It’s been over three years since Apple launched the iPhone 12 Pro and Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21 Plus. Both were flagship devices in their time—powerful, feature-rich, and priced accordingly. But today, with newer models dominating the market, a critical question emerges: if you're buying secondhand or holding onto your old device, does the iPhone 12 Pro still hold its ground against the S21 Plus?
The answer isn’t just about specs. It’s about long-term software support, build quality, ecosystem integration, camera consistency, and real-world usability in 2024. After analyzing user reports, performance benchmarks, and repair trends, the verdict reveals more than nostalgia—it reflects how each brand handles longevity.
Performance Over Time: A3 vs Exynos/Galaxy Longevity
The iPhone 12 Pro was powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—one of the first 5nm processors in smartphones. Even now, in 2024, this chip remains impressively capable. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and iOS 17 runs without noticeable lag on most tasks. The efficiency of Apple’s silicon means less thermal throttling and better sustained performance over time.
In contrast, the Galaxy S21 Plus shipped with either the Exynos 2100 (in Europe) or Snapdragon 888 (in the U.S.). While powerful at launch, both chips were notorious for heat issues. Users reported faster battery degradation and occasional stutters under load even two years in. By year three, many S21 Plus units show signs of slowdown, especially when running heavier apps or Android 14 updates.
Software Support: The Deciding Factor
This is where Apple gains a decisive edge. The iPhone 12 Pro launched with iOS 14 and is eligible for updates up to at least iOS 18, expected in late 2024. That means five full years of OS upgrades—a rarity in the smartphone world.
Samsung has improved its update policy, but the S21 series was among the first to receive the promise of four Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches. As of 2024, the S21 Plus is on Android 14 and will likely get Android 15. Security updates should continue into 2025, but major feature updates are ending.
“Apple’s consistent software support gives older iPhones a second life. For users who keep phones longer, that’s invaluable.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Group
For anyone prioritizing long-term usability, the iPhone 12 Pro offers peace of mind. You’re not just buying hardware—you’re investing in future-proof software.
Camera Quality After 3 Years: Consistency vs Flexibility
Both phones had strong camera systems in 2021, but their evolution over time differs significantly.
The iPhone 12 Pro featured a triple-lens setup: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto with 2x optical zoom. Its strength was consistency—natural color science, excellent dynamic range, and superior video stabilization. Three years later, those videos still look modern. The ProRAW and Night mode features remain useful, and iOS updates continue to refine computational photography.
The S21 Plus offered a 108MP main sensor, 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide. On paper, it outclassed the iPhone. In practice, early firmware struggled with oversharpening and inconsistent HDR. While One UI updates have improved processing, the lack of ongoing camera algorithm enhancements—compared to Apple’s annual refinements—means photos from 2024 don’t feel as current.
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro (2024) | Galaxy S21 Plus (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 17 (iOS 18 expected) | Android 14 (Android 15 likely final) |
| Battery Health (Avg. Used Unit) | 78–85% | 65–75% |
| Thermal Performance | Excellent (A14 efficient) | Fair (Snapdragon 888 runs hot) |
| Camera Processing Updates | Ongoing yearly improvements | Minor tweaks post-2023 |
| Ecosystem Integration | iCloud, AirDrop, FaceTime, Find My | Samsung Cloud, SmartThings, Link to Windows |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah bought an iPhone 12 Pro in November 2020. By 2023, her friend Mark offered her a well-maintained S21 Plus for $200, claiming it was “just as good.” She tested both side by side.
She noticed the S21 Plus screen was brighter outdoors, and the 120Hz refresh rate felt smoother during scrolling. But apps like WhatsApp and Instagram loaded slower, and the phone warmed up within minutes of use. Her old iPhone, despite having a replaced battery, stayed cool and responsive.
More importantly, Sarah uses a MacBook and iPad daily. Handoff, AirDrop, and iMessage continuity made staying with iOS more seamless. The S21 Plus couldn’t match that integration. She kept the iPhone—and six months later, she’s still satisfied.
Battery and Repairability: What Wear and Tear Reveals
After three years, battery degradation becomes a key factor. The iPhone 12 Pro originally had a 2,815 mAh battery. Many units now report 80% capacity or lower—typical for lithium-ion batteries after 500+ charge cycles. However, Apple’s optimized power management helps maintain perceived performance.
The S21 Plus started with a larger 4,800 mAh battery, but the power-hungry 120Hz display and less efficient chipset led to faster drain. Third-party repair data from iFixit and BatteryBro shows that 68% of S21 Plus units tested in 2024 required battery replacements, compared to 52% of iPhone 12 Pros.
Repair costs also differ. An official battery replacement for the iPhone 12 Pro is $89. For the S21 Plus, it’s $99—and third-party options are limited due to adhesive-heavy design. Neither phone is easy to repair, but Apple’s Global Service Program makes parts and labor more accessible.
Step-by-Step: How to Decide Which Phone to Buy Today (Used)
- Determine your ecosystem. If you use Mac, iPad, or AirPods, the iPhone integrates better.
- Check battery health. For iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Look for ≥80%. For S21 Plus, use diagnostic codes (*#0*#) or ask seller for results.
- Test real-world performance. Open multiple apps, switch between them, record a 4K video, and time app launches.
- Verify update eligibility. Confirm the iPhone can run iOS 17 and the S21 Plus has Android 14 installed.
- Consider long-term plans. If you plan to keep the phone beyond 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro is more future-proof.
FAQ
Can the iPhone 12 Pro handle modern apps in 2024?
Yes. The A14 chip handles social media, streaming, banking, productivity, and even mid-tier gaming smoothly. Only the most demanding games (like Genshin Impact at max settings) show frame drops.
Is the S21 Plus camera better now than at launch?
Slightly. Samsung rolled out minor camera UI improvements and stabilization fixes, but no major computational upgrades. The hardware remains strong, but processing doesn’t match current flagships or Apple’s iterative improvements.
Which phone holds resale value better?
The iPhone 12 Pro. After three years, it retains about 38% of its original value, while the S21 Plus holds around 28%, according to SellCell 2024 resale data.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 12 Pro Still Worth It?
Yes—but with caveats. If you prioritize long-term software updates, ecosystem synergy, and consistent performance, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a compelling choice in 2024. It’s not the fastest or brightest phone available, but it delivers a reliable, cohesive experience that ages gracefully.
The Galaxy S21 Plus was a strong Android contender with a high-refresh display and versatile camera. However, thermal limitations, shorter software support, and faster battery wear make it less ideal for long-term ownership.
Ultimately, the iPhone 12 Pro proves that Apple’s focus on longevity pays off. For users who keep phones for three years or more, it wasn’t just a purchase—it was an investment in sustained usability.
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