Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Our verdict: You'll pay £517.16 less overall on contract with the Apple iPhone 12 than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. You'll get more screen real estate from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 at 7.6", though the Apple iPhone 12 is crisper at 457 PPI. Keen photographers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and its 50MP main camera. Video callers will appreciate the Apple iPhone 12 and its 12MP front camera.

Expert Rating
4.3
18 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 7.6"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch
457 373
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
iOS 14.1 Android
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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight
164 grams 275 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£69.00 upfront) £67.33/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£139.95 £499.99
Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Expert Rating 4.3
18 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 7.6"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch 457 373
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS iOS 14.1 Android
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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight 164 grams 275 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts £11.95/mo
£69.00 upfront
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £139.95 £499.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 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 Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 373, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 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 Z Fold5?

The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £139.95.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 use?

The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two — it's 111g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 run?

The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.