Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Starting at
£341.28
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £8.58 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. The Galaxy Z Fold3 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 Fold3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and iPhone 12 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers a larger foldable screen and more RAM, which suits those who want a spacious display and multitasking ability. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher screen resolution and a lighter build, fitting users who prefer a sharper screen and a lighter phone. Battery capacity is higher on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, while storage options vary slightly. The choice depends on whether you value screen size and memory or screen resolution and weight.
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
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Storage
- 256GBSold out
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Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system shape daily use and device longevity. These factors affect how you use your phone throughout the day and how it fits into your preferred ecosystem.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a 4400 mAh battery, offering more power capacity than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh battery. This could mean longer usage between charges for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, which benefits users who need extended battery life during busy days.
Operating System
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G runs Android 11, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which software ecosystem you prefer, as this influences app availability, interface style, and integration with other devices you use.
Release Year
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G was released in 2021 and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2020.
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Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data or media you can keep on your phone.
Chipset
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max features the Apple A14 Bionic. Both chipsets support 5G connectivity and are capable of handling demanding apps. Your preference for Android or iOS will guide which chipset suits you best.
RAM
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G supports keeping many apps open and switching between them smoothly. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday use and most multitasking needs within iOS.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes in 256GB and 512GB variants, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. If you want the smallest storage size available, the iPhone provides that, while both devices offer larger capacities for storing more apps, photos, and videos.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence how you experience media, games, and apps. These differences affect clarity, viewing area, and how the device feels in hand.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features a 7.6 inch foldable screen, which offers a larger display area suited for watching videos, multitasking, and reading. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, which is smaller but still sizeable and easier to hold one-handed.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778, which means sharper images and text on its 6.7 inch screen. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's 1768 x 2208 resolution spreads across a larger 7.6 inch screen, balancing sharpness with a more expansive viewing area.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which supports folding technology and vibrant colours. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for bright colours and high contrast. Each screen type suits different preferences for viewing experience and device handling.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Camera type
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Main camera
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other features like connectors, network support, and weight affect daily convenience and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, common in many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, which suits users with existing Lightning accessories or those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Weight
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G weighs 271 g, which reflects its larger size and foldable design. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is lighter at 226 g, making it easier to carry and handle for extended periods.
SIM and Network
Both devices support 5G networks and include a physical SIM slot plus eSIM functionality. Both come unlocked, so you can choose your preferred carrier without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
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Depth
Height
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Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Galaxy Z Fold3 5G or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4400 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £8.58 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 (228 g vs 271 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G generally report satisfaction with the device's condition and performance. Many say the phone looks like new and is easy to use. The larger screen and multitasking features appeal to those who enjoy a spacious display. Some mention the battery life as a minor issue compared to previous devices. Overall, users appreciate the quality and value they get from this phone.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 Pro Max highlight its battery life lasting all day and the device looking like new or in excellent condition despite being refurbished. Customers often note the screen's sharpness and the phone's elegant design. Some users appreciate the storage options and find it a good fit for everyday use. There are a few exceptions where customers experienced issues with screen responsiveness or battery health, but these are not common.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G fits users wanting a large, foldable screen and more memory, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those who prioritise screen resolution, battery endurance, and a lighter phone.
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy Z Fold3 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 Fold3 5G, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £341.28 for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
Updates for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G ended in Sep 2026. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
