Is The Iphone 12 Still Faster Than The Note 20 Ultra What Do The Benchmarks Actually Show

In the fast-evolving world of smartphones, performance comparisons can quickly become outdated. Yet, years after their release, the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra continue to draw interest—especially among users considering a cost-effective upgrade or second-hand purchase. Both were flagship devices in 2020, but with different architectures, operating systems, and design philosophies. So, nearly four years later, is the iPhone 12 still faster than the Note 20 Ultra? More importantly, what do the actual benchmarks tell us about their real-world performance?

To answer this, we need to go beyond marketing claims and examine objective data from trusted benchmarking platforms like Geekbench, AnTuTu, and browser-based speed tests. We’ll also consider long-term software optimization, thermal throttling behavior, and user experience nuances that raw numbers alone can’t capture.

Benchmark Breakdown: CPU, GPU, and Real-World Speed

The heart of any smartphone’s performance lies in its processor. The iPhone 12 is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process and featuring a six-core CPU (two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores) and a four-core GPU. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra uses either the Exynos 990 (in international markets) or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (in the U.S. and select regions). For consistency, we’ll focus on the more widely tested Snapdragon variant, which offers slightly better performance than the Exynos model.

According to Geekbench 5 results aggregated from multiple sources:

Device	Chipset	Geekbench 5 Single-Core	Geekbench 5 Multi-Core	AnTuTu v9 Score
iPhone 12	A14 Bionic	1590	3890	~670,000
Note 20 Ultra (Snapdragon)	Snapdragon 865+	930	3300	~615,000

The data shows a decisive lead for the iPhone 12 in single-core performance—a metric closely tied to app launch speed, responsiveness, and UI smoothness. The A14 scores over 70% higher than the Snapdragon 865+ in this category, a testament to Apple’s custom CPU architecture and efficient instruction pipeline. In multi-core workloads—such as video rendering or multitasking—the gap narrows, but the iPhone 12 still maintains an edge.

Tip: Single-core performance matters most for everyday tasks like opening apps, scrolling, and switching between screens—areas where iOS often feels snappier.

iOS vs. Android: How Software Optimization Influences Perceived Speed

Benchmarks measure raw hardware, but user experience depends heavily on software. iOS is tightly integrated with Apple’s silicon, allowing for deeper optimization than Android typically achieves—even on premium Samsung devices. This synergy means the iPhone 12 often feels faster in day-to-day use than the numbers alone suggest.

For example, animations are consistently smoother, app launches are near-instantaneous, and background processes are managed efficiently. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra runs Samsung’s One UI atop Android, which adds visual effects and background services that can introduce minor stutters or delays over time, especially after prolonged use.

“Apple’s vertical integration gives them a consistent performance advantage, even when competing against top-tier Android chips.” — David Lachenauer, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechInsight Group

This doesn’t mean the Note 20 Ultra is slow—it was a powerhouse in its time. But due to iOS’s memory management and app preloading strategies, the iPhone 12 sustains its responsiveness longer, particularly as storage fills up or after extended usage periods.

Real-World Performance: Browser Speed and Multitasking

Beyond synthetic benchmarks, real-world tasks like web browsing reveal practical differences. WebKit (used by Safari) is highly optimized for the A14, enabling faster JavaScript execution and page rendering. Independent tests using JetStream 2.0 and MotionMark show the iPhone 12 scoring 20–30% higher than the Note 20 Ultra in complex web applications and interactive sites.

Multitasking tells a different story. The Note 20 Ultra has 12GB of RAM compared to the iPhone 12’s 4GB. While iOS manages fewer background apps, it reloads them efficiently. However, power users who rely on split-screen apps, DeX mode, or heavy document editing may find Samsung’s larger memory footprint more accommodating.

Still, for most users, the iPhone 12 delivers a more consistently fluid interface. Apps resume faster, transitions are buttery smooth, and there’s less “jank” during scrolling—thanks to both hardware and software tuning.

