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iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 - Complete Review

Battery Capacity: 2815mAh
Dimension: 164g, 7.4mm thickness
Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic
Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Camera: Rear: 12 MP (Wide) + 12 MP (Ultra Wide) | Front: 12 MP
OS: iOS 14 (upgradable to iOS 18)
Battery Capacity: 4000mAh
Dimension: 163g, 7.9mm thickness
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (region-dependent)
Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD up to 1TB)
Camera: Rear: 12 MP (Wide) + 64 MP (Telephoto) + 12 MP (Ultra Wide) | Front: 10 MP
OS: Android 10 (upgradable to Android 13 / One UI 5)


iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S20: The 2020 Flagships — Which One Is Still Worth Buying in 2025?

What if you could get flagship power, 5G speed, and stunning design — without paying $1,000? That’s the promise of the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S20 — two 2020 legends that still feel premium in 2025. The iPhone 12 brought flat edges, MagSafe, and Dolby Vision video. The Galaxy S20 delivered 120Hz smoothness, 8K recording, and triple cameras. Both were game-changers. But in 2025, one key difference changes everything: **the iPhone 12 is still supported with updates until at least 2026, while the S20 is not**. So which one should you choose? Let’s break it down — screen, camera, battery, security — so you can pick the 2020 flagship that fits your 2025 life.

Design & Feel: Flat Edges vs Curved Elegance

The iPhone 12 brought back flat edges — sharp, bold, and nostalgic. It feels solid, premium, and unmistakably Apple. The Galaxy S20 has gentle curves, a symmetrical hole-punch, and a smoother in-hand feel. Both are lightweight (~163g) and fit well in one hand. If you love the iPhone 4/5/SE2 vibe, the 12 feels like home. If you prefer soft, modern curves, the S20 wins.

Display: Smoothness vs Simplicity

This is the biggest difference. The Galaxy S20 has a **120Hz Adaptive refresh rate** — everything feels buttery smooth, from scrolling to gaming. The iPhone 12 is locked at 60Hz — still crisp and bright (thanks to OLED), but not as fluid. The S20 also has higher resolution (QHD+ vs FHD+) and 1500 nits peak brightness vs 625. For media lovers and gamers, the S20 screen is objectively better. But the iPhone 12’s flat display is easier to protect with screen protectors. Choose: smoothness (S20) or simplicity (12).

Performance in 2025: Future-Proof vs Powerful But Frozen

The iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic is still faster than most 2023 Android phones — and it’s getting **iOS 18 in 2025**, with likely iOS 19/20 support. That means security patches, new features, and app compatibility for years. The Galaxy S20’s Snapdragon 865 was a beast in 2020 — and with 12GB RAM, it multitasks beautifully. But it stopped getting updates in early 2024. In 2025, it’s **vulnerable to security risks** and may lose app support. For long-term safety and smoothness, the iPhone 12 wins decisively.

Camera: Cinematic Video vs 8K Flexibility

The iPhone 12 shoots **4K Dolby Vision HDR video** — a feature even many 2024 phones lack. Colors are natural, stabilization is smooth, and Night Mode works well. The Galaxy S20 offers **8K@24fps video**, triple lenses (ultra-wide, wide, telephoto), and Super Steady stabilization. For photos, both are great in daylight. The S20 has more versatility (zoom, ultra-wide), but the iPhone 12’s video quality and color science are more consistent. For vloggers and filmmakers, iPhone 12 wins. For photo tinkerers, S20 wins.

Battery & Charging: S20 Lasts Longer, But 12 Is Safer

The Galaxy S20’s 4000 mAh battery easily outlasts the iPhone 12’s 2815 mAh cell. With 120Hz off, it can last 1.5 days of light use. The iPhone 12 struggles to hit a full day for heavy users. The S20 also has Wireless PowerShare (charge your earbuds on the back). But here’s the catch: because the S20 is no longer updated, using it for anything online is a **security risk**. The iPhone 12 may need a midday charge — but it’s still safe for banking, shopping, and social apps. Safety > battery life in 2025.

The Hidden Perks: MagSafe vs microSD

The iPhone 12 introduced **MagSafe** — snap on chargers, wallets, and stands with perfect alignment. It’s still the best wireless ecosystem in 2025. The Galaxy S20 has **microSD expandable storage (up to 1TB!)** — load it with movies, music, and photos without cloud subscriptions. Neither has a headphone jack. If you love accessories, go iPhone 12. If you hate cloud storage, go S20. But remember: the S20’s freedom comes with security trade-offs.

How to use them safely in 2025 (simple steps)

For iPhone 12: Update to iOS 18. Use normally — it’s still secure. For Galaxy S20: Factory reset. Install only offline apps (VLC, Spotify offline mode). Remove all accounts. Use as a media player or backup phone — **never for banking or social logins**.

What to avoid

Don’t pay more than $180–$220 for either. Don’t use the S20 for anything requiring security. Don’t expect the iPhone 12 to last all day with heavy use — carry a MagSafe battery pack.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the **iPhone 12** if: You want long-term security, iOS smoothness, MagSafe, and Dolby Vision video. You’re okay with 60Hz and shorter battery life. You plan to use it as your main phone in 2025. **This is the smarter, safer choice for most people.**

Choose the **Galaxy S20** if: You want 120Hz smoothness, 8K video, microSD storage, and longer battery. You’ll only use it offline (as a media player, backup, or kid’s phone). You understand the security risks and accept them.


In 2025, the **iPhone 12 is the clear winner** for anyone who wants a secure, supported, everyday phone. The Galaxy S20 is a powerful, beautiful device — but its lack of updates makes it risky for daily use. If you need a main phone, go iPhone 12. If you want a secondary media machine, the S20 still delights. Grab one in Blue or Cloud Pink, but choose wisely: in 2025, software support matters more than specs. And the iPhone 12 is still winning that race.


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