Galaxy S21+ 5G vs iPhone 12

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, are both prominent smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and premium experiences, they differ significantly in their operating systems, design philosophies, and core features. The Galaxy S21 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable interface, while the iPhone 12 runs on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release and Age: The iPhone 12 was released in October 2020, making it slightly older than the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, which launched in January 2021.
• OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, including the S21 series. The Galaxy S21 Plus received its final major OS update (Android 15) in May 2025 and its last security update in January 2026, with software support ceasing in February 2026. Apple generally offers 5-7 years of major iOS updates and extended security patches. The iPhone 12, launched with iOS 14, is expected to receive major iOS updates until around 2026 or 2027, with security updates potentially extending to 2027 or 2028.
• Practical Lifespan: Given the current date (March 2026), the Galaxy S21 Plus has reached the end of its guaranteed software support, meaning new features and regular security patches are no longer provided. The iPhone 12, however, is still within its expected major OS update window and will continue to receive security updates for a longer period, potentially making it a more viable option for users prioritizing extended software longevity.

Both devices deliver capable performance for daily tasks, but their underlying hardware and software optimizations lead to different user experiences.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, depending on the region, is powered by a current-generation processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 12 features a powerful chip designed for efficient performance across iOS applications. Both devices offer responsive operation for everyday use, including web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S21 Plus often report a fast and fluid experience, with apps opening quickly and smooth transitions. The iPhone 12 is also known for its consistent and optimized performance, providing a seamless user experience within the Apple ecosystem.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S21 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting robust multitasking, and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone 12 has 4GB of RAM and is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage. While the iPhone 12's RAM is lower, iOS's memory management is highly optimized. However, the 64GB base storage on the iPhone 12 can be limiting for users with many apps, photos, and videos.

The visual experience on both smartphones is a key differentiator, with distinct display technologies and characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its rich colors and true blacks. Both provide a clear and sharp viewing experience for media consumption and daily use.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A notable difference is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 Plus boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is still smooth for most users but does not offer the same level of fluidity as a 120Hz display.
• Brightness and Size: The Galaxy S21 Plus offers a maximum brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 12 has a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content and 625 nits for typical use. The larger 6.7-inch screen of the S21 Plus provides a more expansive viewing area compared to the iPhone 12's 6.1-inch display, which can be a factor for users who consume a lot of video content or prefer more screen real estate.

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and features.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S21 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Neither device includes a dedicated macro lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus is praised for its vibrant photos, good detail, and effective zoom capabilities, with users reporting strong performance in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 12 delivers consistent and natural-looking images, with improvements in low-light performance compared to its predecessors, and Night Mode available across all cameras. However, the iPhone 12 lacks a telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones offer high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S21 Plus supports 8K video recording at 24fps and includes features like Director's View. The iPhone 12 supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps and introduced Dolby Vision HDR video recording. Both devices provide good microphone quality for calls and video recording, and their stereo speakers offer a decent media consumption experience.