Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 12 delivers a refined, reliable smartphone experience with the excellent A14 Bionic chip, bright 1200-nit OLED display, and robust Ceramic Shield durability at a lower price point. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 ($999) pushes innovation boundaries with its foldable design, faster 120Hz refresh rate, larger 6.7-inch inner screen, and superior 8GB RAM for multitasking, though it carries a $200 premium and weighs noticeably more at 183g. Both offer 5G and solid cameras, but the iPhone 12 excels in raw performance efficiency and the consistent iOS ecosystem, while the Z Flip 3 prioritizes cutting-edge form factor and screen real estate. For most users seeking longevity and value, the iPhone 12 proves the smarter investment. Those wanting foldable innovation and enhanced display technology should consider the Z Flip 3's premium positioning justified.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 12 if…
- →First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- →Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- →Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 if…
- →First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- →IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- →Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 12
Pros
- First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
- A14 Bionic delivers excellent performance and efficiency
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording is a first for any smartphone
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors offered 90Hz or 120Hz
- Small 2815 mAh battery offers mediocre battery life
- 64 GB base storage is inadequate in 2020
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- No telephoto lens — only dual camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Pros
- First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
- Compact and stylish when folded
- 120Hz inner display
Cons
- Poor battery life with 3300 mAh
- Slow 15W charging
- Dual 12 MP cameras are basic
- Visible display crease
- Snapdragon 888 thermal issues
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 14 | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 164 g | 183 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 3300 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 10W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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