Iphone 12 Vs Galaxy S20 Is The Iphone Still Worth It In 2024 2

As we move deeper into 2024, flagship smartphones from 2020 like the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S20 are no longer cutting-edge. Yet, both remain available through carriers, secondhand markets, and refurbished outlets—often at tempting prices. For budget-conscious buyers or those upgrading from older devices, the question arises: after four years, is the iPhone 12 still a better choice than the Galaxy S20? The answer depends on what you value most: long-term software support, ecosystem integration, camera consistency, or raw hardware flexibility.

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, how each device handles modern apps and multitasking, and whether either can still deliver a smooth experience in today’s app-heavy environment. Let’s break down the key differences and see which phone holds up best in 2024.

Performance and Longevity: Chipset, RAM, and Real-World Speed

The iPhone 12 runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process. At launch, it was one of the fastest mobile processors available. Even in 2024, the A14 remains impressively capable. iOS is highly optimized for its hardware, allowing even older iPhones to run smoothly with minimal lag during everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming.

In contrast, the Galaxy S20 launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (in the U.S.) or Exynos 990 (in some international models). While the Snapdragon version performed well in 2020, it hasn’t aged as gracefully as Apple’s silicon. Users report occasional stutters in animations, slower app launches, and more noticeable degradation over time—especially on models with only 8GB of RAM.

Tip: If you're considering a used S20, prioritize the Snapdragon variant—it performs significantly better than the Exynos model.

Apple’s tight control over hardware and software allows the iPhone 12 to maintain consistent performance. Apps open quickly, background processes are managed efficiently, and even newer iOS updates (as of 2024) run without major hiccups. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S20 stopped receiving major Android OS updates after Android 12, though it did get security patches until late 2023. In practical terms, that means no access to new features, improved privacy tools, or optimized AI integrations now standard in Android 14.

Software Support and Ecosystem Value

This is where the iPhone 12 pulls far ahead. As of 2024, the iPhone 12 continues to receive full iOS updates. Apple typically supports its iPhones for five to six years, meaning the iPhone 12 will likely get updates through 2025 or even 2026. That includes new features, security patches, and compatibility with future versions of iCloud, Messages, FaceTime, and Apple Intelligence.

Samsung, by comparison, committed to four years of OS upgrades for the Galaxy S20—a generous policy at the time, but now complete. No further Android version updates are coming. While Samsung’s One UI offers many customization options, running an outdated OS increases vulnerability to security threats and limits compatibility with newer apps.

“Long-term software support is the single biggest differentiator between Apple and most Android flagships,” says tech analyst Linus Park. “An iPhone from 2020 can still feel current; an Android phone from the same year often feels obsolete.”

If you use other Apple products—Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch—the iPhone 12 integrates seamlessly. Features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, iMessage syncing, and Continuity Camera work flawlessly. These small conveniences add up, making daily workflows faster and more intuitive.

Camera Comparison: Still Shots, Video, and Low Light

Both phones were camera leaders in 2020, but their approaches differ. The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP system: wide and ultra-wide. Apple emphasizes computational photography, color accuracy, and video stabilization. The result is natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range and industry-leading video quality—even in 4K HDR at 60fps.

The Galaxy S20 also has a 12MP main sensor but adds a 64MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultra-wide. On paper, this gives it more versatility, especially with 3x hybrid zoom and 30x space zoom. However, the high zoom levels produce heavily cropped, noisy images. The default point-and-shoot mode tends to oversharpen and oversaturate, giving photos an artificial look compared to the iPhone’s more balanced processing.

