When a new flagship phone hits the market, the decision to upgrade can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in early 2024, brings powerful hardware, AI integration, and refined design. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12, launched in 2020, remains a reliable device still supported by Apple with regular iOS updates. For millions of iPhone 12 users considering a switch to Android—or even just a newer device—the question isn’t just about features, but real-world value. Is the jump from an iPhone 12 to an S24 Plus truly justified by the experience, or is it simply paying for incremental gains?
Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed
The core of any smartphone’s performance lies in its chipset. The iPhone 12 runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process. At launch, it was among the fastest mobile processors available, and even today, it handles everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media with ease. Most apps run smoothly, and multitasking remains responsive.
In contrast, the S24 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in most regions), a cutting-edge chipset designed specifically for heavy workloads, AI processing, and gaming. Benchmarks show it outperforms the A14 by over 60% in CPU tasks and nearly double in GPU performance. This means faster app launches, smoother animations, and better handling of graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
Camera Comparison: Photos, Video, and Flexibility
Camera quality is often a deciding factor in upgrades. The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system: 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide. It delivers consistent, natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy, especially in daylight. Night mode has improved over time via software updates, but low-light performance lags behind newer flagships.
The S24 Plus boasts a triple-lens setup: 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The higher-resolution primary sensor captures significantly more detail, and Samsung’s latest image processing enhances textures and contrast. Its Nightography mode produces brighter, cleaner images in darkness. Additionally, the S24 supports 4K recording at 60fps across all rear cameras and offers advanced video stabilization—features that appeal to content creators.
Samsung also integrates AI-powered enhancements, such as “AI Portrait” mode and real-time HDR adjustments, giving users more creative control. While iPhone photos still win praise for consistency and skin tone rendering, the S24 Plus offers greater versatility and manual options through Pro mode.
“Smartphone photography isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about computational power and flexibility. The S24 Plus gives photographers tools previously reserved for high-end cameras.” — Lena Torres, Mobile Imaging Specialist
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Use Tested
Battery degradation is common in four-year-old devices. Even if your iPhone 12 shows 100% health, its actual capacity may have dropped significantly, leading to shorter usage times. Apple estimates up to 17 hours of video playback for the iPhone 12—a figure that now likely falls short for heavy users.
The S24 Plus comes with a 4,900mAh battery and more efficient hardware. In real-world testing, it consistently lasts 1.5 days with moderate use, including streaming, GPS navigation, and social media. Heavy users still get through a full day without anxiety. It also supports 45W fast charging (charger sold separately), reaching 65% in 30 minutes—something the iPhone 12 lacks entirely, maxing out at 20W.
Additionally, the S24 Plus includes adaptive refresh rate technology (1–120Hz), which dynamically adjusts screen smoothness based on content, conserving power. The iPhone 12’s fixed 60Hz display doesn’t offer this efficiency boost.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 12 | S24 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2024 |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Display | 6.1\", 60Hz OLED | 6.6\", 1–120Hz Dynamic AMOLED |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP + 12MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP (3x zoom) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP with autofocus |
| Battery Capacity | ~2,815mAh | 4,900mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe | 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Software Support | iOS (up to ~2025–2026) | Android 14, 7 OS updates guaranteed |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (6m, 30 min) | IP68 (6m, 30 min) |
| Starting Price (New) | $799 (at launch) | $999 |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah, a freelance graphic designer based in Austin, had been using her iPhone 12 since November 2020. By late 2023, she noticed longer app load times in Adobe Fresco and occasional crashes when editing layered projects. Her battery barely lasted a full workday, forcing her to carry a power bank. After researching, she tested the S24 Plus at a local store.
She immediately noticed the difference: smoother stylus input with the optional S Pen (supported in some variants), faster export times, and superior multitasking with split-screen apps. The brighter screen made outdoor client meetings easier, and the extended software support gave her confidence in long-term usability. Though hesitant about switching ecosystems, cloud syncing and cross-platform apps like Dropbox and Figma eased the transition. Six months later, she says the upgrade “paid for itself in productivity.”
Cost Analysis: Is the Upgrade Justified?
The S24 Plus starts at $999—nearly 25% more than the iPhone 12’s original price. But cost shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. Consider:
- Trade-in value: An iPhone 12 in good condition can fetch $200–$300, reducing the effective cost.
- Lifespan: The S24 Plus is expected to receive seven years of Android updates—until 2031—making it a longer-term investment.
- Ecosystem shift: Moving from iOS to Android may require repurchasing apps or adjusting workflows, adding hidden costs.
- Accessories: You’ll need new chargers, cases, and potentially earbuds unless you own cross-platform gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 12 still handle daily tasks in 2024?
Absolutely. For calling, texting, email, social media, and light photo use, the iPhone 12 performs well. However, users who rely on AR apps, mobile gaming, or video editing will notice limitations in speed and thermal throttling.
Does the S24 Plus support iOS apps after switching?
No, iOS apps are not compatible with Android. However, most major services (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Spotify, etc.) have Android equivalents. Some niche apps may not have direct substitutes, so check availability before switching.
Will Apple stop supporting the iPhone 12 soon?
iOS 17 is the last confirmed update for the iPhone 12. Apple typically provides 5–6 years of support, so iOS 18 may be the final version. After that, security patches could cease, increasing vulnerability over time.
Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?
For casual users, the iPhone 12 remains functional and familiar. If your current phone meets your needs and you’re satisfied with iOS, upgrading solely for specs may not be cost-effective.
However, professionals, creatives, or tech enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, superior cameras, and future-proof software support will find the S24 Plus a compelling upgrade. The combination of faster processing, extended battery life, and seven years of updates makes it a durable investment.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much you rely on your phone. If it’s a tool for work, creativity, or staying ahead, the S24 Plus delivers tangible benefits. If it’s mainly for connectivity and convenience, holding onto your iPhone 12—and saving hundreds—might be the smarter move.
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