Samsung Galaxy S21 vs iPhone 12: arch rivals compared

How does the new top device from Samsung compare to its arch rival? From design, camera, specs and more: in this Samsung Galaxy S21 vs iPhone 12 comparison we put the competitors against each other.

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 vs iPhone 12

Samsung and Apple are incredibly popular players in the smartphone landscape. Can you extend your subscription right now, or are you just in the market for a new phone and in doubt between the two toppers of today? Then this article is made for you.

We compare the Samsung Galaxy S21 in all important areas with its large counterpart, the iPhone 12. Tap directly on the links below to go to the relevant part, or read the entire comparison to get a complete picture.

1. Screen and format

• Screen of Samsung Galaxy S21: 6.2 inches with resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels, pixel density of 421.
• Screen of iPhone 12: 6.1 inches with resolution of 2532 by 1170 pixels, pixel density of 460.

The screen of the iPhone 12 is sharper than that of its competitor. The Apple smartphone has a ppi (pixel density) of 460, while the S21 is stuck at 421. In terms of size, the two differ only slightly. The S21 is a bit thicker and heavier than the iPhone 12, although it doesn’t make much difference. The latter has a larger notch, or screen notch for the selfie camera.

• 

Both devices are dust and waterproof thanks to the IP68 certification. This equality does not apply to the refresh rate, which indicates how smoothly animations and images roll across the screen. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz; the iPhone 12 has to work with 60Hz.

That said, the refresh rate on the Galaxy S21 is adaptive. This means that the device itself determines which refresh rate suits the situation. After all, a refresh rate of 120Hz produces beautiful images, but also weighs heavily on the battery capacity. You can therefore set the refresh rate of the S21 to standard (60Hz) or adaptive in the settings menu.

2. Camera

• Camera from Samsung Galaxy S21: three lenses (12 + 12 + 64 megapixels), 10 megapixel selfie camera
• Camera from iPhone 12: two lenses (12 + 12 mega-pixel), 12 mega-pixel selfie camera

In terms of camera, there are clear differences between the Samsung Galaxy S21 and iPhone 12. The former has three lenses on the back, the iPhone 12 two. However, the mutual distribution is quite similar.

The 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens of the Galaxy S21 is assisted by a wide-angle lens (also 12 megapixels) and 64-megapixel telephoto lens. You use this ‘zoom lens’ to bring the image closer during photography.

Such a zoom lens is not on the iPhone 12. Apple’s entry-level flagship does have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and 12-megapixel wide-angle lens on the back, just like the Galaxy S21. On paper, the selfie camera of the iPhone 12 is the winner: 12 megapixels compared to 10 megapixels on the South Korean competitor.

3. Hardware

• Processor of Samsung Galaxy S21: Exynos 2100 with 8GB RAM and 128 // 256GB storage.
• Processor of iPhone 12: A14 Bionic with 4GB RAM and 64/128 / 256GB storage.

We have yet to wait for the practical tests, but on paper the Samsung and Apple flagship are well matched. The Galaxy S21 is powered by the super-fast Exynos 2100 chip, which is made by Samsung itself. Apple also likes to keep the reins in its own hands. The iPhone 12 has a ‘home-made’ A14 Bionic chip, which can also be found in the iPhone 12 mini and the more expensive iPhone 12 Pro (and iPhone 12 Pro Max).

On paper, the Apple device draws the short straw in terms of RAM. In practice, however, it often turns out that iOS, the operating system of the iPhone, is much more efficient with the RAM of a phone than Android. This means you need relatively less RAM to still have a fast-feeling phone. Both devices can handle 5G internet.

4. Charging

• Battery of Samsung Galaxy S21: 4000 mAh with fast charging (25 Watt), reverse charging and fast wireless charging (13.2 Watt)
• Battery of iPhone 12: 2815 mAh with fast charging (20 Watt) and fast wireless charging (15 Watt)

If there is a sheep over the dam, more will follow soon. This Dutch saying is quite applicable to the Samsung Galaxy S21. After the manufacturer previously attacked Apple on social media for omitting a charger in the packaging, these words are now returned to. The Galaxy S21 is also supplied without an adapter as standard.

So if you don’t have a charger at home yet, you have to purchase it separately. It may be wise to buy a fast charger right away. The Galaxy S21 can charge with a maximum of 25 Watts of power. The 4000 mAh battery is therefore full enough within half an hour to be able to use it for another day.

Also cool: reverse charging. The Samsung Galaxy S21 can provide other devices with power wirelessly. For example, place your bluetooth earbuds on the back of the device to charge them quickly.

MagSafe

This option is missing on the iPhone 12. However, the Apple device can charge a little faster wirelessly thanks to MagSafe, the magnetic connection that allows accessories to ‘click’ onto the back of the device. MagSafe also opens the door to all kinds of other accessories, such as covers and card holders.

The iPhone 12 can also ‘normal’ (wired) fast charge, but is slightly less fast than its Samsung competitor. It can handle a maximum of 20 watts of power. As mentioned, you have to purchase this (fast) charger separately, because the box of the Apple phone only contains a USB cable.

5. Software

Of course, software should not be missing in this Samsung Galaxy S21 vs iPhone 12 comparison. After all, the iPhone runs on iOS, the Samsung on Android. From iPhoned we naturally have a preference for the Apple operating system, but tastes differ and is very personal.

For many people, software is probably the most important difference between the two. Once you’re in Apple’s ecosystem, the company does everything it can to keep you there. For example, services like CarPlay and Apple Arcade are exclusively reserved for Apple devices. On the other hand, Samsung would love to keep you in the Android camp and you can get started with exclusive services such as Android Auto. Which of the two is better, if you can speak of ‘better’ at all, we will leave it in the middle for now.

6. Miscellaneous

Behind the scenes, Apple has been working on the AirTag for years, but Samsung is just too quick. Simultaneously with the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy SmartTag has been launched.

You can attach this tracker to your wireless earphones or key ring, for example, after which you can always find the location of these accessories via your smartphone. Rumors have it that Apple’s AirTag will not be long in coming. Safari, among others, has already been prepared to deal with the Apple sleuth.

7. Colors and suggested retail price

• MSRP Samsung Galaxy S21: 849 euros, available in four colors
• MSRP iPhone 12: 912.10 euros, available in five colors

The iPhone 12 is more colorful than the Samsung Galaxy S21. The Apple phone can be purchased in five colors: blue, green, red, white and black. The Galaxy S21 is available in four variants: Phantom Violet (purple), Phantom Pink (pink), Phantom White (white) and Phantom Gray (gray).

The arch rivals are also well-matched in terms of price. Since the increase in the home copy levy, the iPhone 12 starts at 912.10 euros, although you can now get it for less. The Samsung Galaxy S21 starts at 849 euros for the entry-level model (with 64GB storage) and the device will be in stores from January 29. The presale has already started.

To buy

The iPhone 12 is available separately or with a subscription. You can also purchase the device in combination with a SIM only. A separate Samsung Galaxy S21 is available at the well-known sales outlets. With a Samsung Galaxy S21 with subscription, you pay for the device in monthly installments.

Do you want to get Samsung’s new flagship? Then view the price comparator on our sister site Android Planet. Here you can filter offers from online stores and providers by price, storage capacity, color and more.