Feature	iPhone 12	Galaxy S20
Main Camera	12MP f/1.6	12MP f/1.8
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.4	12MP f/2.2
Telephoto	No dedicated lens	64MP f/2.0 (hybrid zoom)
Video Recording	4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps
Night Mode	Yes (all lenses)	Yes (main only)

In low light, both perform decently, but the iPhone 12 produces more consistent results with less noise and better white balance. Its Smart HDR and Deep Fusion technologies continue to hold up well. The S20’s Night Mode is usable but less refined, often introducing halo effects around bright lights.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The Galaxy S20 has a 4000mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 packs a smaller 2815mAh unit. On paper, Samsung wins. In practice, efficiency matters more. Thanks to iOS optimization and the A14’s power efficiency, the iPhone 12 delivers surprisingly solid all-day battery life under moderate use—typically lasting 10–12 hours of screen-on time.

The S20, despite its larger battery, suffers from higher display resolution (QHD+), a 120Hz refresh rate (which can’t be used simultaneously with QHD+ on the base model), and less efficient background app management. Many users report needing a midday charge, especially if using 5G or high brightness.

Charging is another area of divergence. The iPhone 12 supports 20W wired fast charging and MagSafe, but Apple doesn’t include a charger in the box. The S20 supports 25W fast charging (with compatible charger sold separately) and wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging to power accessories.

Tip: Disable 120Hz on the S20 when not needed—it dramatically improves battery life.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Paths

Consider two users in early 2024. Alex buys a refurbished iPhone 12 for $250. They use it with an Apple Watch and MacBook, relying on iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud Photos. The phone receives iOS 17.4 without issue, runs social media apps smoothly, and records high-quality videos of family events. After six months, performance remains snappy.

Jamal chooses a Galaxy S20 for $200, attracted by the lower price and 120Hz display. Initially satisfied, he notices sluggishness after updating to a newer version of WhatsApp. He can’t upgrade to Android 14, and banking apps begin warning about outdated OS versions. By summer, the phone struggles with multitasking and fails to support new Google AI features. Battery life drops below 6 hours of screen time.

Alex enjoys a cohesive, secure, and future-proof experience. Jamal gets more hardware flexibility upfront but faces diminishing returns over time.

Checklist: Is the iPhone 12 Right for You in 2024?

• ✅ Need long-term software updates? → iPhone 12
• ✅ Use other Apple devices? → iPhone 12 integrates best
• ✅ Prioritize video recording quality? → iPhone 12
• ✅ Want maximum customization and expandable storage? → Galaxy S20 (microSD supported)
• ✅ Need 120Hz display and higher resolution? → Galaxy S20
• ✅ Looking for lowest possible price? → Check both refurbished markets

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S20 still run modern apps smoothly?

Most basic apps work fine, but performance degrades with heavier apps like Instagram, TikTok, or games. Background app reloads are frequent, and animations are less fluid than on newer devices or the iPhone 12.

Is the iPhone 12 too old for iOS 18?

While unconfirmed, historical patterns suggest the iPhone 12 will likely support iOS 18, expected in fall 2024. Apple has maintained support for A14 devices through iOS 17, indicating continued compatibility.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 12 retains value significantly better. Even in 2024, unlocked models in good condition sell for 30–40% more than comparable Galaxy S20 units due to demand and longer usability.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 12 Still Worth It?

In 2024, the iPhone 12 remains a compelling option for anyone seeking a reliable, secure, and well-supported smartphone at a fraction of current flagship prices. Its combination of sustained performance, ongoing iOS updates, superior video capabilities, and deep ecosystem integration makes it a smarter long-term investment than the Galaxy S20.

The Galaxy S20 isn’t a bad phone—it was excellent in its time—but it shows its age more clearly. Without OS updates, weaker long-term performance, and growing app compatibility concerns, it’s harder to recommend unless you specifically need features like microSD expansion or prefer Android’s interface.

If you’re buying a used or refurbished 2020 flagship today, the iPhone 12 offers peace of mind. It’s not the fastest or flashiest phone on the market, but it still functions like a modern smartphone. The Galaxy S20, meanwhile, increasingly feels like a device stuck in the past.

🚀 Ready to make a smart upgrade? Consider the iPhone 12 if you value longevity and ecosystem harmony. Share your thoughts or experiences with these phones in the comments below—we’d love to hear how they’re holding up for you in 2024!