Galaxy S20+ 5G Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy S20+ 5G
Galaxy S20+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:191.00

Versus €590.00 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 S20 Plus 5G, released in March 2020, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera approaches. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G runs on the Android platform, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro operates on iOS, known for its streamlined user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G was introduced in March 2020, preceding the iPhone 12 Pro's October 2020 release. This difference in launch dates means the iPhone 12 Pro generally benefits from a slightly longer period of official software support.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G launched with Android 10 and received major OS updates up to Android 13, which was released in November 2022. While security updates may continue, it has reached its end-of-life for major Android versions. The iPhone 12 Pro, starting with iOS 14, is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer duration, typically around 5-6 years from its release, potentially extending its functional lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 Pro introduced a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced drop performance. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on both its front and back.

Year of Release

2020

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro deliver robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they achieve this through different hardware architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro features a processor designed for efficient handling of complex tasks, offering smooth performance across applications and during intensive gaming. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is equipped with a powerful processor that ensures responsive multitasking and capable handling of graphically demanding games and applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G typically comes with 12GB of RAM in its 5G variants, providing ample capacity for running numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns. It also offers expandable storage via a microSDXC slot, allowing users to increase storage beyond the internal 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB options. The iPhone 12 Pro includes 6GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, allows for efficient multitasking. Its storage options are 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, without the possibility of expansion.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which users report can last beyond a full day with typical usage, though features like the 120Hz display and 5G connectivity can increase power consumption. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, providing acceptable battery life for many users, though heavy use, particularly with 5G, may necessitate more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, each offering a distinct approach to display technology and size.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing an expansive viewing area. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a more compact form factor. Both OLED technologies deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G boasts a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, resulting in a sharp image. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, also providing clear visuals. For brightness, the iPhone 12 Pro can reach up to 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content, and 800 nits typical, which aids visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G supports a 120Hz refresh rate at FHD resolution, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 Pro maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with some notable differences in their capabilities and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 12 MP main sensor, a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 0.3 MP DepthVision camera. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a triple 12 MP camera system, comprising wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, offering 2x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is capable of 8K video recording. Its 64 MP telephoto lens allows for detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light photography with Night mode available across all its rear cameras and supports Night mode portraits, enhanced by its LiDAR Scanner for faster autofocus in dim conditions. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 60 frames per second.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls, with the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G having a 10 MP sensor and the iPhone 12 Pro a 12 MP sensor. For audio, both phones offer stereo speakers for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and iPhone 12 Pro support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast wireless communication. The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G uses a USB Type-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 12 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition. The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID, its facial recognition system, for biometric security.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 Plus 5G measures 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm and weighs 186 g, offering a larger footprint. The iPhone 12 Pro is more compact at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 189 g, making it slightly heavier for its size due to its stainless steel frame. The iPhone 12 Pro also introduced MagSafe, a magnetic system for attaching accessories and wireless charging.

Weight

188 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G often praises its expansive and fluid 120Hz display, versatile camera system with strong zoom capabilities, and generally reliable battery life. Some users have noted that the in-display fingerprint sensor can occasionally be inconsistent. The iPhone 12 Pro is frequently lauded for its consistent camera performance, particularly in low light, its robust build quality with the Ceramic Shield front, and the smooth, integrated iOS experience. Criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display refresh rate, which is lower than some Android counterparts, and battery life that can be impacted by heavy 5G usage.

Users prioritizing a larger display with a high refresh rate for a smoother visual experience, along with expandable storage and a highly customizable Android operating system, may find the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a compact design, a highly optimized and secure ecosystem, superior low-light photography, and a longer period of software updates will likely lean towards the iPhone 12 Pro. Both devices remain capable options, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model presents an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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