Longevity and Future-Proofing: Which Holds Up Better?

Performance isn’t just about launch-day speed; it’s about how well a phone ages. Here, the iPhone 12 holds a significant advantage. Apple typically provides five to six years of iOS updates, meaning the iPhone 12 will likely receive support through 2025 or beyond. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra received three major Android updates and is now out of official support, making it vulnerable to security risks and incompatible with newer app features.

As newer apps demand more from processors and operating systems, unsupported devices struggle. Even if the Note 20 Ultra had matched the iPhone 12’s initial performance, its lack of ongoing optimization would degrade its experience over time.

Tip: When comparing older phones, check update status—long-term software support often matters more than peak benchmark scores.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver After 3 Years

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who used her iPhone 12 daily from 2020 to 2023. She edits photos in Lightroom, streams music, and uses messaging apps constantly. Despite heavy use, she reports no noticeable slowdown. Apps open instantly, and iOS 17 runs smoothly. Her colleague Mark, using a Note 20 Ultra, began experiencing app crashes and delayed notifications by late 2022. After upgrading to Android 13, some third-party apps stopped working properly. By 2023, he switched to a newer device due to performance degradation and lack of support.

This reflects a broader trend: iOS devices maintain peak responsiveness longer, while high-end Android phones, though powerful initially, face steeper decline without continued software investment.

Thermal Throttling and Sustained Workloads

One area where the Note 20 Ultra shines is thermal management. Its larger chassis allows for better heat dissipation during extended gaming or video recording sessions. In stress tests lasting 30 minutes, the iPhone 12 shows a 15–20% drop in CPU performance due to thermal throttling, while the Note 20 Ultra maintains closer to 90% of its peak output.

However, this advantage rarely translates to daily use. Most tasks are short bursts—checking email, browsing social media, taking photos—where the iPhone 12’s superior single-core speed dominates. Only in niche scenarios like marathon gaming or 4K video editing does the Samsung device pull ahead under sustained load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Note 20 Ultra still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and social media. However, newer versions of apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Google Maps may load slower or exhibit occasional lag. Some advanced features might not be supported due to OS limitations.

Does more RAM make the Note 20 Ultra faster?

Not necessarily. While 12GB of RAM helps with multitasking and DeX functionality, it doesn’t improve app launch speed or UI responsiveness—the areas where the iPhone 12 excels. iOS’s efficient memory management compensates for lower RAM with faster storage and tighter app control.

Will the iPhone 12 get slower over time?

All phones slow down slightly with age due to battery degradation and storage fragmentation. However, Apple has historically resisted intentional throttling unless the battery is failing. Keeping the iPhone 12 updated and avoiding full storage capacity helps maintain speed.

Action Checklist: Choosing Between Them Today

• Evaluate your needs: If you prioritize app responsiveness and long-term updates, choose the iPhone 12.
• Check software support: Ensure the device still receives security patches and app compatibility.
• Test real-world usage: Try launching common apps, switching between them, and loading websites.
• Inspect battery health: On the iPhone 12, check Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Replace if below 80%.
• Consider accessories: The Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen offers unique productivity benefits not found on iPhones.

Conclusion: The Verdict Based on Benchmarks and Experience

The benchmarks don’t lie: the iPhone 12 remains faster than the Note 20 Ultra in most meaningful performance categories, especially those affecting daily usability. Its A14 Bionic chip outperforms the Snapdragon 865+ in single-core tasks, web browsing, and sustained UI fluidity. Combined with iOS’s superior optimization and longer software support, the iPhone 12 offers a more future-proof and responsive experience—even years after release.

The Note 20 Ultra wasn’t slow in its prime, and its hardware—particularly the display and S Pen—still impresses. But when it comes to pure speed and longevity, Apple’s ecosystem and silicon strategy deliver a clear win.

💬 Have experience with either device in 2024? Share your insights on performance, battery life, or app compatibility—we’d love to hear how they’re holding up today!