Galaxy A53 5G Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy A53 5G
Galaxy A53 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:119.00

Versus €459.00 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 A53 5G, released in March 2022, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A53 5G operates on the Android platform, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera systems, and overall build philosophies, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

The expected practical lifespan and software support differ between these two devices, influencing their long-term usability.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A53 5G launched with Android 12 and is promised four major OS updates, extending its support to Android 16, along with five years of security updates until 2027. The iPhone 12 Pro, released with iOS 14, typically receives 5-6 years of major iOS updates, with expectations for support potentially extending until iOS 20 or 21, around 2027 or 2028.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust feel and IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A53 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and has a plastic back and frame, offering IP67 dust and water resistance, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A53 5G has received repairability scores ranging from 6.75 to 8.2 out of 10, indicating a relatively accessible design for repairs. The iPhone 12 Pro generally scores around 6 out of 10 for repairability, with modular components but challenges due to proprietary screws and increased waterproofing measures.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these devices is shaped by their internal components, impacting daily operations and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications, complex graphics, and intensive multitasking with fluidity. Users can expect smooth performance across a wide range of tasks, from gaming to video editing. The Galaxy A53 5G features an octa-core processor designed for efficient everyday use. While capable of handling most common applications and light gaming, some users have reported occasional micro-stutters or lag, particularly during heavy multitasking or when opening resource-intensive apps.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A53 5G includes a larger battery capacity, often translating to extended usage times, with many users reporting up to two days of casual use on a single charge. The iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller battery, and some users have noted that its battery life can be a concern, especially with consistent 5G usage, often requiring more frequent charging for heavy users.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro offers storage options starting from 128GB, providing ample space for apps and media. Its operating system is optimized for quick app launches and seamless transitions. The Galaxy A53 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card, offering flexibility for users who need more space.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is a significant factor, with differences in display technology and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant color reproduction, with a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels. The Galaxy A53 5G sports a larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, offering rich colors and excellent contrast, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions, though its refresh rate is a standard 60Hz. The Galaxy A53 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and a peak brightness of 800 nits for outdoor visibility.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro's display is protected by Ceramic Shield, enhancing its resistance to drops. The Galaxy A53 5G's larger screen size provides a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity, protected by Gorilla Glass 5.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography and videography with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro features a versatile triple 12 MP camera system, including wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, complemented by a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light focusing and augmented reality applications. Its main camera has a wide f/1.6 aperture. The Galaxy A53 5G boasts a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide, and two 5 MP sensors for macro and depth.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in capturing detailed images with natural color reproduction across various lighting conditions, with its LiDAR scanner aiding in low-light performance. The Galaxy A53 5G delivers good daylight photos, though its low-light performance can be average.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30fps. The iPhone 12 Pro offers advanced video capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR recording. The Galaxy A53 5G provides stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience, while the iPhone 12 Pro also offers quality speaker output.

Main camera

64 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 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 and supports Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy A53 5G features a USB-C port and supports Wi-Fi 5, but notably lacks a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy A53 5G incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, though some users have noted it can be slower than other methods.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro has a premium feel with its stainless steel frame and glass back, weighing 189g and measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm. The Galaxy A53 5G, also weighing 189g, has a plastic back and frame, with dimensions of 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm, offering a slightly larger form factor.

Weight

189 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Galaxy A53 5G often highlights its strong battery life and vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display as significant advantages. However, common criticisms include performance issues like occasional lag or stuttering, especially during multitasking, and a fingerprint sensor that some find slow. The absence of a charger in the box and the removal of the headphone jack were also noted by users.

For the iPhone 12 Pro, users frequently praise its robust build quality, powerful performance for demanding tasks, and capable camera system, particularly its low-light capabilities with the LiDAR scanner. Conversely, common concerns include its battery life, which some users find insufficient for heavy 5G usage, and the lack of a high refresh rate display. Some users also reported issues with connectivity and speaker performance in certain batches.

Users prioritizing a smooth, high refresh rate display, expandable storage, and extended battery life for casual use may find the Galaxy A53 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who value a premium build, consistent high performance for intensive applications, and advanced camera features, particularly for photography and videography, might lean towards the iPhone 12 Pro. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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