Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 12

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:297.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options
iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone market. While both offer premium experiences, key distinctions lie in their release timelines, underlying software ecosystems, and specific hardware advancements. The Galaxy S23 Plus operates on Android, featuring a more recent hardware platform, whereas the iPhone 12 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus is a more recent device, having been released in February 2023, while the iPhone 12 was introduced in October 2020. This difference in launch date inherently means the Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from a longer period of anticipated software support from its manufacturer.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four years of major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices like the Galaxy S23 Plus. Apple is known for its extended software support, with iPhones often receiving iOS updates for five to six years from their release. This suggests the iPhone 12 will continue to receive updates for a considerable duration, though the Galaxy S23 Plus will have a longer remaining update window from the current date.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame. The iPhone 12 introduced Ceramic Shield on its front display, which Apple stated offered improved drop performance compared to previous models, alongside a glass back and an aluminum frame. Both phones also carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements.

Year of Release

2023

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, influencing everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor that is optimized for its ecosystem, providing excellent performance for a wide range of applications and smooth multitasking. Users report that it handles demanding apps and graphics-intensive games with ease. The iPhone 12 features a powerful chip from its release year, which continues to deliver a highly responsive user experience across the iOS platform, adept at managing everyday tasks and many popular games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns. The iPhone 12 generally includes 4GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS's efficient memory management, provides a fluid experience for most users. Both devices offer various internal storage options, with the Galaxy S23 Plus starting at 256GB and the iPhone 12 starting at 64GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which, coupled with its efficient processor, often translates to extended usage times, with some users experiencing nearly two full days on a single charge. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, designed to provide sufficient power for a full day of typical use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer distinct viewing experiences tailored to their respective designs.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) results in a pixel density of approximately 393 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its rich colors and true blacks, with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, yielding a slightly higher pixel density of around 460 ppi.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S23 Plus can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making content clear even in bright sunlight. It also boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 offers a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits and maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While the iPhone 12's 60Hz display is well-optimized for iOS, the higher refresh rate on the S23 Plus offers a more modern visual fluidity.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S23 Plus provides more expansive viewing for media and productivity. The iPhone 12's slightly smaller display offers a compact form factor while still delivering a high-quality visual experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, designed to capture moments with clarity and detail, though they approach photography with different hardware configurations.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. The iPhone 12 is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus is noted for its strong overall image quality, including good low-light performance and detailed shots, benefiting from its higher resolution main sensor and dedicated telephoto capabilities. The iPhone 12 is praised for its consistent image processing, excellent low-light performance with an improved Night Mode across all lenses, and strong video recording capabilities, including 4K Dolby Vision HDR.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature a 12MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video calls. The Galaxy S23 Plus can record video at up to 8K resolution, offering high detail for those who require it. The iPhone 12's video recording, particularly with Dolby Vision, is often highlighted for its stability and quality.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 12 support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds where available. The Galaxy S23 Plus includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering advanced wireless capabilities. The iPhone 12 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. For physical connections, the Galaxy S23 Plus uses a USB-C port, while the iPhone 12 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition. The iPhone 12 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. In terms of physical design, the Galaxy S23 Plus has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g. The iPhone 12 is slightly more compact and lighter, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 164g.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S23 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front and back panels, framed by Armor Aluminum. The iPhone 12 uses Ceramic Shield on the front for enhanced drop resistance and a glass back, with an aluminum frame.

Weight

168 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus frequently highlights its robust performance, vibrant display with a high refresh rate, and a versatile camera system that includes a dedicated telephoto lens. Many appreciate its long battery life, often extending beyond a single day of heavy use. Some users note that while it offers a premium experience, it sits as a middle ground between the more compact base S23 and the feature-rich S23 Ultra.

The iPhone 12 is consistently praised for its sleek design, the introduction of an OLED display for deeper blacks and vibrant colors, and its strong overall performance driven by the iOS ecosystem. Its camera system, particularly its video capabilities and improved low-light performance, receives positive remarks. Common observations include its 60Hz display, which some users find less fluid compared to higher refresh rate screens on other devices, and the absence of a telephoto lens.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display, a more comprehensive camera system with optical zoom, and the Android operating system may find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value the integrated iOS ecosystem, exceptional video recording, a slightly more compact form factor, and Apple's long-term software support might lean towards the iPhone 12. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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