Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, are both flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and high-quality displays, they differ in their operating systems, camera configurations, and design philosophies. The Galaxy S21 5G runs on Android, offering a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 12 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12 were released within a few months of each other, meaning their practical lifespans, particularly concerning software updates, will follow similar trajectories, though with different operating systems.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, launched with Android 11, is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately January 2026 for security patches. The iPhone 12, released with iOS 14, typically receives 5-6 major iOS updates, having already received iOS 18 and being compatible with iOS 26, suggesting a slightly longer period of major OS updates.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G has been noted for a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10 by some assessments, highlighting its modular construction and ease of disassembly for certain components. Conversely, the iPhone 12 received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, with observations that proprietary tools and software configurations are often required for full functionality after certain repairs, such as camera or screen replacements.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The iPhone 12 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, alongside a glass back and an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S21 5G features a Gorilla Glass Victus front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. Both models carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to managing multiple processes simultaneously. Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 12 offer capable hardware designed to handle demanding usage, though they approach performance from different architectural standpoints.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a current-generation processor (either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, depending on region) that enables smooth multitasking and efficient handling of graphics-intensive applications and games. The iPhone 12 features Apple's A14 Bionic chip, which provides responsive performance across the iOS ecosystem, ensuring quick app launches and fluid navigation.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting extensive multitasking and keeping numerous apps open in the background without significant slowdowns. It offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB. The iPhone 12 includes 4GB of RAM and is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage configurations.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G houses a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The iPhone 12 is equipped with a 2815 mAh battery, and user experiences suggest its battery life can be adequate for daily use, though heavy users might find themselves charging more frequently.

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

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent contrast and color accuracy. Both utilize OLED technology for superior visual quality compared to LCD panels.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 5G offers a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a clear picture, with a peak brightness of 1300 nits for good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, delivering sharp images, and reaches a peak brightness of 1200 nits in HDR content, ensuring content remains discernible even outdoors.
• Refresh Rate: A notable difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 12 are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they employ different lens configurations and processing approaches.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including detailed zoomed shots. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Features: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing clear and detailed images. The Galaxy S21 5G offers features like 30x Space Zoom and 8K video recording at 24fps. The iPhone 12 includes Night Mode across all its cameras (wide, ultrawide, and front), Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, enhancing performance in challenging lighting conditions. Its video recording capabilities include 4K at up to 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR.
• Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 10MP front camera. The iPhone 12 features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which also supports Night Mode and advanced portrait features.