Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 Pro?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at £268.86, £5.65 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. 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 Pro.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 Pro differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a larger, higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate, a bigger battery, and more RAM, ideal for those wanting a spacious display and extensive multitasking. Its camera system offers higher megapixel counts, appealing to photography enthusiasts. The iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller, sharp screen with a familiar iOS experience, suiting users who prefer a compact device and Apple's ecosystem.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and physical design details that affect daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, offering extended use between charges. This suits users who need a longer-lasting device for heavy daily use or travel. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, which fits users who prefer a lighter phone or who typically charge their device more frequently.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Android, providing flexibility in app choices and customisation. The iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services. Your choice depends on which ecosystem and user experience you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro performance
Performance relates to the processor power and memory, affecting speed and multitasking. Both devices offer substantial storage options, allowing you to choose how much space you need for apps and media.
Chipset
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with either an Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on a 5 nm process. The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip, also 5 nm. Each chipset delivers strong performance suited to demanding apps and games, with differences aligning to their respective platforms.
RAM
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports keeping many apps open simultaneously, which benefits heavy multitasking and professional use. The iPhone 12 Pro includes 6 GB of RAM, sufficient for smooth everyday use and efficient app switching within iOS.
Storage Options
Both phones are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities. This range lets you select the amount of space that suits your needs for apps, photos, and media without external storage options.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience for videos, gaming, and work. Differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type define how the screens perform in brightness, smoothness, and sharpness.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a larger 6.8 inch screen with a 1440 x 3200 resolution, providing a more spacious and detailed display. This suits users who want ample screen real estate for multimedia and multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with a 1170 x 2532 resolution, delivering a sharp, comfortable size for one-handed use.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother, which benefits gaming and fast navigation. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 60 Hz refresh rate, standard for most content, fitting users who prioritise battery life or prefer a traditional display experience.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, which offers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, known for accurate colour reproduction and brightness. Both deliver high-quality visuals suited to different viewing preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors that affect photography and video calls. Differences in camera setups and megapixel counts influence the detail and versatility you can capture.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a quadruple main camera system, giving it more versatility in shooting options. The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple camera setup, covering essential photography features. The number of cameras can shape the variety of photos you can take.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 108 megapixel main camera, allowing it to capture highly detailed images. This suits users who want to zoom in or crop without losing quality. The iPhone 12 Pro's main camera has 12 megapixels, providing sharp and consistent photos suitable for everyday use.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes a 40 megapixel front camera, supporting detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a 12 megapixel front camera, which suits users who want reliable front-facing photos and video quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover design dimensions, network compatibility, connectors, and other practical details that influence daily handling and connectivity.
Physical Size 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. Its larger size and weight suit users who prefer a more substantial device. The iPhone 12 Pro is 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and weighs 187 g, making it a lighter and more compact option for easier one-handed use.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, a common standard for charging and accessories across many devices. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, specific to Apple products. Your choice may depend on the accessories you already own or prefer.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or carriers without needing extra hardware.
Network Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G mobile networks, providing access to the latest mobile internet speeds regardless of your carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 12 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £268.86, £5.65 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (189 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often comment on its like-new condition and overall quality, with many praising its fast, reliable performance and large screen. Several mention no visible scratches and a battery charged out of the box, highlighting satisfaction with the device's condition and usability. Some users appreciate the value of buying refurbished over new, noting that the phone meets their needs without paying full price.
Buyers of the iPhone 12 Pro frequently describe the phone as looking and working like new, with good battery health and smooth operation. Many are satisfied with the device's solid battery life and excellent condition, even when choosing fair condition. Reviewers appreciate the ease of setup and smooth transfer of data from older phones. The iPhone 12 Pro appeals to those preferring the iOS ecosystem and a compact, reliable device.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits users wanting a large, high-resolution screen, extensive RAM, and detailed cameras, while the iPhone 12 Pro fits those seeking a more compact phone with iOS and consistent performance. Both devices receive positive feedback for quality and condition from customers.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro 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 Pro. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £268.86 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
