Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Our verdict: Over a typical contract, expect to pay £306.00 less with the Apple iPhone 12 than the Samsung Galaxy S25. Screen size goes to the Samsung Galaxy S25 at 6.2", while the Apple iPhone 12 wins on sharpness with 457 PPI. Keen photographers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy S25 and its 50MP main camera. Going SIM-free keeps things simple, and the Apple iPhone 12 is the more affordable option at £134.99.
18 reviews 4.1
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 12
|
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) |
| 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 |
£11.95/mo
£69.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£375.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £134.99 | £489.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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 £325.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £69.00 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 £134.99.
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.