Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked vs iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct generations of flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both offer premium experiences, the Galaxy S23 Plus brings more recent advancements in display technology and internal hardware, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro is recognized for its robust build and integrated software ecosystem. Users will find key differences in their overall longevity, display characteristics, and battery performance, reflecting their different release timelines and design philosophies.

The three-year difference in release dates significantly impacts the expected software support and physical longevity of these devices.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S23 Plus, being a 2023 model, is anticipated to receive official Android operating system updates and security patches for several years longer than the iPhone 12 Pro. This makes the S23 Plus a more future-proof option for users planning to keep their device for an extended period. The iPhone 12 Pro, while still receiving updates, is naturally closer to the end of its support cycle.
• Physical Durability: Both phones feature robust construction with toughened glass and metal frames. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches. The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, which Apple states provides improved drop performance. However, user experiences suggest that while Ceramic Shield enhances shatter resistance, its scratch resistance is comparable to other high-end glass. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Practical Lifespan: For users prioritizing the latest software features and security updates, the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a longer practical lifespan due to its newer release. However, the iPhone 12 Pro, with Apple's typically long software support, remains a capable device for users who do not require the absolute latest software.

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, and both devices deliver smooth operation, though with varying levels of responsiveness for demanding tasks.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 Plus, equipped with a more current-generation processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with notable smoothness and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading and a fluid user experience. The iPhone 12 Pro, powered by its own advanced chip, also offers excellent performance for most daily tasks, ensuring a responsive and seamless experience across applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB. The iPhone 12 Pro features 6GB of RAM and is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space and efficient multitasking for its operating system.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a larger 4700mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, often provides impressive battery life, with many users reporting it can comfortably last two days with normal usage. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815mAh battery. While it can last a full day for moderate users, heavy usage, especially with 5G connectivity or intensive gaming, may lead to more frequent charging.

The display is a primary interface for smartphones, and both models offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences, albeit with different specifications and user preferences in mind.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels and a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch, providing excellent clarity and detail. Both OLED panels deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear exceptionally smooth. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. Its display operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is smooth for most content but less fluid than higher refresh rate displays.
• Viewing Experience: The larger 6.6-inch screen of the Galaxy S23 Plus provides a more expansive and immersive viewing area, which is beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 12 Pro offers a more compact form factor, which some users may find easier for one-handed use and portability.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed shots across various focal lengths. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12MP camera system, comprising a wide, ultrawide, and a 2x optical telephoto lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus excels in capturing vibrant and detailed photos in various lighting conditions, with strong low-light performance. Its telephoto lens provides good zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro delivers consistent image quality with natural color reproduction. Its LiDAR scanner aids in faster autofocus, particularly in low-light environments, and enables Night mode portraits.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second and features improved video stabilization. Its front-facing camera is 12MP. The iPhone 12 Pro is notable for its video capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR recording at up to 60 frames per second, offering excellent dynamic range and color accuracy in videos. It also has a 12MP front camera.