iQOO 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Verdict
iQOO 12 delivers exceptional value at nearly half the price of the Galaxy S21+, featuring a superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, higher refresh rate 144Hz display with 3000 nits brightness, and a larger 5000 mAh battery with 120W fast charging. Camera capabilities are comparable, though the iQOO's 50MP main sensor with OIS and 8K video recording match flagship standards. Samsung's Galaxy S21+ offers IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and more mature One UI software with longer update commitment, but its Snapdragon 888 and 4800 mAh battery feel dated. Performance and display quality heavily favor iQOO, while Samsung maintains advantages in durability and ecosystem integration. For most users prioritizing raw performance and display excellence at a budget-friendly price, iQOO 12 is the smarter choice. Samsung appeals primarily to those valuing water resistance and wireless features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the iQOO 12 if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- →144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- →120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+ if…
- →Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- →120Hz AMOLED display
- →Gorilla Glass Victus durability
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
iQOO 12
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- 144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- 120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
- 64 MP 3x telephoto periscope zoom is excellent for the price
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for future-proof connectivity
Cons
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance
- No wireless charging despite flagship-level pricing
- Limited global availability and after-sales network
- 13 MP ultrawide is a weak point in the camera system
- OriginOS/Funtouch is heavily skinned
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Pros
- Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Gorilla Glass Victus durability
- Good triple camera system
- Flat display is easier to use with screen protectors
Cons
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- Plastic back on some regions (Glasstic)
- Slow 25W charging
- No microSD card slot (removed in S21 series)
- No charger in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | iQOO 12 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (Funtouch OS 14 / OriginOS 4) | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 202 g | 200 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | None | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX920 | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.45 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.57, 3x optical zoom, OIS | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| Charging | 120W FlashCharge | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.78 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1260 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 3000 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz + 3x3.2 GHz + 2x3.0 GHz + 2x2.3 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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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