Galaxy A15 Vs iPhone 12

Galaxy A15
Galaxy A15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£88.00

Versus £169.00 new

See options
iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A15, released in December 2023, and the iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A15 offers a more recent entry into the Android ecosystem with a focus on modern display technology and battery capacity, the iPhone 12, an older flagship, provides a premium build and a powerful processing experience within Apple's iOS environment. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, display characteristics, and overall performance profiles.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A15 was released in December 2023, making it a newer device. The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, is several years older.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides 4 years of Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates for the Galaxy A15, starting with Android 14. The iPhone 12, launched with iOS 14, is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release, with compatibility extending to iOS 26. This means the Galaxy A15 will likely receive major OS updates for a longer period from the current date.
  • Build Durability: The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, contributing to its robust feel and includes an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A15 utilizes a plastic frame and back with Dragontrail Pro glass on the front, and typically does not carry an official IP rating.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are handled.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12, powered by an older flagship-grade processor, delivers a highly responsive experience, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. The Galaxy A15 features a more recent mid-range processor, which provides reliable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 12 generally report a consistently fluid user interface and quick app loading times. While the Galaxy A15 performs well for general use, some users have noted that it can exhibit slower performance when multitasking heavily or running more intensive applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A15 is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, which typically translates to extended usage times for most users. The iPhone 12 has a smaller 2815 mAh battery, and some users have reported that its battery life can be less substantial, particularly with heavy use or when 5G connectivity is consistently active.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, offering sharp details and deep blacks. The Galaxy A15 comes with a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12's display offers a typical brightness of 625 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A15's display boasts a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, and can reach up to 800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM).
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12's higher pixel density contributes to a very clear and detailed image, while the Galaxy A15's larger screen size offers a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system, including a main sensor with a wide f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), and an ultrawide sensor. The Galaxy A15 is equipped with a triple camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor with autofocus, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 is known for its strong low-light performance, detailed images, and advanced computational photography features like Night mode and Deep Fusion. The Galaxy A15's main camera produces good images in well-lit conditions, with colors that some users find slightly oversaturated.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone 12 offers advanced video recording capabilities, including 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second with HDR Dolby Vision. The Galaxy A15 records video at up to 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The iPhone 12 features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, utilizing a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A15 includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, and offers a more universally compatible USB-C 2.0 port, alongside a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Biometrics: The iPhone 12 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy A15 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.
  • Physical Attributes: The iPhone 12 is a more compact and lighter device, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 164g. The Galaxy A15 is larger and heavier at 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and 200g. These differences impact one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

200 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A15 often highlights its strong battery life and vibrant display as key advantages, particularly for its segment. Some users, however, note that its performance can be less fluid when handling multiple demanding applications. The iPhone 12, despite its age, continues to be praised for its premium build quality, consistent software experience, and capable camera system. Common criticisms for the iPhone 12 often revolve around its battery performance, especially with heavy 5G usage, and the limitations of its closed ecosystem.

Users prioritizing a newer device with extended software support, a larger display, a headphone jack, and expandable storage may find the Samsung Galaxy A15 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a more compact design, a highly powerful processor for demanding tasks, advanced camera features, and a robust build will likely lean towards the iPhone 12. Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking value and sustainability.

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