Introduction:

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus are premium smartphones designed for users who want quality cameras, reliable performance and stylish designs. Although both devices are older flagship models, they may still appeal to buyers looking for affordable premium smartphones in India’s refurbished and second-hand market.

The iPhone 12 Pro features Apple’s A14 Bionic processor, a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and a triple-camera system. It also offers MagSafe wireless charging, Face ID and Apple’s connected software ecosystem.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, an Exynos 2100 processor in India and a triple-camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens. Its 120Hz refresh rate and Android customisation make it an appealing alternative.

The main difference is that the iPhone 12 Pro offers a compact premium design and Apple’s video-recording features, while the Galaxy S21 Plus provides a larger display, a bigger battery and a smoother viewing experience.

In this iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus comparison, we will explore their specifications, prices in India, cameras, performance, battery life and major differences to help you choose the right smartphone.

iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus: Specifications

Specifications are based on 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The original launch prices below provide a historical reference for these smartphones. Current prices can vary depending on availability, storage, retailer discounts and device condition.

These are historical launch-price references, not guaranteed current selling prices. Check current stock and seller reliability before purchasing.

1. Display and Design

The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels. It delivers rich colours, deep blacks and detailed visuals. Its stainless-steel frame and flat-edge design give it a premium appearance.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Its larger screen is useful for watching videos, browsing websites, reading articles and playing games.

Both smartphones offer premium OLED displays, but Samsung provides more screen space and smoother scrolling. The iPhone is easier to handle for users who prefer a smaller device.

Display winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus for its larger screen and 120Hz refresh rate.

2. Camera Comparison

The iPhone 12 Pro features a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x 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 Plus features a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 64MP telephoto camera that provides 3x hybrid optical zoom. It offers flexible photography options for portraits, landscapes and distant subjects.

The iPhone has an advantage for users who value its video-recording features and dedicated LiDAR scanner for supported photography and augmented-reality applications. Samsung offers a higher zoom range, although its 3x zoom is hybrid rather than true dedicated 3x optical zoom.

Camera winner: Both offer capable cameras. The iPhone 12 Pro is attractive for video recording, while Samsung provides useful zoom flexibility.

3. Performance and Gaming

The iPhone 12 Pro is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic processor. It delivers strong performance for everyday applications, photography, video editing, gaming and multitasking.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus uses the Exynos 2100 processor in India. It can handle many demanding applications and games, although sustained performance may vary depending on temperature, workload and software condition.

Both phones are older flagship devices, so battery health and the overall condition of the phone matter when buying used. App requirements and software updates can also affect the experience over time.

Performance winner: Both remain capable for many everyday tasks. Choose according to your preferred operating system and applications.

4. Battery Life and Charging

Apple rates the iPhone 12 Pro for up to 17 hours of video playback under its testing conditions. It supports fast wired charging and MagSafe wireless charging with compatible accessories.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has a 4,800mAh battery and supports wired charging up to 25W. It also supports wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare for compatible devices.

Samsung has the larger published battery capacity, while Apple provides an official video-playback estimate. Actual battery life depends on screen brightness, mobile data usage, network conditions and battery health.

Battery verdict: Samsung has the advantage in published battery capacity. Real-world endurance depends on usage and the condition of the individual device.

5. Software and Features

The iPhone 12 Pro launched with iOS 14 and supports Apple’s connected ecosystem. It works with compatible MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirPods and includes features such as Face ID, MagSafe and iCloud integration. It does not support Apple Intelligence.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1. It provides Android customisation, flexible app management and Samsung software features.

Samsung originally announced four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S21 series. As this is an older model, check its current software and security-update status before purchasing.

Software winner: Samsung for Android customisation. The iPhone is ideal for users who prefer iOS and Apple’s ecosystem.

Pros and Cons

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

Pros

• Premium stainless-steel design.
• High-quality OLED display.
• Powerful A14 Bionic processor.
• Triple-camera system.
• Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
• MagSafe wireless charging.

Cons

• Standard refresh rate is 60Hz.
• Smaller screen than Samsung.
• No dedicated 3x optical zoom camera.
• Used units may have reduced battery health.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

Pros

• Large 6.7-inch AMOLED display.
• Smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
• Exynos 2100 processor in India.
• 4,800mAh battery.
• Dedicated telephoto camera.
• Android customisation and wireless charging.

Cons

• Large size may not suit every user.
• Wired charging is limited to 25W.
• Older devices may have limited remaining software support.
• Current availability and prices vary by seller.

Which Phone Should You Buy in India?

Choose the iPhone 12 Pro if you prefer iOS, want a compact premium smartphone and value Apple’s video-recording features. It is suitable for everyday photography, social media and users who already own Apple devices.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus if you want a larger screen, a 120Hz refresh rate, a bigger battery and Android customisation. It is a good option for watching videos, browsing websites and multitasking.

Before buying either phone, compare current prices and storage variants. For a used iPhone, inspect Battery Health and Parts and Service History. For Samsung, test the display, cameras, charging port, speakers and fingerprint sensor. Verify the IMEI, repair history and warranty status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 12 Pro better than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?

The iPhone 12 Pro offers a compact design, Apple’s A14 Bionic processor and advanced video features. The Galaxy S21 Plus provides a larger screen, a 120Hz display and a bigger battery. The better choice depends on your priorities.

Which phone has the better display?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a compact 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Which phone has the better camera?

The iPhone 12 Pro offers a triple-camera system and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The Galaxy S21 Plus provides a dedicated telephoto camera with 3x hybrid optical zoom. The better choice depends on whether video recording or zoom flexibility matters more.

Which phone has better battery life?

The Galaxy S21 Plus has a 4,800mAh battery, while Apple rates the iPhone 12 Pro for up to 17 hours of video playback. Actual battery life depends on usage and battery condition.

Which phone is cheaper in India?

The Galaxy S21 Plus launched at a lower starting price than the iPhone 12 Pro. Current prices vary depending on availability, storage, condition and seller offers.

Should I buy the iPhone 12 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?

Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for iOS, compact design and video features. Choose the Galaxy S21 Plus for a larger display, a higher refresh rate and Android flexibility.

Conclusion

The iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus comparison highlights two older flagship smartphones with different strengths. The iPhone offers a compact premium design, an A14 Bionic processor and advanced video-recording features. Samsung provides a larger 120Hz display, a bigger battery and Android customisation.

For users who prefer a large-screen Android phone, the Galaxy S21 Plus is worth considering. Buyers who value Apple’s ecosystem and a compact premium device may prefer the iPhone 12 Pro. Compare current prices, battery health and device condition before making your final decision.