Galaxy A34 Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy A34
Galaxy A34
Starting at

Refurbished price:135.00

Versus €399.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:214.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A34, released in March 2023, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent different approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A34 operates on the Android platform, offering extensive customization and a focus on a large display and battery, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, emphasizing a premium build, advanced camera capabilities, and a streamlined user experience. These devices cater to distinct user preferences, with key differences in their operating systems, display technology, and overall ecosystem integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, factors like release timeline, software support, and physical durability play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy A34, which launched in March 2023. This difference in release dates impacts their respective positions in the update cycle.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for several years, meaning the iPhone 12 Pro has received and will continue to receive significant software support for a considerable period from its launch. The Galaxy A34, being an Android device, is also committed to several years of OS updates and security patches from its 2023 release.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust build and IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A34 has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and a plastic frame and back, offering IP67 water and dust resistance, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Processing Capabilities: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor designed for efficient handling of demanding applications and graphics-intensive tasks, ensuring smooth performance and quick responsiveness. The Galaxy A34 features an octa-core processor that capably manages everyday tasks, web browsing, and moderate gaming, providing a generally smooth user experience.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 12 Pro comes with 6GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 512GB, facilitating efficient multitasking and ample space for files and applications. The Galaxy A34 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, which is not an option on the iPhone.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A34 is known for its substantial 5000 mAh battery, often providing up to two days of use for many users, even with a 120Hz display. The iPhone 12 Pro, with a 2815 mAh battery, typically offers a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy use, especially with 5G connectivity or intensive gaming, can lead to more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for users, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A34 boasts a larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, also providing rich colors and excellent contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro offers a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 ppi, delivering sharp and detailed images. The Galaxy A34 has a Full HD+ resolution of 1080x2340 pixels at approximately 390 ppi, which provides clear visuals suitable for most content consumption.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro reaches a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. Its display has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A34 features a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, with a peak brightness of 1000 nits in high brightness mode, enhancing outdoor visibility.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these phones offer different strengths in their imaging systems.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple 12MP camera system, including Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, with 2x optical zoom and a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light autofocus and Night mode portraits. The Galaxy A34 comes with a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 48MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light photography with its Night mode and Deep Fusion, producing detailed and well-exposed images across various conditions. The Galaxy A34 delivers good daylight photos with natural colors and clarity, and its Night mode helps improve detail and brightness in darker settings, performing well for its category.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 12 Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, offering advanced video capabilities. It has a 12MP front camera. The Galaxy A34 can record video up to 4K at 30 frames per second and features a 13MP front-facing camera, capable of 4K/30fps video for selfies.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Galaxy A34 features a USB-C port. The Galaxy A34 also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy A34 incorporates an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro has a more compact design, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 189 grams, with a premium stainless steel frame. The Galaxy A34 is larger at 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm and weighs 199 grams, featuring a plastic frame and back.

Weight

199 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone 12 Pro often praises its premium build quality, the effectiveness of its camera system, particularly in low light, and the smooth, integrated experience of iOS. Some common criticisms include its battery life, especially when utilizing 5G or for heavy gaming, and the relatively slower refresh rate of its display compared to newer devices. Users frequently highlight the value of its telephoto lens and the overall consistency of its performance over time.

The Samsung Galaxy A34 receives commendation for its impressive battery life, vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display, and Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates. Users appreciate its capable main camera for daylight photography and its durable, water-resistant design. Criticisms sometimes point to its secondary cameras being less impressive than the main sensor, and its charging speeds being slower compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a compact, premium device with advanced computational photography, a telephoto lens, and the iOS ecosystem may find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger, high-refresh-rate display, exceptional battery longevity, expandable storage, and the Android operating system might lean towards the Galaxy A34. Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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