iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 - Complete Review
iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
The battle between the iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S20 represents a pivotal moment in smartphone history. While both devices are a few years old, they have transitioned from "flagship" status to "value kings" in the refurbished and used market. This technical analysis dives deep into the architecture, long-term usability, and hardware reliability of both handsets to help you decide which device deserves your money today. Whether you are prioritizing the raw processing power of Apple's A14 Bionic or the fluid 120Hz display technology of Samsung, this guide covers every technical nuance, including PWM dimming rates, storage speeds, and modem capabilities.
Expert Opinion Snapshot: The Executive Summary
Before diving into the benchmarks, here is the bottom line for the pragmatic buyer. The iPhone 12 remains a performance beast with software support likely extending into 2026/2027, making it the better long-term investment. However, the Samsung Galaxy S20 offers hardware features that the iPhone 12 lacks, specifically a 120Hz refresh rate screen and a telephoto lens.
| Feature | iPhone 12 (Winner For...) | Galaxy S20 (Winner For...) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Quality | Color Accuracy & Flat Design | 120Hz Fluidity & Slim Bezels |
| Performance | A14 Bionic (Unmatched Speed) | Multitasking (RAM) |
| Software Life | Updates until ~2026 | End of Life (Security only) |
| Value Retention | High Resale Value | Very Affordable Used |
Expert Insight: Many reviews overlook the modem difference. The iPhone 12 was Apple's first 5G phone using the Qualcomm X55 modem, which is significantly better at signal retention than the 4G variants of the S20 found in many global markets (Exynos version).
Full Technical Specifications Comparison
A side-by-side look at the raw hardware reveals the philosophical differences between Apple and Samsung.
| Specification | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S20 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (SoC) | Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) | Snapdragon 865 (USA) / Exynos 990 (Global) |
| Display Panel | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz) | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz @ 1080p) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Wide (f/1.6) 12MP Ultrawide (f/2.4) |
12MP Wide (f/1.8) 64MP Telephoto (3x Hybrid) 12MP Ultrawide |
| Build Materials | Ceramic Shield Front, Aluminum Frame | Gorilla Glass 6, Aluminum Frame |
| Charging | 20W Wired, 15W MagSafe | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
The iPhone 12 marked a return to the flat-edged industrial design reminiscent of the iPhone 4. This design choice actually helps with grip, as the sharp edges dig slightly into the palm, providing security without a case. The front glass utilizes Apple's "Ceramic Shield," which has proven in drop tests to be significantly more shatter-resistant than standard glass, though it is slightly more prone to micro-scratches. In contrast, the Galaxy S20 is the last of the "curved edge" era for the smaller S-series. It feels incredibly thin and futuristic in the hand. The curves are subtle, reducing accidental touches compared to previous generations, but they make the phone more fragile if dropped on a corner. The S20 uses Gorilla Glass 6, which is durable but falls short of the Ceramic Shield's impact resistance.
Display Technology: The Refresh Rate War
This is the most critical differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy S20 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel capable of a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling, system animations, and gaming feel incredibly smooth and responsive. However, there is a catch: you can only use 120Hz at 1080p resolution. If you switch to the full 1440p (QHD) resolution, the phone locks to 60Hz. The iPhone 12 is stuck at 60Hz. For users coming from older phones, this won't be an issue. However, if you have ever used a high-refresh-rate screen, going back to the iPhone 12's 60Hz display will feel jarring and "laggy" visually, despite the processor being faster. Technical Note on PWM: Both phones use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to dim their screens. The iPhone 12 has a lower PWM frequency (around 240Hz-480Hz depending on brightness), which may cause eye strain for sensitive users. The S20 generally manages dimming slightly better at lower brightness levels.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
There is no contest here: the A14 Bionic inside the iPhone 12 is a superior chipset compared to both the Snapdragon 865 and especially the Exynos 990 found in global S20 units. For Gamers: The iPhone 12 runs games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile at higher stable frame rates over long periods. The A14's single-core performance ensures that the UI remains snappy years later. The Galaxy S20 (Exynos version) suffers from thermal throttling. During extended gaming sessions, the phone heats up, and the screen brightness often dims automatically to protect the hardware. The Snapdragon 865 version (USA/Korea) is much better and competes well with the A14 in multicore tasks, but still lags in raw efficiency.
Camera Capabilities: Photo & Video Analysis
Video Recording: The iPhone 12 is the undisputed king of video in this comparison. It supports Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 30fps (and 4K 60fps standard). The stabilization, dynamic range, and seamless lens switching are superior to the S20. Photography: The Galaxy S20 wins in versatility. It includes a dedicated 64MP telephoto lens that allows for 3x hybrid optical zoom. The iPhone 12 relies entirely on digital zoom (cropping the main sensor) for anything beyond 1x, which results in a loss of detail for distant subjects. Night Mode: Both phones feature excellent night modes. The iPhone 12 tends to keep night shots looking more "natural" with deeper shadows, while the S20 brightens the scene aggressively, sometimes turning night into day.
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
Specs can be deceiving. The S20 has a 4000mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 has only 2815mAh. However, iOS optimization is legendary. Real-World Usage: - iPhone 12: Typically delivers 6-7 hours of Screen On Time (SOT). Standby drain is almost non-existent. - Galaxy S20 (120Hz mode): The battery life takes a massive hit, often struggling to reach 5 hours of SOT. - Galaxy S20 (60Hz mode): Improves significantly to match or slightly exceed the iPhone 12. If you plan to use the S20's main feature (120Hz), be prepared to charge it by late afternoon.
Market Value Guide (New vs Used)
Pricing varies by region, but here is the typical hierarchy in the used/refurbished market.
| Condition | iPhone 12 Estimated Price | Galaxy S20 Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished (Excellent) | $280 - $350 | $180 - $220 |
| Used (Good) | $220 - $260 | $140 - $170 |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
Buying these phones used requires caution. Here is exactly what you must check before handing over cash.
| Device | Critical Checkpoint | How to Test |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung S20 | Screen Burn-in / Green Line | Dial *#0*# and select "Red", "Green", "Blue". Look for faint icons or lines. |
| iPhone 12 | TrueTone & FaceID | Check Control Center for TrueTone toggle. Try setting up FaceID. Failures indicate bad screen replacements. |
| Both | Battery Health | iPhone: Settings > Battery. S20: Use Samsung Members app. Avoid if under 80%. |
Critical Advice: Updates & Longevity
This is the deal-breaker for many. The Samsung Galaxy S20 has officially reached the end of its major Android OS update cycle. It stopped at Android 13. It will receive security patches for a while longer, but it will not get new features or Android 14/15. The iPhone 12 launched with iOS 14 and is currently running the latest iOS versions smoothly. Historically, Apple supports devices for 6-7 years. This means the iPhone 12 will likely receive full OS updates until 2026 or 2027, making it a much more secure and future-proof device for banking apps and long-term use.
Final Verdict
Choosing between these two comes down to a choice between current pleasure vs. long-term reliability. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S20 if: You are on a strict budget and want a modern display experience. The 120Hz AMOLED screen is superior to the iPhone's panel, and the design still feels incredibly premium. It is an excellent secondary phone or media consumption device. Buy the iPhone 12 if: You want a phone to use as a daily driver for the next 2-3 years. The A14 chip is still faster than many mid-range Androids released today, the video quality is unmatched, and the guarantee of future software updates provides peace of mind that the S20 cannot offer.