Galaxy S20 5G Vs iPhone 12 mini

Galaxy S20 5G
Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£133.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:£126.00

Versus £579.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, released in March 2020, and the iPhone 12 Mini, launched in November 2020, represent two distinct approaches to smartphone design from their respective manufacturers. While both offer 5G connectivity and capable camera systems, the Galaxy S20 5G provides a larger display and an Android operating system, contrasting with the iPhone 12 Mini's compact form factor and iOS ecosystem. These differences cater to varying user preferences regarding screen size, portability, and software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G was released in March 2020, making it slightly older than the iPhone 12 Mini, which launched in November 2020. This age difference can influence the remaining period of official software updates.
  • OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides longer software support for its devices compared to many Android manufacturers. The iPhone 12 Mini, running iOS, is likely to receive major iOS updates for a longer duration than the Galaxy S20 5G, which runs Android. The Galaxy S20 5G launched with Android 10 and has received updates up to Android 13. The iPhone 12 Mini launched with iOS 14 and is currently on iOS 26.3.1(a) as of March 2026.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature IP68 water and dust resistance, indicating protection against submersion. The iPhone 12 Mini introduced Ceramic Shield on its front display, which Apple stated offers improved drop performance. The Galaxy S20 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for both its front and back.

Year of Release

2020

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 12 Mini is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling smooth operation for demanding applications and efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S20 5G also features a capable processor, providing strong performance for gaming and heavy applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S20 5G typically comes with a higher amount of RAM in its base configuration compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, which can contribute to smoother multitasking with many applications open simultaneously. Both devices offer responsive user experiences for everyday navigation and app launching.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage capacities. The iPhone 12 Mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, while the Galaxy S20 5G typically starts with 128GB of internal storage and offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage (except for some specific carrier variants).

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a primary consideration for many users, and both phones offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S20 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent color reproduction and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S20 5G boasts a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 566 PPI. The iPhone 12 Mini offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels with a pixel density of about 476 PPI. Both provide sharp and clear visuals for text and images.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S20 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate at FHD resolution, providing a smoother scrolling and gaming experience, while the iPhone 12 Mini has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer high peak brightness for good visibility in various lighting conditions, including HDR content.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 12 Mini has a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S20 5G's larger telephoto sensor allows for greater zoom capabilities and detail retention at a distance. The iPhone 12 Mini excels in consistent image processing across its lenses and offers features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion for improved low-light performance. Both are capable of capturing detailed and vibrant everyday photos.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S20 5G can record video at up to 8K resolution, offering high detail for those with compatible displays. The iPhone 12 Mini supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 4K resolution, providing excellent dynamic range and color accuracy in videos. Both offer optical image stabilization for smoother video capture.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two devices in daily use.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S20 5G and iPhone 12 Mini support 5G cellular networks, offering faster download and upload speeds where available. They also include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for robust wireless connections.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Mini is significantly smaller and lighter, designed for one-handed use and easy pocketability, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and weighing 135 grams. The Galaxy S20 5G is a larger device at 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm and 163 grams, offering a more expansive screen experience.
  • Biometric Security and Ports: The Galaxy S20 5G features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The iPhone 12 Mini relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy S20 5G uses a USB-C port, while the iPhone 12 Mini uses a Lightning port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Weight

163 g

135 g

Width

6,91 cm

6,42 cm

Height

15,17 cm

13,15 cm

Depth

0,79 cm

0,74 cm

Screen size (in)

6.2

5.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G often praises its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and versatile camera system, particularly the telephoto capabilities. Some users have noted that battery life can be a concern for heavy usage, especially when utilizing the 120Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 12 Mini is frequently lauded for its exceptionally compact size, making it a preferred choice for those who value portability and one-handed usability. Its performance is also consistently highlighted as a strong point, though its smaller battery capacity is a common criticism, often requiring more frequent charging for active users.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display and a flexible camera system with significant zoom capabilities may find the Galaxy S20 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a highly portable device with a premium build, strong performance in a small form factor, and the iOS ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone 12 Mini. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking these features.

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