charges, the user experience, and software support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which is nearly twice the 2815 mAh capacity of the iPhone 12. This larger battery suits heavy users who want longer usage without frequent charging. The iPhone 12's smaller battery fits well for those who prefer a lighter device and typically charge throughout the day.
Operating System And Updates
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G runs Android while the iPhone 12 runs iOS.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, while the iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic. Each chipset delivers strong performance within its ecosystem, suited to different user preferences for Android or iOS.
RAM And Multitasking
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with 12 GB of RAM, supporting extensive multitasking and running many apps simultaneously. The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which handles everyday apps smoothly and suits users with standard multitasking needs.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, making it ideal for users who store large amounts of data or media. The iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, fitting users with moderate storage needs or those who rely more on cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type shaping the experience.
Screen Size And Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a large 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering a spacious and sharp display. The iPhone 12's screen is 6.1 inches with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, providing a smaller but still crisp viewing area. Choose the S21 Ultra for more room to watch videos or browse, or the iPhone 12 for a more compact screen.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday use and most apps. The higher refresh rate on the Galaxy benefits gamers and users who prioritise fluid motion.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, with the Galaxy's screen type designed for dynamic brightness and contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera setups and front-facing camera quality, important for photography and video calls.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a quadruple rear camera system, providing versatility for different photography styles. The iPhone 12 has a dual rear camera setup, which suits users who want a simpler but effective camera system.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G sports a 108 megapixel main camera, capturing highly detailed photos. The iPhone 12's main camera has 12 megapixels, which works well for everyday photography and video.
Front Camera Resolution
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a 40 megapixel front camera, delivering high detail. The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for general use and clear video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility, affecting convenience and device handling.
Physical Dimensions And Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G measures 165.1 mm in height, 75.6 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in depth, weighing 227 g. The iPhone 12 is smaller at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 12 suits those wanting a lighter, more compact phone, while the Galaxy offers a larger device that may feel more substantial.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 uses the Lightning connector, standard for Apple devices. Your choice may depend on your existing cables and accessories.
Network And SIM
Both phones support 5G networks for fast mobile data. Each device accepts a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexible options for network connections. Both come unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 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 (6.8 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £98.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G appreciate its like-new condition and reliable performance. Many mention the phone looks almost new and works fast. The large screen and advanced camera receive positive notes, with users valuing the device for its speed and features. Some highlight the phone's size and battery as beneficial, while a few mention occasional concerns about battery life or condition. Overall, customers find the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G a solid choice for those wanting a high-spec Android phone with plenty of power and a quality display.
Buyers of the iPhone 12 praise its pristine condition and smooth performance. Many say the device feels like new, with great battery life especially when a new battery is included. The iPhone 12's A14 Bionic chip is noted for running apps smoothly and handling multitasking well. Customers highlight the clean appearance and the phone's suitability for everyday tasks and photo editing. The iPhone 12 is recommended by users who want a reliable iOS device with a compact size and solid camera setup.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits users who want a larger, more powerful Android device with advanced cameras and a big screen. The iPhone 12 suits those who prefer a lighter, smaller iOS phone with consistent performance and a great all-round camera.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 Ultra 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
