Is the Samsung Galaxy S20 Better Than the iPhone 12 Pro in 2023?

When considering the Samsung Galaxy S20 and the iPhone 12 Pro, it's important to understand that both are excellent smartphones, and ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and needs. However, in terms of value and current trends, comparing an older model to a newer one becomes more significant. Let's delve into the detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Why Comparing iPhone 12 Pro to Older Models Is Not Optimal

Assuming you wish to buy an old premium phone for a lower price today, you are likely making a poor choice. For instance, an iPhone 12 Pro Max in refurbished condition sells for approximately $500 in the US and around 50K Rupees in India. With that amount, you can easily afford a brand new Pixel 7, Galaxy S21 FE, S22, or a new Nothing Phone 2. In the US, you could also get a brand new Pixel 7, Galaxy S21, S22, Zenfone 9/10, etc.

What to Consider When Making the Choice

If you are planning to switch to iOS, you may choose the iPhone 12 Pro. However, if you are already comfortable with Android, the Samsung Galaxy S20 remains a strong contender. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key factors:

Technical Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy S20 indeed boasts strong specs, often placing it superior to the iPhone 12 Pro in various parameters:

While these technical features seem impressive, the practical differences may not be as pronounced. For instance, both devices offer exceptional battery life, with the S20 lasting 8 hours and the iPhone 12 Pro lasting 9 hours.

The S20's camera focus on resolution and sharpness, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro excels in saturation, exposure, and contrast. Both phones take excellent photos, making it hard to distinguish between their images.

The S20's display is sharper than the iPhone 12 Pro, but at the retina quality of 326 ppi, the human eye cannot discern the difference. Similarly, the higher refresh rate can make scrolling smoother but is not essential for most daily use activities.

Performance and Speed

Both phones are incredibly fast, but the iPhone 12 Pro offers snappier processing of large files due to its powerful A14 Bionic chip, the most advanced in smartphones. This means that for tasks that require significant computational power, the iPhone 12 Pro may be marginally faster.

Operating Systems and User Experience

The choice of operating system is a crucial factor. The S20 runs on Android, which offers enhanced customization options, such as split-screen functionality, personalization, and the ability to download third-party apps directly. However, iOS takes the lead in terms of security and privacy. Google collects user data for personalized ads, which you may find intrusive, while iOS closely monitors apps and ensures strict privacy policies. The App Store remains more secure than the Google Play Store, which can be lax in security measures, especially for web apps.

Conclusion

While the Samsung Galaxy S20 appears superior on paper, in real-world usage, the differences are minimal. Both phones excel in their respective domains, and your choice should ultimately be based on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the user-friendly and secure iOS or the highly customizable Android, both devices offer excellent value for their price.