Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both the Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro offer robust software support and durable designs, though with some distinctions.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, making it slightly older than the Galaxy S21 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference in release date can influence the duration of future software updates.
• Software Longevity: As of early 2026, the iPhone 12 Pro is running iOS 26.4, demonstrating Apple's commitment to extended software support for its devices, typically spanning five to six years from release. The Galaxy S21 5G, currently on Android 13, also receives consistent updates, though the total duration of major OS upgrades can vary by manufacturer and model.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G generally exhibits a higher repairability score, with some assessments placing it around 7.5 to 7.75 out of 10, noting its ease of disassembly and modular components. The iPhone 12 Pro received an iFixit score of 6 out of 10, with modular parts but challenges posed by proprietary screws and increased waterproofing measures.

Both smartphones were equipped with high-performance processors at their release, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently, though their real-world performance characteristics differ.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G, depending on the region, is powered by either a current-generation Exynos or Snapdragon processor, enabling smooth operation across various applications and gaming scenarios. The iPhone 12 Pro features Apple's A14 Bionic chip, which provides responsive performance for everyday tasks, complex computations, and graphic-intensive games.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to fluid multitasking and app switching. The iPhone 12 Pro includes 6GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, ensures a smooth user experience even with multiple applications running simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G houses a 4000 mAh battery, with many users reporting it can last a full day with typical usage. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, and while some users find it sufficient for a day of light use, heavy usage, particularly with 5G connectivity, may necessitate more frequent charging.

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by vibrant colors and sharp details, thanks to their advanced display technologies, but they offer different specifications in terms of smoothness and brightness.

• Display Technology: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vivid color reproduction. The iPhone 12 Pro sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also delivering excellent contrast and color accuracy.
• Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S21 5G offers an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can dynamically adjust down to 48Hz, providing a noticeably smoother scrolling and gaming experience. The iPhone 12 Pro maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both phones offer high brightness levels for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S21 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, while the iPhone 12 Pro achieves 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak for HDR content, ensuring content remains clear even in bright environments.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens, offering 3x hybrid optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12MP camera system, comprising ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, with 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out, providing a 4x optical zoom range.
• Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro benefits from a LiDAR scanner, which enhances autofocus in low-light conditions and enables Night mode portraits. Users generally praise the iPhone 12 Pro's photo quality, especially its low-light performance. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a versatile setup, though some users have noted occasional issues with low-light quality and image processing in certain scenarios.
• Video Recording: The iPhone 12 Pro supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second, providing enhanced dynamic range and color depth for video content. The Galaxy S21 5G also offers strong video capabilities, with optical image stabilization on its main and telephoto lenses contributing to stable footage.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily functionality of these smartphones.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication. The Galaxy S21 5G utilizes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 12 Pro features Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
• Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 5G incorporates an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking and authentication. The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's 3D facial recognition system, for biometric security.
• Build Materials and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front, contributing to a premium feel and enhanced drop protection. It weighs 189 grams and measures 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm. The Galaxy S21 5G has an aluminum frame with a plastic back and a Gorilla Glass Victus front, weighing 169 grams and measuring 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.