Samsung Galaxy A21 vs. iPhone 12: Which One Should You Buy in 2024?

• The iPhone 12 is faster and has a sharper OLED display, while the Galaxy A21 has a larger but less sharp LCD screen.
• The iPhone 12's cameras offer better image quality and low-light performance than the Galaxy A21's quad-camera setup.
• The Galaxy A21 has a longer battery life. The iPhone 12, though pricier, offers superior features and longer software support.

The Samsung Galaxy A21 and iPhone 12 are two phones from very different corners of the smartphone market. But with both still available in 2024, which one is right for you? Let's break down their key features to help you decide.

Samsung Galaxy A21 vs. iPhone 12: Specs Compared

Here's a table comparing the features of the Samsung Galaxy A21 and iPhone 12:

How Does the Galaxy A21 Display Compare to the iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 offers a sharper OLED display compared to the Galaxy A21's LCD screen. Here's a deeper dive into how the Galaxy A21 display compares to the iPhone 12:

Technology

• Galaxy A21: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) - This is a more traditional display technology known for being affordable and offering decent image quality. However, LCDs typically have lower contrast ratios and viewing angles than OLEDs.
• iPhone 12: OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) - This is a newer technology known for producing deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and wider viewing angles. This results in sharper, more vibrant colors and a more immersive viewing experience.

Resolution

• Galaxy A21: 720 x 1600 pixels - This translates to a pixel density of around 270 ppi (pixels per inch). This is considered acceptable for a budget phone, but text and images won't appear as sharp as higher resolution displays.
• iPhone 12: 1170 x 2532 pixels - This translates to a pixel density of around 460 ppi. This is a significant bump in sharpness, offering crisp text and detailed visuals.

Other Features

• Galaxy A21: Has a larger screen size - 6.5 inches.
• iPhone 12: Offers features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) for improved contrast and brightness, and a higher peak brightness level.

Verdict: The iPhone 12 display offers a clear advantage in most aspects. OLED technology delivers superior image quality, while the higher resolution provides sharper visuals. The iPhone 12 might also boast additional features for a more premium viewing experience. However, the Galaxy A21's display might be sufficient for some users who prioritize affordability and a larger screen size.

Does the Galaxy A21 Perform Better Than the iPhone 12?

In terms of performance, the iPhone 12 significantly outperforms the Galaxy A21. Here's a breakdown:

• Processor: The iPhone 12 uses Apple's A14 Bionic chip, a powerhouse known for its speed and efficiency. The Galaxy A21 uses a MediaTek Helio P35 processor, a more budget-oriented option with less processing power. Benchmarks show the iPhone 12 scoring several times higher than the Galaxy A21.
• RAM: The iPhone 12 has 4GB of RAM, while the Galaxy A21 typically has 3GB. More RAM allows for smoother multitasking and handling demanding apps.
• Storage: The base storage on the iPhone 12 is 64GB, which is double than that of the Galaxy A21’s 32GB.

Verdict: The iPhone 12 will handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running multiple apps simultaneously much smoother than the Galaxy A21. You'll experience less lag and quicker loading times with the iPhone 12. However, if you only use your phone for basic tasks like browsing the web, social media, and calls, the Galaxy A21 might be sufficient. It can handle these tasks adequately. But for a more future-proof and powerful experience, especially in 2024, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner.

Samsung Galaxy A21 Camera vs. iPhone 12 Camera

The iPhone 12 camera boasts a significant advantage over the Galaxy A21 camera system. Here's a breakdown:

Number of Lenses

• Galaxy A21: Quad camera system (16MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth)
• iPhone 12: Dual camera system (12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide)

While the Galaxy A21 has more lenses, more doesn't necessarily mean better. The iPhone 12 focuses on high-quality core lenses, has a larger sensor size, and offers better low-light performance than the Galaxy A21. The iPhone 12 features sensor-shift image stabilization, which can help reduce blur in photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The Galaxy A21 likely relies on electronic image stabilization (EIS), which is generally less effective.

Video recording will likely be superior on the iPhone 12. Expect higher resolutions (4K), better stabilization, and improved video quality overall.

The Galaxy A21 might still be suitable if you just take snapshots for social media or memories. The dedicated macro lens on the Galaxy A21 can be useful for capturing extreme close-up shots.

Verdict: For almost any serious photography or videography use, the iPhone 12 camera is the clear winner. It offers superior quality across the board, thanks to better sensor technology, image processing, and features like sensor-shift stabilization.

How Does the Galaxy A21 Battery Compare to the iPhone 12?

The Galaxy A21 has a potential battery life advantage over the iPhone 12, but real-world usage can vary. Here's a breakdown:

Battery Capacity

• Galaxy A21: 4000 mAh
• iPhone 12: 2815 mAh

On paper, the Galaxy A21 boasts a significantly larger battery capacity, suggesting it could last longer on a single charge. However, iPhones are known for their software optimization. Apple efficiently tailors iOS to the specific hardware of each model, which can help mitigate the battery capacity difference.

Battery life also depends on how you use your phone. If you're a heavy user who constantly plays games, streams, and browses, even the Galaxy A21 might need a recharge by the end of the day. Lighter users on both phones might see their batteries last a full day or even longer.

Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery quickly when needed. However, the fast charging standard might differ, affecting charging speed.

Verdict: The Galaxy A21 has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer life on a charge. However, the iPhone's software optimization might help bridge the battery capacity gap. Your usage habits will ultimately determine which phone offers better battery life for you. If you're a heavy user and prioritize battery life, the Galaxy A21 might be a better choice.

Should You Buy iPhone 12 or Galaxy A21?

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and budget. Consider which features are most important to you, and weigh the pros and cons of each phone before making your decision.

Buy the used iPhone 12 if:

• Performance is a priority: You want a faster phone for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
• Camera quality matters: You take a lot of photos or videos and want superior image quality, especially in low light.
• You prefer a sharper display: You value a crisp, vibrant viewing experience with high resolution and OLED technology.
• Budget is flexible: You're willing to spend more for a premium phone with top-of-the-line features.

Buy the used Galaxy A21 if:

• Price is your top concern: You're on a tight budget and prioritize affordability.
• Basic phone usage is enough: You only use your phone for calls, texts, casual browsing, and social media.
• A larger screen is appealing: You prefer a bigger display for watching videos or reading.
• Battery life is a major concern: You're a heavy user and prioritize a phone that can potentially last longer on a single charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Samsung Galaxy A21 faster than the iPhone 12?

No, the Samsung Galaxy A21 isn’t faster than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is generally faster than the Samsung Galaxy A21. It has a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, while the Galaxy A21 uses the less advanced MediaTek Helio P35. For tasks like gaming, multitasking, and high-performance apps, the iPhone 12 offers superior speed and efficiency.

2. Does the Galaxy A21 have a better camera than the iPhone 12?

No, the Galaxy A21 doesn’t have a better camera than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 features advanced dual 12MP cameras with superior image processing, while the Galaxy A21 has a quad-camera setup with lower overall quality. For clearer, more detailed photos and better low-light performance, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.

3. Does the Galaxy A21 have a better battery life than the iPhone 12?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A21 has a better battery life than the iPhone 12. The Galaxy A21 features a 4,000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 has a smaller 2,815 mAh battery. In everyday use, the Galaxy A21 tends to last longer on a single charge, especially for moderate tasks and usage.

4. Is the iPhone 12 worth the extra cost?

Yes, the iPhone 12 is worth the extra cost for many users. It offers superior performance, a better camera, higher build quality, and longer software support than the Galaxy A21. If you prioritize speed, photo quality, and future-proofing, the iPhone 12 provides excellent value despite its higher price.