Galaxy S23 Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:240.00

Versus €959.00 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 S23, released in February 2023, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to premium smartphone design and functionality. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technologies, and overall user experience, catering to varying preferences in the smartphone market.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability features.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 is a more recent device, having been released in early 2023, while the iPhone 12 Pro debuted in late 2020. This difference in launch dates directly impacts their remaining software support windows.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 launched with Android 13 and is promised 4 years of operating system updates and 5 years of security updates, extending its support into 2028. The iPhone 12 Pro, running iOS, typically receives 5-6 years of major iOS updates from its release, meaning its software support window is nearing its end compared to the S23.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in water. The iPhone 12 Pro introduced Ceramic Shield on its front display for enhanced drop performance, while the Galaxy S23 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back for scratch and drop resistance.

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 tasks, demanding applications, and overall user responsiveness. Both the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 12 Pro deliver capable performance, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for demanding tasks, ensuring smooth app loading, efficient multitasking, and fluid gaming experiences. The iPhone 12 Pro, while older, still offers a highly optimized processor that provides strong performance for everyday use and many intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting seamless transitions between multiple applications. It offers storage options up to 512GB. The iPhone 12 Pro features 6GB of RAM and also provides storage options up to 512GB, which is ample for most users' needs.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 houses a 3900 mAh battery, supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, offering 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. Users of the Galaxy S23 may experience longer usage times on a single charge, especially with moderate use, while the iPhone 12 Pro's smaller battery capacity might necessitate more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in sharp visuals. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, providing excellent clarity and color accuracy. Both OLED technologies deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, and has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy S23 is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, enhancing its resistance to scratches and drops. The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple states provides improved drop performance.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 12 Pro offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup including a 50MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12MP camera system, consisting of a wide lens with OIS, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.
  • Low-Light and Special Features: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances autofocus in low-light conditions and enables Night mode portraits. It also supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. The Galaxy S23 offers improved low-light performance across its lenses and features enhanced AI for night portraits and Super HDR for its front camera.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S23 can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24/30fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 12 Pro supports 4K video recording at various frame rates up to 60fps and is notable for its HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and imaging, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S23 supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, utilizing a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 12 Pro also supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, but uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy S23 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. Both devices include a range of sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and barometers. The iPhone 12 Pro also incorporates a LiDAR Scanner, which has applications beyond photography, such as enhanced augmented reality experiences.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 measures 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighs 168g, featuring an aluminum frame and glass construction. The iPhone 12 Pro has very similar dimensions at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighs 189g, with a stainless steel frame and glass back. The iPhone 12 Pro's design includes flat edges, while the Galaxy S23 has a more rounded aesthetic.

Weight

167 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S23 often highlights its powerful performance, vibrant display with high refresh rate, and versatile camera system, particularly its low-light capabilities and optical zoom. Some users appreciate the extensive customization options offered by Android and Samsung's One UI. Criticisms sometimes point to the standard model's battery life being adequate rather than exceptional for heavy use, and the design being a subtle evolution from its predecessor.

The iPhone 12 Pro is frequently praised for its consistent camera performance, robust build quality with the Ceramic Shield, and the smooth, integrated experience of iOS. Users often commend its video recording capabilities, especially with Dolby Vision HDR, and the reliability of Face ID. Common criticisms, particularly in comparison to newer models, include its 60Hz display refresh rate and the relatively smaller battery capacity.

Users prioritizing a more recent device with a higher refresh rate display, extensive Android customization, and a longer window for software updates may find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Its advanced camera system with 3x optical zoom and reverse wireless charging are also compelling features. Conversely, users who value the long-term software support and ecosystem of iOS, a consistent and reliable camera experience with strong video capabilities, and the added utility of a LiDAR scanner might lean towards the iPhone 12 Pro. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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