Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 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 Plus (2023) and the iPhone 12 Pro (2020) are flagship smartphones that cater to different user preferences and ecosystems. While the Galaxy S23 Plus represents a more modern approach with its large display and updated internal hardware, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a highly capable device known for its professional-grade build and seamless software integration. Choosing a sustainable choice like a quality-assured refurbished model can be an excellent way to access these technologies while supporting a more circular economy.

The primary differences between these two devices lie in their release dates, display technology, and battery endurance. Users choosing between them will find that the Galaxy S23 Plus prioritises modern screen features and longevity, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro focuses on a compact, professional-grade build and an integrated software experience. Both devices run their respective latest operating systems, offering a distinct choice between the customisability of Android and the streamlined nature of iOS.

Scores

Durability

The three-year release gap between these two devices plays a significant role in their long-term software support and physical longevity.

  • Software Support Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in 2023, is positioned to receive official operating system updates and security patches for several years longer than the iPhone 12 Pro, making it a more future-proof selection for those who intend to keep their device for five years or more.
  • Update Consistency: While the iPhone 12 Pro is older, Apple typically provides extended software support for its devices, though it is naturally closer to the end of its official support lifecycle than the newer Samsung model.
  • Physical Build and Repair: Both phones feature robust construction with metal frames and toughened glass, but the Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from more recent advancements in glass durability, while the iPhone 12 Pro is supported by a vast global network of repair providers.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The evolution of mobile hardware is evident when comparing the daily responsiveness and multitasking capabilities of these two generations.

  • System Fluidity: The Galaxy S23 Plus handles modern, resource-heavy applications and intensive multitasking with a level of smoothness that reflects its more recent internal hardware, ensuring that the interface remains responsive even during heavy use.
  • Battery Longevity: Users will find that the Galaxy S23 Plus offers significantly more endurance, often lasting through a full day of heavy activity, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller battery capacity that may require more frequent charging for power users.
  • Storage and Memory: Both devices offer various storage capacities, typically starting at 128GB, providing plenty of space for photos and applications, while the Samsung device provides ample memory for keeping multiple apps active in the background.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display technology on these devices offers distinct visual experiences, particularly regarding motion, brightness, and overall size.

  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a high refresh rate that makes every interaction, from scrolling through news feeds to playing games, feel fluid compared to the standard refresh rate found on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Brightness and Clarity: With a screen designed for high peak brightness, the Galaxy S23 Plus remains easy to read in bright outdoor environments, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers excellent colour accuracy and sharp resolution for indoor media consumption.
  • Viewing Area: The 6.6-inch display of the Galaxy S23 Plus provides a more immersive experience for watching videos, whereas the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 12 Pro is better suited for users who prefer a device that is easier to manage with one hand.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones feature versatile triple-camera arrays, but they are optimised for different photographic styles and environments.

  • Zoom and Detail: The Galaxy S23 Plus excels at capturing distant subjects thanks to its dedicated telephoto lens with higher optical zoom, providing clear images where the iPhone 12 Pro might rely more on digital cropping.
  • Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a LiDAR scanner that assists with focusing in dark settings, making it particularly effective for night-time portraits and augmented reality applications.
  • Video and Audio Quality: Content creators often favour the iPhone 12 Pro for its consistent video recording across all lenses, while the Galaxy S23 Plus offers high-resolution video options and effective noise-reduction microphones for clear calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily usage is influenced by the different connectivity standards, biometric systems, and physical dimensions found on these devices.

  • Charging and Connectivity: The Galaxy S23 Plus uses the widely adopted USB-C port, which is compatible with most modern laptops, while the iPhone 12 Pro uses the Lightning connector; both devices support 5G for fast mobile data.
  • Security Features: Users can choose between the under-display fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy S23 Plus for quick, tactile unlocking or the FaceID system on the iPhone 12 Pro, which offers a secure and hands-free way to access the device.
  • Portability and Build: The iPhone 12 Pro is more compact and lighter, making it comfortable for smaller hands, while the Galaxy S23 Plus is larger and heavier, reflecting its bigger screen and battery capacity.

Weight

196 g

187 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

Online discussions and user forums reveal a clear consensus regarding the strengths and trade-offs of these two smartphones. Owners of the Galaxy S23 Plus frequently highlight the exceptional battery life and the modern feel of the high-refresh-rate display as standout features that justify its place as a current-generation flagship. On the other hand, iPhone 12 Pro users often praise the device's timeless design and the reliability of the iOS platform, though many acknowledge that the battery life is less competitive by modern standards.

Users who prioritise a large, fluid screen and the longest possible software support will likely find the Galaxy S23 Plus to be the better fit for their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a more compact, premium-feeling device and are already comfortable within the Apple ecosystem may find the iPhone 12 Pro to be a more natural choice. Selecting a quality-assured refurbished model is an eco-friendly alternative that provides access to these high-end technologies while promoting sustainability. Ultimately, both devices offer a premium experience, and the choice depends on whether you value the latest hardware advancements or the refined, integrated experience of a classic Pro-tier iPhone.

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