Galaxy A53 5G Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy A53 5G
Galaxy A53 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£109.00

Versus £459.00 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 A53 5G, released in early 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in late 2020, represent two different approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Galaxy A53 5G is a contemporary mid-range device designed for longevity and everyday utility, the iPhone 12 Pro was originally a flagship model, offering premium materials and high-end processing power. These devices operate on distinct ecosystems, Android and iOS respectively, which significantly influences the user interface, app availability, and overall integration with other hardware.

Scores

Durability

The Galaxy A53 5G and iPhone 12 Pro offer different expectations regarding their physical build and software support timelines.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A53 5G was released with a commitment to four generations of Android updates and five years of security patches, meaning it remains current until approximately 2027. The iPhone 12 Pro, despite being older, benefits from Apple's historically long support cycles, typically receiving major updates for six to seven years from its release date, which aligns its expected software life closely with the newer Samsung.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front, providing a sturdy structure that resists flex, whereas the Galaxy A53 5G utilises a reinforced plastic chassis and Gorilla Glass 5.
  • Repairability: Both manufacturers have expanded their repair programmes, making it easier for users to find replacement parts or professional service centres for common issues like screen or battery replacements.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both devices handle daily tasks with ease, their internal components are tuned for different types of workloads and user habits.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro uses a high-performance processor that remains very capable for demanding tasks such as 4K video editing and high-fidelity mobile gaming without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy A53 5G employs an efficient mid-range processor that excels at social media browsing, streaming, and multitasking between standard productivity apps, though it may show slight hesitation during extremely intensive gaming sessions.
  • Battery and Charging: The Galaxy A53 5G is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which comfortably supports over a full day of heavy use, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller capacity that may require a mid-day top-up for power users.
  • Storage Flexibility: The Galaxy A53 5G includes a microSD slot for expandable storage, allowing users to increase space for photos and files, a feature absent on the iPhone 12 Pro which relies solely on fixed internal storage options.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience on these two devices differs primarily in terms of physical size and the smoothness of on-screen motion.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy A53 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling through lists and navigating the interface appear exceptionally fluid. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro uses a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides excellent colour accuracy and deep blacks but lacks the high-motion smoothness found on the Samsung.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Both screens are designed to be legible in bright sunlight, though the Galaxy A53 5G offers a slightly larger canvas for watching videos or reading documents.
  • Clarity and Detail: The iPhone 12 Pro provides a very high pixel density, ensuring that text and images look sharp even when viewed closely, while the Galaxy A53 5G maintains a crisp Full HD+ resolution that is standard for its size.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography and media consumption are handled differently by these two models, with one focusing on versatility and the other on professional-grade consistency.

  • Camera Versatility: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zooming and a LiDAR scanner that improves autofocus in low-light conditions and enables advanced depth sensing. The Galaxy A53 5G features a high-resolution main sensor and a dedicated macro lens, which is useful for close-up photography of small objects, though it lacks a dedicated zoom lens.
  • Video Capabilities: The iPhone 12 Pro is widely recognised for its stable and high-quality video recording, supporting advanced formats that allow for more flexibility during editing. The Galaxy A53 5G provides reliable video for social sharing and casual use, with effective electronic stabilisation.
  • Audio Experience: Both smartphones feature stereo speakers that provide a clear and balanced sound for media, though the iPhone 12 Pro is often noted for having a slightly fuller sound profile at higher volumes.

Main camera

64 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily usage is influenced by the physical dimensions, connectivity standards, and biometric security methods of each device.

  • Biometrics and Security: The Galaxy A53 5G uses an optical fingerprint sensor built directly into the display for secure unlocking, while the iPhone 12 Pro utilises FaceID, a sophisticated facial recognition system housed in the screen notch.
  • Physical Handling: Both devices weigh 189 grams, but the iPhone 12 Pro is more compact in height and width, making it easier to operate with one hand for many users. The Galaxy A53 5G is taller and wider, which accommodates its larger screen but may require two hands for comfortable navigation.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support 5G networks for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A53 5G uses the universal USB-C port for charging and data transfer, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro uses the proprietary Lightning port, which may require specific cables for those not already in the Apple ecosystem.

Weight

189 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback from various community forums highlights distinct strengths for both the Galaxy A53 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro. Owners of the Galaxy A53 5G frequently praise the device for its long-lasting battery life and the smoothness of its 120Hz display, which many find superior for browsing and social media. However, some users have noted that the camera processing can occasionally be slow. Conversely, iPhone 12 Pro users often highlight the device's consistent camera performance and the enduring speed of its processor, though the battery life is a common point of criticism for those who use their phones heavily throughout the day.

Users who prioritise a large, fluid screen and the ability to go a full day without worrying about a charger will likely find the Galaxy A53 5G to be a practical choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more compact, premium-feeling device with a versatile camera system and a faster processor for gaming or video work may lean toward the iPhone 12 Pro. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option allows users to access these features while supporting a circular economy. Both devices remain highly capable, and opting for a sustainable choice helps reduce electronic waste without compromising on functionality. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether a user values the modern features and battery of a newer mid-range Android or the refined performance and build of an older flagship iPhone.

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