Galaxy A05s Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy A05s
Galaxy A05s
Starting at

Refurbished price:£89.00

Versus £129.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£205.00

Versus £879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A05s (2023) and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro (2020) represent two very different approaches to the smartphone experience. While the Galaxy A05s is a contemporary entry-level device designed for essential daily tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro was launched as a high-end flagship, offering premium materials and advanced photography features. These devices operate on different ecosystems—Android and iOS respectively—meaning the choice often comes down to software preference and specific hardware priorities like screen size or camera versatility.

Scores

Durability

The age gap between these two devices significantly influences their expected lifespan and software support timelines.

  • Software Longevity: Despite being older, the iPhone 12 Pro continues to receive regular updates, though it is closer to the end of its official support cycle than the more recently released Galaxy A05s.
  • Build Resilience: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield glass, providing a sturdy feel, whereas the Galaxy A05s uses a reinforced plastic construction that is lighter but less resistant to scratches.
  • Maintenance and Repair: Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can extend its functional life, though the Galaxy A05s generally offers a simpler internal layout for common repairs like screen or battery replacements.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones handle standard applications well, they differ in how they manage demanding workloads and multitasking.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro maintains a high level of fluidness when switching between multiple apps or editing video, while the Galaxy A05s is better suited for browsing, social media, and standard communication.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A05s carries a high-capacity battery that easily lasts through a full day of heavy use, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller physical battery that may require a mid-day charge for power users.
  • Storage and Memory: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities, but the iPhone 12 Pro typically manages background tasks more efficiently, ensuring that apps stay open and ready for use without reloading.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience on these devices is shaped by different display technologies and physical dimensions.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 12 Pro uses an OLED panel, which provides deep blacks and high contrast for movies, while the Galaxy A05s utilizes an LCD screen that offers natural colours but lacks the same level of ink-like darkness.
  • Motion Smoothness: The Galaxy A05s features a higher refresh rate, making scrolling through lists and menus feel more fluid than the standard rate found on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Size and Clarity: Users who prefer a larger canvas for reading or watching videos will appreciate the 6.7-inch display of the Galaxy A05s, while those seeking a sharper, more compact screen will find the 6.1-inch iPhone more comfortable for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1170 x 2532

Audiovisual

Photography and media consumption are areas where the flagship heritage of the iPhone contrasts with the modern utility of the Galaxy.

  • Camera Versatility: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming and an ultra-wide lens for landscapes, whereas the Galaxy A05s focuses on a high-resolution main sensor supported by macro and depth lenses for close-up shots.
  • Video and Low Light: Recording video is a strength for the iPhone 12 Pro, offering stable footage and better clarity in dim environments compared to the Galaxy A05s, which performs best in well-lit outdoor settings.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stereo speaker system that provides a fuller sound for media, while the Galaxy A05s includes a traditional headphone jack, a feature many users still find essential for wired audio.

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily features like connectivity and physical handling vary between these two generations of technology.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both smartphones support 5G networks for fast mobile data, but the iPhone 12 Pro includes more advanced location tracking and spatial awareness sensors.
  • Charging and Ports: The Galaxy A05s uses the universal USB-C standard for charging, while the iPhone 12 Pro relies on the Lightning port and supports magnetic wireless charging for convenient accessory attachment.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A05s utilizes a fingerprint sensor built into the power button for quick access, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro uses facial recognition technology to unlock the device and secure applications.

Weight

194 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

Public sentiment regarding these two devices highlights their distinct roles in the market. Users on community forums often praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its enduring speed and the professional quality of its camera system, even years after its initial release. However, some owners note that the battery health on older units can become a concern over time. Conversely, the Galaxy A05s is frequently commended for its impressive battery life and the inclusion of a large, smooth-scrolling display, though some users find the camera performance less consistent in challenging lighting.

For those who prioritise a large screen for media consumption and a battery that can comfortably last all day, the Galaxy A05s is a practical choice. Users who value a more compact, premium build with advanced photography and video capabilities will likely find the iPhone 12 Pro more aligned with their needs. Opting for a sustainable choice like a refurbished model allows users to access these features while contributing to a more circular economy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prefer the modern, essential features of a newer entry-level device or the high-performance legacy of a former flagship.

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