Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at
£229.00
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and iPhone 12?
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £59 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 specs
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and iPhone 12 offer different experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a foldable design with a larger, 6.7 inch screen that refreshes at 120 Hz, making it a good choice if you want a more spacious and smoother display. Its 8 GB of RAM supports keeping more apps active. The iPhone 12 has a smaller 6.1 inch screen with a higher resolution and runs iOS, which may appeal to those who prefer Apple's ecosystem. Battery capacities differ, with the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G having a larger battery. Storage options on the iPhone 12 include a smaller 64GB choice as well as 128GB and 256GB, while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offers 128GB and 256GB.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 price
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Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, design, and operating system.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 3300 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the Galaxy may offer longer usage between charges, which can be important if you use your phone heavily throughout the day.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is foldable, allowing it to close into a compact shape. This design suits users who want a phone that fits more easily in pockets or bags. The iPhone 12 has a traditional, non-folding design.
Operating System
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G runs on Android, offering a different interface and app ecosystem compared to the iPhone 12's iOS. Your choice may depend on which operating system you prefer or are already using.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones use advanced 5 nm chipsets suited to smooth daily use, but their RAM and storage choices differ.
Chipset
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, while the iPhone 12 has the Apple A14 Bionic chipset. Both are built on a 5 nm process, so they provide efficient and capable performance for everyday apps and tasks.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G can keep more apps open and running smoothly in the background. The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which suits users who use fewer apps simultaneously or prefer iOS memory management.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is available in 128GB and 256GB. The iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, catering to those who want a smaller storage size or more variety in storage choices.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with your phone. The two devices differ in screen size, refresh rate, resolution, and panel technology.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a larger 6.7 inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing more space for videos and apps. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which may appeal if you prefer a more compact display.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations, which benefits gaming and general use. The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which suits users who do not prioritise high refresh rates.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 screen resolution is 1170 x 2532, slightly higher in vertical pixels but with a smaller screen size. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G screen resolution is 1080 x 2640, offering a wider aspect ratio that fits its foldable design.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 camera
Camera and front camera specs are similar in megapixels but vary slightly, which can influence selfies and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which may capture more detail in selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear self-portraits and video chats.
Main Camera Setup
Both phones have a double rear camera setup with 12 megapixels on the main sensor, offering similar photographic capabilities for everyday use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 size and design
Other practical differences include connectors, physical dimensions, weight, and carrier compatibility. These affect how you use and carry the phone daily.
Connector Types
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses USB-C and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users with wired headphones or those who want a universal charging port. The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G measures 166 mm in height, 72.2 mm in width, and 6.9 mm in depth, and weighs 183 g. The iPhone 12 is 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and weighs 164 g. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is slightly larger and heavier, which may influence pocket fit and hand feel.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM and come unlocked, giving flexibility to use them with various mobile networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3300 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £59 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 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 Sep 2026)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G appreciate its clear and responsive display and ease of data transfer from other Samsung devices. Some mention the battery life could be longer and note issues with screen protectors bending due to the folding design. A few reviews mention problems with phones locked to other regions but overall users find the phone works well and enjoy the foldable format.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 highlight its like-new condition and smooth performance with the A14 Bionic chip. Customers mention the phone looks spotless and runs smoothly for everyday use including social media and photo editing. Many appreciate receiving a new battery with their purchase and find the phone handles all their needs comfortably. Positive comments focus on the clean screen, solid battery performance, and included accessories like cases and SIM tools.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G suits those interested in a larger, foldable phone with higher RAM and Android OS. The iPhone 12 fits users who prefer a compact, high-resolution screen with iOS and a variety of storage options. Both are well regarded for their condition and performance by their owners.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 FAQs
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £229 for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a bigger battery: 3300 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G ended in Sep 2026. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
