Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality from their respective manufacturers. While the Galaxy S23 FE operates on the Android platform, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on iOS, offering users different software ecosystems. Key differentiators between these two devices include their release timelines, operating systems, and specific hardware focuses, catering to varied user preferences.

The longevity of a smartphone is often determined by its software support and physical durability.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S23 FE, launched with Android 13, is promised four major OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software support until Android 17 and security patches until 2028. The iPhone 12 Pro, released with iOS 14, typically receives major iOS updates for about five to six years and security updates for up to seven years from its release, with expectations for support until iOS 19 (around 2025) or security updates until 2027.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 FE features Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 12 Pro incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, a textured matte glass back, and a stainless steel frame, also carrying an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features for the longest possible duration might find the iPhone 12 Pro's extended iOS update cycle appealing, while the Galaxy S23 FE offers substantial long-term Android support.

Evaluating smartphone performance involves looking at how devices handle daily tasks, demanding applications, and battery efficiency.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a processor that delivers a smooth and responsive experience for everyday use and casual gaming, with users noting good memory management. However, some reports indicate it can generate heat and experience faster battery drain during intensive tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro is powered by a processor recognized for its robust performance, ensuring snappy and fluid operation across applications, video playback, and gaming. Users frequently describe its performance as consistently strong, even years after its release.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without support for expandable storage. The iPhone 12 Pro features 6GB of RAM and provides more varied storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4,500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage can lead to quicker depletion. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2,815 mAh battery, capable of lasting a full day with moderate use, but intensive activities or augmented reality features can significantly reduce its charge more rapidly.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with differences in technology, resolution, and refresh rate impacting the visual experience.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels), offering vibrant colors and good clarity for media consumption and daily tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, known for its deep blacks and accurate color reproduction.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S23 FE supports an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It also offers good brightness levels for visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience. Its display offers a typical brightness of 800 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good outdoor visibility and impressive contrast.
• Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize a larger screen and a higher refresh rate for a more fluid visual experience might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. Those who value exceptional color accuracy, deep contrast, and a slightly more compact form factor may prefer the iPhone 12 Pro.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, encompassing photo and video quality across various conditions.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. It is praised for its overall camera system, including its Nightography features for low-light photography and video recording quality. The iPhone 12 Pro also features a triple 12MP camera system, comprising a main wide lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. It includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances autofocus in low-light conditions and improves augmented reality experiences.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 10MP front camera. Its video recording capabilities are noted for their quality, including features like advanced digital image stabilization. The iPhone 12 Pro features a 12MP front camera and is known for its strong computational photography, good low-light performance, and advanced video capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
• Audio and Media: Both devices offer capable speaker outputs for media consumption. The iPhone 12 Pro's microphone quality is generally considered strong for calls and recordings, contributing to its overall audiovisual experience.