Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 12

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£258.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

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iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£141.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in early 2023, and the iPhone 12, launched in late 2020, represent two different eras of smartphone technology. While the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more modern, large-screen experience with Android's flexible One UI, the iPhone 12 remains a popular choice for those who prefer the streamlined iOS ecosystem in a more compact form factor. These devices cater to different user needs, particularly regarding screen size, camera versatility, and long-term software support. Choosing between them involves weighing the benefits of a newer, larger device against a more established, compact alternative.

Scores

Durability

The three-year gap between these releases significantly impacts their expected lifespan and software support cycles in the current mobile landscape.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus was launched with a commitment to four years of major operating system updates and five years of security patches, likely keeping it current until 2027 or 2028. The iPhone 12, while older, benefits from Apple's history of long-term support, though it is naturally closer to the end of its update cycle, likely receiving new features for a few more years.
  • Physical Build and Repair: Both phones feature glass front and back panels with metal frames, requiring protective cases for long-term use. The Galaxy S23 Plus uses more modern glass technology designed for improved scratch resistance, while the iPhone 12 introduced a flat-edge design that many users find easier to grip securely.
  • Maintenance: Professional repair services are widely available for both models, ensuring that components like batteries or screens can be replaced to extend the device's functional life.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Everyday responsiveness and multitasking capabilities differ based on the age of the internal hardware and the efficiency of the respective operating systems.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 Plus handles demanding applications and intensive multitasking with ease, showing no lag when switching between high-resource apps. The iPhone 12 remains consistently smooth for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, though it may show its age slightly sooner when running the most advanced future applications.
  • Battery Endurance: With a significantly larger battery capacity, the Galaxy S23 Plus is designed to last through a full day of heavy use, including video streaming and navigation. The iPhone 12 has a smaller physical battery, which generally requires a mid-day charge for power users but suffices for moderate daily activity.
  • Storage Flexibility: The Galaxy S23 Plus starts with higher base storage, making it suitable for users who store many high-resolution videos, whereas the iPhone 12 offers various tiers to suit different storage habits.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is one of the most noticeable differences, influenced by size, brightness, and how smoothly motion appears on the display.

  • Display Fluidity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a high refresh rate that makes scrolling through lists and animations appear noticeably smooth. In contrast, the iPhone 12 uses a standard refresh rate, which is reliable and clear but lacks the fluid motion found on the newer Samsung model.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Users who frequently use their phones in direct sunlight will find the Galaxy S23 Plus easier to read due to its higher peak brightness levels. The iPhone 12 provides a clear and vibrant OLED experience but may require more shading in very bright environments.
  • Size and Immersion: The 6.6-inch screen of the S23 Plus offers a more immersive experience for watching movies or playing games, while the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 is often preferred by those who want a device that is easier to operate with one hand.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will notice distinct differences in how these two devices capture the world, particularly in terms of zoom and low-light processing.

  • Lens Versatility: The Galaxy S23 Plus includes a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for clear zoomed-in photos of distant subjects. The iPhone 12 relies on a dual-camera system, which is excellent for landscapes and portraits but lacks the optical zoom capabilities of its competitor.
  • Video Performance: Both devices are well-regarded for video recording, offering stable and clear footage. The iPhone 12 is often praised for its natural color reproduction and consistent performance across different lighting conditions, making it a favorite for social media creators.
  • Low-Light Photography: The newer sensors in the Galaxy S23 Plus allow it to capture more light in dark environments, resulting in clearer night-time photos with less digital noise compared to the older iPhone 12.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features like charging ports, biometric security, and physical dimensions play a large role in daily satisfaction and ease of use.

  • Biometrics and Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus utilizes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor hidden under the display for quick access, while the iPhone 12 uses facial recognition technology, which many users find convenient for hands-free unlocking.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G networks for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 Plus uses the universal USB-C port for charging and data transfer, whereas the iPhone 12 uses the proprietary Lightning port, which may require specific cables if you are moving from other modern electronics.
  • Portability: The iPhone 12 is notably lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable in a pocket or for users with smaller hands. The Galaxy S23 Plus is a larger, more substantial device that prioritizes screen real estate over compact dimensions.

Weight

196 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

According to user discussions on various tech forums, the Galaxy S23 Plus is frequently praised for its reliable battery life and the smoothness of its high-refresh-rate display. Some users, however, find its larger size a bit cumbersome for one-handed use. The iPhone 12 is often lauded for its enduring performance and the simplicity of the iOS experience, though some long-term owners note that the battery requires more frequent attention as the device ages.

Users who prioritize a large, vibrant screen for media consumption and need a camera that can zoom into distant details will likely find the Galaxy S23 Plus aligns better with their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a more compact, lightweight phone that integrates seamlessly with other Apple products may lean toward the iPhone 12. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option allows users to access these features while supporting a circular economy. Both devices remain viable as an eco-friendly alternative when sourced through professional renewal processes, providing a practical way to own high-performance technology without the need for brand-new manufacturing. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value the modern features and larger battery of the Samsung or the compact reliability of the iPhone.

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