Galaxy S23 Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 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 S23, released in 2023, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in 2020, represent different eras of smartphone technology. While both are flagship-tier devices, the three-year gap between them introduces significant differences in hardware capabilities and software longevity. The Galaxy S23 runs on the Android operating system, offering a highly customisable experience, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro utilises iOS, known for its streamlined interface and ecosystem integration.

Choosing between these two models involves weighing modern features against established ecosystem preferences. The Galaxy S23 brings more recent innovations in display and battery efficiency, while the iPhone 12 Pro maintains a reputation for premium build quality and consistent performance. This comparison explores how these differences impact daily use for different types of users.

Scores

Durability

The release dates of these two devices play a significant role in their expected software support and physical longevity.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 is a much newer device, meaning it will receive operating system updates and security patches for several years beyond the expected support window for the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Build Quality: Both phones feature premium materials like glass and metal, but the iPhone 12 Pro uses stainless steel edges compared to the aluminium frame of the Galaxy S23, which may impact how they handle daily wear.
  • Repairability: Both manufacturers have made strides in repair accessibility, though the Galaxy S23 benefits from a more modern internal layout that can simplify certain component replacements over time.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The Galaxy S23 and iPhone 12 Pro offer distinct experiences in terms of speed and efficiency, largely due to the three-year gap in their internal hardware development.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 provides a responsive experience when switching between multiple heavy applications, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro remains reliable for standard tasks but may show its age during intensive multitasking.
  • Battery Efficiency: Users will find that the Galaxy S23 generally lasts longer through a day of heavy use due to its more modern internal components that manage power more effectively than the older hardware in the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Multitasking Capacity: The Galaxy S23 includes more temporary memory, which helps keep more apps open in the background without needing to reload them, while the iPhone 12 Pro relies on efficient software management to maintain speed.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality OLED panels, but the Galaxy S23 introduces modern display enhancements that change how users interact with the screen.

  • Motion Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 features a screen that updates 120 times per second, making scrolling and animations appear significantly smoother than the standard 60 updates per second on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S23 can reach higher peak brightness levels, which makes the screen easier to read when used directly under bright sunlight compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Visual Clarity: Both devices use advanced display technology to ensure deep blacks and high contrast, providing a vivid viewing experience for movies and photos on their respective 6.1-inch panels.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will notice distinct approaches to image processing and hardware capabilities between these two flagship models.

  • Zoom Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 includes a dedicated telephoto lens with higher magnification, allowing for clearer photos of distant subjects compared to the more limited zoom range of the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Low-Light Performance: While both take clear photos in the dark, the Galaxy S23 uses newer sensors to capture more detail with less grain in dim environments, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro uses a specialised sensor for faster focusing in low light.
  • Video and Audio: The iPhone 12 Pro is often noted for its consistent video recording quality and natural sound capture, while the Galaxy S23 offers higher resolution video options for those who want maximum detail.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily use is influenced by the different ports, sensors, and connectivity standards found on each device, reflecting the standards of their respective release years.

  • Charging and Ports: The Galaxy S23 uses the universal USB-C standard, which is compatible with most modern electronics, while the iPhone 12 Pro uses the proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: Users of the Galaxy S23 use a fingerprint sensor hidden under the display for secure access, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro relies on facial recognition technology to unlock the device.
  • Physical Handling: Both phones have a similar 6.1-inch screen size, making them comfortable for one-handed use, though the iPhone 12 Pro is slightly heavier due to its stainless steel construction compared to the aluminium used in the Galaxy S23.

Weight

350 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User consensus on the Galaxy S23 often highlights its impressive battery life and the smoothness of its high-refresh-rate screen. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Pro is frequently praised for its timeless design and the reliability of the iOS experience, even several years after its release. Some users note that the iPhone 12 Pro's battery may require more frequent charging compared to newer models, while Galaxy S23 users occasionally mention the learning curve of switching to a different interface.

Users who prioritise having the latest screen technology and longer software support will likely find the Galaxy S23 to be the better fit for their needs. Conversely, those who are already integrated into a specific ecosystem or who prefer a slightly heavier, stainless steel build may lean towards the iPhone 12 Pro. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either of these devices is a sustainable choice that helps reduce electronic waste. Ultimately, both smartphones remain highly capable, and the decision rests on whether you value the modern refinements of the Galaxy S23 or the established reliability of the iPhone 12 Pro. This comparison aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative to buying new by highlighting the lasting utility of these flagship models.

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