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Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12

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Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Starting at

£341.28
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iPhone 12

Starting at

£170.00£649.00 new
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(131 reviews)
(464 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and iPhone 12?

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £171.28 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.

Refurbished from

£341.28£170

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)

RAM

12 GB4 GB

Battery

4400 mAh2815 mAh

Screen size

7.6 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2XSuper Retina XDR OLED
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
  • The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
  • The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 2815 mAh.

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 specs

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the iPhone 12 offer distinct experiences suited to different needs. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G stands out with its large 7.6 inch foldable screen and 120 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for those who want a spacious, smooth display for multitasking and media. It also has more RAM and a bigger battery, which benefits users who run many apps or need longer battery life. The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter, with a sharp 6.1 inch screen and iOS, appealing to users looking for a compact, easy-to-handle device with solid performance. Storage options also vary, with the iPhone 12 offering smaller capacities for everyday use and the Fold3 covering higher storage needs.

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 price

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year. These factors influence how long the device can last between charges, the software experience, and general longevity in daily use.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a 4400 mAh battery, which suits users who need extended usage time during heavy tasks or long days away from charging. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, fitting those who prefer a lighter device and typically use their phone for everyday tasks with shorter screen-on time.

Operating System

The iPhone 12 uses iOS, known for its streamlined interface and integration within the Apple ecosystem, suiting users who value simplicity and consistent updates.

Release Year

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G was released in 2021 and the iPhone 12 in 2020. This context helps to place each device in its generation without implying any advantage.

Battery

4400 mAh2815 mAh

Foldable

N/ANo

Ip rating

N/AIP68

OS at launch

Android 11N/A

Software updates

Ended Sep 2026Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20212020

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 performance

Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage capacity. These features affect how smoothly the device handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs for your files and media.

Chipset and RAM

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset with 12 GB RAM, which suits users running multiple apps or demanding tasks simultaneously. The iPhone 12 has the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB RAM, offering solid performance for everyday apps and gaming, fitting users who want reliable speed without heavy multitasking.

Storage Options

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is available in 256GB and 512GB versions, ideal for users needing extensive storage for apps, media, and files. The iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, catering to users with varying storage needs, from everyday use to more substantial media storage.

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)

RAM

12 GB4 GB

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 screen

Screen quality involves size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type. These affect how much you see, how smooth motion appears, and the overall visual experience.

Screen Size

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a large 7.6 inch foldable screen, suited for users who want a spacious display for watching videos, multitasking, or reading. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen, better suited for users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable device.

Refresh Rate

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations. This benefits users who value fluid visuals, especially when gaming or browsing. The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which fits users who are comfortable with standard smoothness for everyday use.

Resolution and Screen Type

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers a resolution of 1768 x 2208 on a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, delivering vibrant colours and sharp details on a large surface. The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 1170 x 2532 on a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering a crisp and bright display at a smaller size. Both screens suit different preferences for size and sharpness.

Refresh rate

120 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

1768 x 22081170 x 2532

Screen size

7.6 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2XSuper Retina XDR OLED

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 camera

Camera type

N/ADouble (2x)

Front camera

N/A12 megapixels

Main camera

N/A12 megapixels

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 size and design

Miscellaneous features like connectivity, weight, and SIM options affect daily convenience and compatibility with networks and accessories.

Connector Type

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, which suits users with modern accessories and universal charging cables. The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, fitting users who prefer Apple's proprietary standard.

Weight

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G weighs 271 g, making it heavier and more substantial in hand, suited to users who prioritise a larger screen and don't mind the extra weight. The iPhone 12 weighs 164 g, offering a lighter and easier-to-carry device for those valuing portability.

SIM Card Options

Both devices support a physical SIM plus eSIM, providing flexibility for users who want multiple numbers or easier switching between plans.

Carrier Compatibility and Network

Both the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and iPhone 12 come unlocked and support 5G networks, catering to users who want fast mobile data and the freedom to choose any carrier.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CLightning

Depth

N/A7.4 mm

Height

N/A146.7 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

27 August 2021N/A

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

271 g162 g

Width

N/A71.5 mm

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G or iPhone 12: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (4400 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.1 inch)

Buy the iPhone 12 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £171.28 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
  • you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Sep 2026)
  • you want a lighter build (162 g vs 271 g)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G appreciate its condition, often describing it as looking like new, with simple setup and smooth app installation. Many praise the device's quality and performance, reporting it works well for their needs. Some note the battery life is good though occasionally shorter than expected compared to previous devices. Overall, reviewers find the phone reliable and well priced, recommending it for those who want a spacious screen and strong multitasking ability.

iPhone 12 customers highlight the phone's pristine condition, often surprised by how refurbished models can look like new. The performance with the A14 Bionic chip receives positive comments for handling everyday apps and multitasking smoothly. Several customers mention new battery replacements improving longevity. The device suits users who want a compact phone with solid speed and reliable software. Many reviewers express satisfaction with the phone's appearance and responsiveness, often noting the included extras like screen protectors or cases.

Both devices attract buyers who want a well-maintained refurbished phone. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G appeals to those prioritising a large, foldable screen and more memory for multitasking. The iPhone 12 fits users preferring a lighter, more compact phone with straightforward performance for everyday use.

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 FAQs

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.

The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £341.28 for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 2815 mAh.

Updates for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G ended in Sep 2026. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.

Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

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