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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in early 2021, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in late 2020, represent two distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a large-format device designed for maximum screen real estate and versatile photography, the iPhone 12 Pro offers a more balanced design that focuses on consistent performance and high-quality video. These devices operate on different platforms, with the Galaxy running Android and the iPhone using iOS, each providing a unique ecosystem of apps and services for their users.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G followed in January 2021. This means the iPhone 12 Pro has been on the market slightly longer.
• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for approximately 5-7 years, with security updates extending even further. The iPhone 12 Pro, originally on iOS 14, is currently running iOS 26.4 as of March 2026, and is expected to receive updates for several more years. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, which launched with Android 11, received its final major Android update (Android 15) in May 2025, and its software updates officially ended in February 2026.
• Repairability: The iPhone 12 Pro received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that many components are modular and easy to access, though proprietary screws and enhanced waterproofing can complicate repairs. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, however, scored lower at 3 out of 10, primarily due to the extensive use of glue for the battery, display, and rear panel, making disassembly challenging.

Both devices offer robust performance for daily tasks, though they approach it with different hardware configurations.

• Storage Options: Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro are available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery, which users often report as lasting a full day even with relatively heavy use. The iPhone 12 Pro, with its 2815 mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy usage, especially with 5G connectivity, may necessitate more frequent charging.
• System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, offering consistent performance across its operating system. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G also provides a fluid experience for everyday tasks and gaming, thanks to its powerful processor and higher RAM configurations, which can be up to 16GB compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's 6GB.

The visual experience on both smartphones is premium, but they differ in size, technology, and refresh rate.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 515 PPI. This offers a highly immersive experience with sharp details and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 PPI, known for its deep blacks and accurate color reproduction.
• Brightness and Outdoor Use: Both devices offer excellent brightness levels. The iPhone 12 Pro can reach up to 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G also provides strong brightness, making it comfortable for outdoor viewing.
• Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear noticeably smoother and more fluid. The iPhone 12 Pro, in contrast, uses a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is stable and clear but lacks the enhanced smoothness of the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems, each excelling in different aspects of photography and videography.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This extensive zoom capability is a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects. The iPhone 12 Pro has a triple 12MP camera system, comprising wide, ultrawide, and a 2x optical telephoto lens, complemented by a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light autofocus and depth sensing.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Ultra is praised for its camera versatility and impressive zoom capabilities, allowing users to capture clear images from a distance. The iPhone 12 Pro is recognized for its consistent exposure, natural colors, and strong low-light performance, particularly with Night Mode portraits. Its 12MP front camera also delivers high-quality selfies.
• Video Recording Quality: The iPhone 12 Pro is widely regarded for its video recording capabilities, offering stable footage and natural colors across all lenses, with support for Dolby Vision HDR recording in 4K at up to 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and also offers 4K at 60fps.