Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 12 mini

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:307.20

Versus €1,072.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €689.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the iPhone 12 Mini, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a larger display and a more recent Android operating system, the iPhone 12 Mini provides a compact iOS experience. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their physical size, software ecosystem, and generational advancements.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is a more recent device, having been released in February 2023. The iPhone 12 Mini, released in October 2020, is several years older. This age difference directly impacts the remaining period of official software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus, running Android, typically receives major operating system updates for approximately four to five years from its release, followed by security updates. The iPhone 12 Mini, on the iOS platform, generally receives major iOS updates for five to six years. While the iPhone 12 Mini has already received several updates, the Galaxy S23 Plus has a longer runway for future software features and security patches due to its newer release date.
  • Repairability and Durability: The iPhone 12 Mini received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that display and battery replacements are relatively straightforward due to modular components. The Galaxy S23 Plus, part of the S23 series, has shown improvements in repairability compared to its predecessors, with some sources indicating a score around 8.2 for the series, suggesting a design that facilitates easier internal access. Both devices feature robust build materials, with the iPhone 12 Mini utilizing Ceramic Shield for its front display and the Galaxy S23 Plus featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, alongside aluminum frames. However, drop tests for the S23 Plus have shown that despite advanced glass, screens can still crack from waist height drops.

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 handling demanding tasks and managing power efficiently.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with notable smoothness. Users report that it maintains performance even during intensive gaming sessions without significant overheating. The iPhone 12 Mini, while older, is equipped with a capable processor that still delivers a responsive experience for everyday tasks and many games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app retention in memory. It offers storage options starting from 256GB, providing ample space for applications and media. The iPhone 12 Mini includes 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth operation within the iOS ecosystem, though it may manage fewer active background applications compared to the S23 Plus. Storage options for the iPhone 12 Mini range from 64GB to 256GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a 4700 mAh battery, which generally provides good endurance, often lasting a full day for many users. The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery, and user feedback often points to its middling battery life, sometimes requiring a charge before the end of a heavy usage day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This technology is known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 12 Mini has a more compact 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also offering rich colors and true blacks. The choice between these largely depends on preference for screen real estate versus a smaller form factor.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer high-resolution displays, with the Galaxy S23 Plus at 2340 x 1080 pixels and the iPhone 12 Mini also at 2340 x 1080 pixels. This results in sharp text and clear images on both screens, providing a detailed viewing experience for typical content.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 Mini offers a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, which is still bright enough for most outdoor scenarios. Its display has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer robust systems for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 12 Mini comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12-megapixel wide lens with OIS and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom for closer subjects.
  • Photography Performance: Users generally praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its vibrant colors, good low-light performance, and detailed images. The iPhone 12 Mini is known for its consistent and reliable image quality in various conditions, with improved low-light capabilities over its predecessors. Both devices offer Night Mode across their main lenses.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus is capable of recording video at resolutions up to 8K, offering high detail for video content creators. The iPhone 12 Mini supports 4K video recording, including Dolby Vision HDR, which enhances dynamic range and color accuracy in videos. Both phones provide good microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their stereo speakers offer a satisfactory media consumption experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, offering fast wireless speeds and efficient connections to accessories. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 12 Mini also supports 5G and includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. It uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an under-display fingerprint reader for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition. The iPhone 12 Mini relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric security. Both devices include a standard suite of sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and proximity sensors.
  • Physical Design and Durability Features: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, offering a substantial feel in hand. It features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 12 Mini is significantly smaller and lighter at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and 135g, making it highly pocketable and suitable for one-handed use. It also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Weight

168 g

135 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 12 Mini cater to different user needs, reflecting their respective release timelines and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its powerful performance, vibrant and smooth display, and versatile camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens. Its battery life is generally considered robust, supporting extended use. Some common criticisms, however, include its larger size, which may not appeal to all, and its overall design being perceived as a subtle evolution rather than a radical change.

Conversely, the iPhone 12 Mini is frequently lauded for its exceptionally compact form factor, making it easy to handle and pocket. Its display, despite its size, is highly regarded for its quality, and its camera system delivers consistent results for everyday photography. User concerns often revolve around its battery life, which many find to be less than a full day of heavy use, and the absence of a telephoto lens.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display, a comprehensive camera system with optical zoom, and a longer period of software support may find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its robust performance makes it ideal for demanding applications and multitasking. On the other hand, users who value a highly portable device, a comfortable one-handed experience, and the iOS ecosystem, and who do not require extensive battery life or a telephoto camera, may lean toward the iPhone 12 Mini. Both devices offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on individual priorities regarding size, operating system preference, and specific feature requirements. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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