Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. iPhone 12 Pro: An In-Depth Comparison
Smartphone technology evolves rapidly, with each generation bringing new features, improved performance, and enhanced user experiences. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro represent two different eras and philosophies in smartphone design and innovation. The S23 Ultra, released in early 2023, is Samsung’s flagship, packed with cutting-edge hardware and software. The iPhone 12 Pro, launched in late 2020, was a top-tier device in its time and still holds up remarkably well.
This article will compare these two devices across design, display, performance, camera systems, software, battery life, connectivity, and value for money, providing a thorough analysis to help you decide which phone suits your needs best.
1. Design and Build Quality
Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra embodies Samsung’s design philosophy: bold, premium, and functional. It features a robust Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, ensuring durability. The device is large, with squared-off corners and a slightly curved display, giving it a distinctive, modern look.
Dimensions: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 234g
Colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, and exclusive online colors
IP68 water and dust resistance
S Pen integration (unique among mainstream flagships)
iPhone 12 Pro
Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro, while older, is still a paragon of elegant, understated design. It features a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield glass on the front, with a flat-edge design reminiscent of classic iPhones.
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight: 189g
Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Pacific Blue
IP68 water and dust resistance
Comparison
The S23 Ultra is noticeably larger and heavier, catering to users who prefer a big-screen experience and stylus input. The iPhone 12 Pro is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. Both exude premium quality, but the S23 Ultra’s boldness contrasts with the iPhone’s minimalist elegance.
2. Display
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Size: 6.8 inches
Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO
Resolution: 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+)
Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz adaptive
Brightness: Up to 1750 nits
The S23 Ultra’s display is one of the best in the industry, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity. The adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and efficient power usage.
iPhone 12 Pro
Size: 6.1 inches
Type: Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution: 2532 x 1170 pixels
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Brightness: Up to 1200 nits (HDR)
The iPhone 12 Pro’s display is sharp and color-accurate, but it lacks the high refresh rate of newer models, including the S23 Ultra.
Comparison
The S23 Ultra’s display is superior in almost every measurable aspect: size, resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. The iPhone 12 Pro’s screen is still excellent, but it shows its age, especially with the absence of a high refresh rate.
3. Performance
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm)
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB (UFS 4.0)
GPU: Adreno 740
The S23 Ultra is a powerhouse, handling demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease. The custom Snapdragon chip offers slightly higher clock speeds than standard 8 Gen 2 models.
iPhone 12 Pro
Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB (NVMe)
GPU: Apple-designed 4-core GPU
The A14 Bionic was a leap forward in 2020, offering excellent performance and efficiency. Even today, it outperforms many mid-range and older flagship chips.
Comparison
The S23 Ultra’s hardware is more advanced, with more RAM and newer storage technology. However, Apple’s optimization allows the iPhone 12 Pro to remain snappy. For demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking, the S23 Ultra has the edge, but the iPhone 12 Pro still holds its own for everyday use.
4. Camera Systems
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Main: 200MP, f/1.7, OIS
Ultra-wide: 12MP, f/2.2, 120˚
Telephoto 1: 10MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom
Telephoto 2: 10MP, f/4.9, 10x optical zoom
Front: 12MP, f/2.2
The S23 Ultra’s camera setup is incredibly versatile. The 200MP main sensor captures stunning detail, while the dual telephoto lenses enable up to 10x optical zoom and impressive hybrid zoom capabilities. Night mode, advanced AI processing, and Pro RAW support make this a photographer’s dream.
iPhone 12 Pro
Main: 12MP, f/1.6, OIS
Ultra-wide: 12MP, f/2.4, 120˚
Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.0, 2x optical zoom
Front: 12MP, f/2.2
The iPhone 12 Pro delivers consistent, natural-looking photos. Apple’s Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3 technologies enhance details and dynamic range. The LiDAR scanner improves low-light focusing and enables AR experiences.
Comparison
The S23 Ultra’s camera system is more advanced and flexible, especially for zoom and high-resolution shots. The iPhone 12 Pro, while still excellent, can’t match the S23 Ultra’s hardware or zoom capabilities. However, Apple’s image processing produces pleasing, true-to-life results, and its video recording is industry-leading for color accuracy and stability.
