Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S25 is display quality against simplicity. For the Samsung, that means its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, a higher-resolution 50MP rear camera, and a larger 4,000 mAh battery. The iPhone is easier to recommend for a sharper 457 PPI display and its Super Retina XDR OLED panel. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Samsung is the Android choice. Go with the Samsung for display quality; lean toward the iPhone if simplicity is higher on your list.

The iPhone 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £515 over a typical contract, £119 less than the S25.

Expert Rating
4.3
18 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.2"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 416
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
2,815 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
iOS 14.1 Android 15
SIM Type
Standard SIM nano-SIM and e-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/6e
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
164 grams 162 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
£19.00/mo (£9.00 upfront) £23.50/mo (£20.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£149.99 £419.99
Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Expert Rating 4.3
18 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.2"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 416
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 2,815 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS iOS 14.1 Android 15
SIM Type Standard SIM nano-SIM and e-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/6e
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 164 grams 162 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 £19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront
£23.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
SIM-free £149.99 £419.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone 12

24 Months

64GB

Black

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£19 per month, £9 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25

24 Months

128GB

Icy Blue

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£23.50 per month, £20 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £515.00 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has the bigger screen at 6.2" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25?

The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?

The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (164 grams vs 162 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25 run?

The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.