Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at
£229.00
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G starts at £229, £103.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a foldable screen and runs Android, making it suitable for users who want a compact, modern design with multitasking ease thanks to its 8 GB of RAM. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, running iOS, has a higher-resolution screen and an extra rear camera, which suits those who prioritise detailed visuals and photography. Storage options vary with the iPhone offering up to 512GB, while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G goes up to 256GB. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is lighter and slimmer with a USB-C and headphone jack, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Lightning connector and has a larger battery capacity for longer use between charges.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
- BlackSold out
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- 128GBSold out
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Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability and daily usability depend on battery size, operating system, and design features like foldability.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery which offers more capacity for longer use between charges. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G carries a 3300 mAh battery, fitting its slimmer, foldable design, which may suit users who prefer a compact phone even if it means charging more often.
Operating System
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G runs Android, ideal if you prefer a flexible and customisable interface. The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS, known for its integration with Apple services and a consistent app experience.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G folds, offering a more pocket-friendly size and a unique way to use your phone. This suits users who value portability and novel form factors. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a fixed design, providing a traditional smartphone experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on processor power, memory, and storage. Both phones handle daily apps and tasks well, but their specifications suit different user needs.
Processor
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chip, a recent and powerful chipset designed for smooth performance and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by Apple's A14 Bionic chip, also strong and efficient, especially if you prefer iOS.
Memory
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly during multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, which supports iOS's efficient memory management for everyday use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers up to 512GB of storage, which benefits users needing more space for apps, photos, and videos. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is available with up to 256GB, suitable for users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, games, and general use. Both devices have the same screen size but differ in resolution and display technology.
Resolution and Display
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778, providing sharper and more detailed images on its 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a 1080 x 2640 resolution on the same 6.7 inch screen size with a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colours and brightness with the added benefit of folding.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera and front camera specs influence how well you capture photos and video calls. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ in quantity and front camera resolution.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple rear camera setup, offering more versatility for different types of photography. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a double rear camera setup, suitable for standard photo needs.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 megapixel front camera, good for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, which also delivers clear self-portraits.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main rear camera, ensuring solid photo quality for everyday use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility. These affect handling, accessory use, and carrier flexibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is lighter at 183 g and slimmer at 6.9 mm depth, making it easier to carry and hold one-handed. The iPhone 12 Pro Max weighs 226 g and measures 7.4 mm deep, offering a more substantial feel.
Connectors
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses USB-C and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, convenient for wired headphones without adapters. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, common for Apple accessories.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. Each supports a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexible options for mobile plans.
Dimensions
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G measures 166 mm in height and 72.2 mm in width, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height and 78.1 mm in width, reflecting slightly different shapes and handling experiences.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £229, £103.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (183 g vs 228 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3300 mAh)
- 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 using the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G often praise its clear and responsive screen and enjoy the ease of transferring data from other devices. The foldable design stands out as a unique feature, though some mention that the battery life is shorter, which aligns with its 3300 mAh capacity. Issues with screen protectors bending and occasional locking to foreign carriers are noted, but many find the phone works as it should and appreciate the lightweight, compact size.
iPhone 12 Pro Max users highlight the device's excellent battery life, with many saying it lasts all day. The screen's condition is frequently described as pristine or like new, and users appreciate the increased storage options, which suit those needing extra space. The phone's performance and elegant design receive positive remarks, though some users have reported problems with incorrect colours or hardware issues, which are exceptions rather than the norm.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G suits buyers who want a modern, foldable smartphone with solid multitasking and a lightweight design. The iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those who prioritise longer battery life, higher resolution display, and enhanced camera versatility with more storage space.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £229 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G ended in Sep 2026. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
