Introduction:
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra are premium smartphones that introduced advanced cameras, powerful processors and high-quality displays in their respective generations. Although both are older flagship devices, they may still appeal to buyers looking for premium features in India’s refurbished and second-hand market.
iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features Apple’s A14 Bionic processor, a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and a triple-camera system. It offers MagSafe wireless charging, Face ID and integration with Apple’s software ecosystem.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a powerful processor and a versatile camera system with two dedicated telephoto cameras. It also supports the S Pen with a compatible accessory, although the pen is not built into the phone.
The biggest difference is that the iPhone focuses on Apple’s iOS experience and video-recording features, while Samsung offers more optical zoom, a higher-refresh-rate display and Android customisation.
In this iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comparison, we will examine their specifications, prices in India, cameras, performance, battery life and key differences to help you choose the right phone.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 | 2021 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2778 × 1284 pixels | 3200 × 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A14 Bionic | Exynos 2100 in India |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 108MP |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto Cameras | 12MP with 2.5x optical zoom; 2x optical-quality option | 10MP with 3x optical zoom and 10MP with 10x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 40MP |
| Battery | Apple-rated video playback up to 20 hours | 5,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | Fast charging supported | Up to 25W |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W | Wireless charging supported |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Operating System at Launch | iOS 14 | Android 11 with One UI 3.1 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Special Features | MagSafe and Face ID | 100x Space Zoom and optional S Pen support |
Specifications are for the standard models. Features and availability may vary by region and software version.
Price in India
The original launch prices below provide a historical reference. Current prices may vary significantly because these phones are older models and may be available mainly through refurbished sellers or the second-hand market.
iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S21
| Smartphone | Original Launch Price in India |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB | ₹1,29,900 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB | ₹1,39,900 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 128GB | ₹1,05,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 256GB | ₹1,16,999 |
These are historical launch prices, not guaranteed current offers. Check the phone’s condition, battery health, warranty and seller reliability before purchasing.
1. Display and Design
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2778 × 1284 pixels. It delivers rich colours, deep blacks and detailed visuals. Its flat-edge design and stainless-steel frame give it a premium appearance.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and supported games feel smoother.
Samsung offers a sharper display and a higher refresh rate, while Apple’s display remains excellent for watching videos, browsing websites and viewing photographs.
Display winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for its QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
2. Camera Comparison
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 12MP telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom. It supports Night mode, Apple ProRAW and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. Its camera system is suitable for everyday photography, portraits and video creation.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and two 10MP telephoto cameras offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. Samsung’s Space Zoom feature combines optical and digital zoom capabilities for photographing distant subjects.
Samsung offers more camera versatility, particularly for distant subjects and long-range zoom. The iPhone remains a strong option for users who value video-recording features and Apple’s camera experience.
Camera winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for its dedicated 10x optical zoom camera. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good choice for video recording and everyday photography.
3. Performance and Gaming
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic processor. It delivers strong performance for everyday applications, gaming, video editing and multitasking. Its integration with iOS helps applications run smoothly.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses the Exynos 2100 processor in India. It can handle demanding applications, multitasking and many mobile games. However, sustained performance can vary with temperature, workload and software condition.
Both phones are older flagships, so their present-day performance also depends on battery health, installed software and the condition of the device.
Performance winner: Both remain capable for many everyday tasks. Choose according to your preferred operating system and application needs.
4. Battery Life and Charging
Apple rates the iPhone 12 Pro Max for up to 20 hours of video playback under its testing conditions. It supports fast wired charging and MagSafe wireless charging with compatible accessories.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery and supports wired charging up to 25W. It also supports wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare for compatible devices.
Samsung offers a larger published battery capacity, while Apple provides an official video-playback estimate. Actual battery life depends on usage, network conditions, screen brightness and battery health.
Because both devices are several years old, checking the battery’s condition is especially important when buying a used phone.
Battery verdict: Samsung has the larger published battery capacity. Actual endurance depends on the condition of each device and how it is used.
5. Software and Special Features
The iPhone 12 Pro Max launched with iOS 14 and supports Apple’s connected ecosystem. It works with compatible MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirPods and offers features such as Face ID, MagSafe and iCloud integration. It does not support Apple Intelligence.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1. It provides Android customisation, multitasking features and support for a compatible S Pen accessory. Unlike Samsung’s Ultra models from later generations, the S Pen is not stored inside the S21 Ultra.
Samsung originally announced four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S21 series. Because this is an older device, check its current software and security-update status before purchasing.
Software winner: Samsung for Android customisation and optional S Pen functionality. The iPhone is suitable for users who prefer iOS and Apple’s ecosystem.
Pros and Cons
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Pros
- Large 6.7-inch OLED display.
- Powerful A14 Bionic processor.
- Triple-camera system with 2.5x optical zoom.
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
- MagSafe wireless charging.
- Premium stainless-steel design.
Cons
- Standard refresh rate is 60Hz.
- No dedicated 10x optical zoom camera.
- Slower wired charging than some competing phones.
- Older units may have reduced battery health.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Pros
- Large QHD+ AMOLED display.
- Smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- 108MP main camera.
- Dedicated 3x and 10x optical zoom cameras.
- 5,000mAh battery.
- Optional S Pen support.
Cons
- Large size may not suit every user.
- No built-in S Pen storage.
- Older devices may have limited remaining software support.
- Battery condition can vary significantly in used units.
Which Phone Should You Buy in India?
Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you prefer iOS, want a large premium display and value Apple’s video-recording features. It may be suitable for social media creators and users who already own Apple devices.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra if you want a sharper 120Hz display, a versatile zoom camera system and Android customisation. It is particularly appealing for travel photography and users who frequently photograph distant subjects.
Before purchasing either phone, compare current prices and storage variants. For a used iPhone, check Battery Health and Parts and Service History. For Samsung, test the display, cameras, charging port, speakers, fingerprint reader and S Pen compatibility if you plan to use one. Verify the IMEI, repair history and warranty status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max better than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers Apple’s iOS experience and strong video features. The Galaxy S21 Ultra provides a sharper 120Hz display, a 10x optical zoom camera and Android customisation. The better choice depends on your priorities.
Which phone has the better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Which phone has the better camera?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a 108MP main camera and dedicated 3x and 10x optical zoom cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a strong option for video recording and everyday photography.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, while Apple rates the iPhone 12 Pro Max for up to 20 hours of video playback. Actual battery life depends on usage and battery condition.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra good for gaming?
It can handle many mobile games and demanding applications, although sustained performance may vary with temperature and workload. Check the phone’s condition and battery health before buying used.
Which phone is cheaper in India?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra launched at a lower starting price than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Current prices vary by seller, storage, device condition and availability.
Conclusion
The iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comparison highlights two older flagship smartphones with different advantages. The iPhone offers a premium OLED display, capable performance and advanced video-recording features. Samsung provides a sharper 120Hz display, a 108MP main camera and a versatile optical zoom system.
For buyers who prioritise zoom photography and display quality, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is worth considering. Those who prefer Apple’s ecosystem and video creation may find the iPhone 12 Pro Max more suitable. Compare current prices, battery health and device condition before making your final decision.
