Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus came out in 2023, after the Apple iPhone 12 in 2020, so it's the more recent phone. The S23+ 5G has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the iPhone 12's 12MP, and the S23+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 2815mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.1", while the iPhone 12 has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S23+ 5G, up to 512GB against 256GB. Only pay up for the S23+ 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 12 makes more sense.
The iPhone 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £287 over a typical contract, £446 less than the S23+ 5G.
18 reviews 4.1
12 reviews
Apple iPhone 12
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 23 October 2020 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.3 18 reviews |
4.1 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.6" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 195 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£11.95/mo
£25.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £128.00 | £269.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £286.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £25.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £128.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.