5. Software and Ecosystem
Galaxy S23 Ultra
OS: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 (One UI 6.x)
Ecosystem: Integrates with Samsung devices (Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Tab, SmartThings, DeX, Windows integration)
Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich, customizable, and user-friendly. The S Pen adds unique productivity features. Samsung has improved its update policy, offering up to 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates for the S23 Ultra.
iPhone 12 Pro
OS: iOS 14 (at launch), upgradable to iOS 17 and beyond
Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod)
iOS is known for its smoothness, security, and long-term support. The iPhone 12 Pro will continue to receive updates for several more years. Apple’s ecosystem is unmatched for continuity features like Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Clipboard.
Comparison
Both phones offer excellent software experiences tailored to their respective ecosystems. The S23 Ultra is more customizable and feature-packed, especially for productivity. The iPhone 12 Pro excels in ecosystem integration and long-term updates.
6. Battery Life and Charging
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Battery: 5000mAh
Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Battery life: Up to 2 days with moderate use
The S23 Ultra’s large battery and efficient chipset deliver excellent endurance. Fast charging is a plus, though not the fastest on the market.
iPhone 12 Pro
Battery: ~2815mAh
Charging: 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless
Battery life: About a day with moderate use
The iPhone 12 Pro’s battery capacity is much smaller, but iOS optimizations help it last a full day for most users. Charging speeds are slower, but MagSafe adds convenience for wireless charging and accessories.
Comparison
The S23 Ultra offers significantly better battery life and faster charging. The iPhone 12 Pro’s battery life is adequate but not exceptional, especially by 2023 standards.
7. Connectivity
Galaxy S23 Ultra
5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB, NFC
Dual SIM + eSIM
USB-C 3.2
iPhone 12 Pro
5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, UWB, NFC
Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
Lightning port
Comparison
The S23 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards and uses USB-C, which is more universal than Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. Both offer UWB and dual SIM capabilities.
8. Special Features
Galaxy S23 Ultra
S Pen: Built-in stylus for note-taking, drawing, remote control, and more.
DeX mode: Desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.
Reverse wireless charging: Charge other devices wirelessly.
Advanced multitasking: Split-screen, pop-up windows.
iPhone 12 Pro
LiDAR scanner: Enhanced AR experiences and low-light focusing.
MagSafe: Magnetic accessories and wireless charging.
Face ID: Secure facial recognition.
Comparison
The S23 Ultra is more feature-rich, especially for productivity and power users. The iPhone 12 Pro’s MagSafe and LiDAR are innovative but less transformative than the S Pen and DeX.
9. Value for Money
Galaxy S23 Ultra
As a newer flagship, the S23 Ultra commands a premium price but offers unmatched hardware, features, and longevity.
iPhone 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 Pro, while still capable, is now several generations old. Its price has dropped on the secondhand market, making it a good value for those who want a premium iOS experience without paying for the latest model.
Comparison
If you want the best technology and are willing to pay for it, the S23 Ultra is the clear choice. The iPhone 12 Pro is a solid option for those who prefer iOS and don’t need the latest specs.
10. Longevity and Future-Proofing
Galaxy S23 Ultra
With top-tier hardware and Samsung’s improved update policy, the S23 Ultra is built to last several years.
iPhone 12 Pro
Apple’s long support cycles mean the iPhone 12 Pro will receive updates for at least another 2-3 years, but its hardware is aging compared to the S23 Ultra.
Comparison
The S23 Ultra will remain relevant longer from a hardware perspective, but the iPhone 12 Pro will likely get iOS updates for as long as its hardware can handle them.
11. User Experience and Subjective Factors
Android vs. iOS: Personal preference plays a huge role. Android offers more customization, while iOS is known for its simplicity and reliability.
Brand loyalty: Many users stick with what they know, be it Samsung or Apple.
Accessories and repairability: Apple’s accessory ecosystem is vast, but Samsung offers more flexibility with USB-C and S Pen.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Power users who want the best display, camera, and performance.
Productivity-focused users who will benefit from the S Pen and DeX.
Those who value longer battery life and faster charging.
Android enthusiasts or those invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 12 Pro?
Users who prefer iOS and Apple’s ecosystem.
Those looking for a premium phone at a reduced price.
Users who value compact size and elegant design.
Anyone who doesn’t need the absolute latest hardware but wants a reliable, capable device.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and the iPhone 12 Pro are both excellent phones, but they cater to different audiences and priorities. The S23 Ultra is a technological tour de force, while the iPhone 12 Pro remains a refined, reliable classic. Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, ecosystem preference, and which features matter most to you.
