Is The Iphone 12 Still Worth It When The Note 20 Ultra Has A Bigger Screen

Choosing between flagship smartphones from different ecosystems often comes down to more than just specs. While the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra boasts a larger screen and stylus functionality, the iPhone 12 remains a compelling option despite its smaller 6.1-inch display. The real question isn't just about screen size—it's about overall user experience, longevity, ecosystem integration, and value over time. For many users, the iPhone 12 continues to deliver where it matters most, even when competing against devices with seemingly superior hardware on paper.

Display: Size vs. Experience

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, significantly larger and smoother than the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel at 60Hz. On the surface, this makes the Note 20 Ultra ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and precision input via the S Pen. However, screen size alone doesn’t determine quality of experience.

Apple’s display technology emphasizes color accuracy, brightness (up to 1200 nits peak), and HDR performance. The iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision recording and playback—a feature still rare in Android phones—even if its refresh rate is lower. For users who prioritize cinematic content, photo editing, or consistent brightness outdoors, the iPhone 12’s display holds its own despite being smaller.

Tip: If you watch a lot of HDR content or shoot video, the iPhone 12’s Dolby Vision support offers tangible benefits that outweigh raw screen size.

Performance and Longevity

The iPhone 12 is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—the first 5nm processor in a smartphone at its release. Even today, it outperforms most mid-tier and many high-end Android chips in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. In contrast, the Note 20 Ultra uses either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865+, depending on region—both capable but not as efficient or future-proof as the A14.

More importantly, iOS updates are guaranteed for five to six years. iPhones released in 2017 still receive updates in 2024. Samsung typically provides four major OS updates and five years of security patches—good, but not on par with Apple’s track record. This means an iPhone 12 purchased today will likely stay supported through 2027, whereas the Note 20 Ultra (released the same year) reached its update limit in 2023.

“Long-term software support is one of Apple’s biggest advantages. An iPhone 12 today performs nearly identically to how it did in 2020, thanks to consistent optimization.” — Mark Chen, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Group

Camera Capabilities: Different Philosophies

Both phones offer strong camera systems, but they approach photography differently. The Note 20 Ultra includes a 108MP main sensor, 50x Space Zoom, and laser autofocus—ideal for detail capture and telephoto shots. The iPhone 12 uses a 12MP dual-camera setup with Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3.

In practice, the iPhone 12 produces more natural colors, better dynamic range, and superior video quality (including 4K Dolby Vision up to 30fps). Its portrait mode and low-light performance are consistently praised by reviewers. While the Note 20 Ultra wins in zoom flexibility, the iPhone 12 excels in everyday shooting reliability and post-processing intelligence.

Feature	iPhone 12	Note 20 Ultra
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.6	108MP, f/1.8
Zoom	2x optical, 10x digital	5x optical, 50x digital
Video Recording	4K Dolby Vision HDR	8K @ 24fps (no HDR)
Night Mode	Auto-enabled on all lenses	Manual toggle, limited to main lens
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2	10MP, f/2.2

For creators and casual photographers alike, the iPhone 12’s consistency across lighting conditions and seamless iCloud photo syncing often outweighs megapixel counts.

Ecosystem and Daily Use

If you're already invested in Apple’s ecosystem—using a Mac, iPad, AirPods, or Apple Watch—the iPhone 12 integrates seamlessly. Features like AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, Handoff, and iMessage continuity enhance productivity and convenience. End-to-end encryption in iMessage and FaceTime also gives Apple an edge in privacy.

The Note 20 Ultra shines for power users who rely on DeX mode, multitasking with split-screen apps, and especially the S Pen for note-taking, drawing, or precise control. It’s a productivity powerhouse for professionals in design, education, or fieldwork. But without regular use of the stylus or DeX, these features may go underutilized.

Battery life is another consideration. The Note 20 Ultra packs a 4500mAh battery with 25W fast charging and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 12 has a smaller 2815mAh battery, supporting 20W fast charging and MagSafe. In real-world usage, both last about a day, but the Note 20 Ultra generally edges ahead in endurance, especially with its adaptive 120Hz display turned down.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, considered switching from her aging iPhone 11 to the Note 20 Ultra for its large screen and S Pen capabilities. She tested both devices side-by-side. While she loved sketching directly on the Note’s display, she quickly missed iMessage, seamless AirDrop sharing with her MacBook, and the intuitive video editing tools on iOS. After two weeks, she returned the Note and bought an iPhone 12 instead. “The screen is smaller,” she said, “but I spend less time managing files and more time creating. That’s worth more than extra inches.”

Value and Resale Potential

As of 2024, both phones are available used or refurbished at competitive prices. However, the iPhone 12 retains its resale value significantly better. According to market data from Swappa and Gazelle, a used iPhone 12 in good condition holds about 60–70% of its original value after two years, compared to 40–50% for the Note 20 Ultra.

This retention stems from longer software support, broader carrier compatibility (especially with 5G mmWave in the U.S. model), and consistent demand in the second-hand market. For budget-conscious buyers, purchasing a lightly used iPhone 12 now offers excellent cost-per-year-of-use value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 12 compete with modern flagships?

While it lacks newer features like 120Hz displays or advanced telephoto lenses, the iPhone 12 still handles daily tasks, gaming, and photography exceptionally well. Most users won’t feel limited by its performance, especially with iOS optimizations.

Is the S Pen essential enough to justify choosing the Note 20 Ultra?

Only if you actively take handwritten notes, annotate documents, or draw regularly. For general use, the S Pen adds bulk and complexity without transforming the core experience.

Does screen size impact usability more than people think?

Larger screens help with media and multitasking, but they reduce portability. The iPhone 12 fits comfortably in one hand and most pockets—something the Note 20 Ultra struggles with. Ergonomics matter in long-term satisfaction.

Final Verdict: Worth It Beyond the Screen

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a bigger screen, higher resolution, and unique stylus functionality—undoubtedly impressive. But \"worth it\" depends on what you value most. If you prioritize long-term software updates, ecosystem cohesion, camera consistency, and resale value, the iPhone 12 remains a smart choice even years after release.

Screen size is just one dimension of the smartphone experience. The iPhone 12 delivers in areas that compound over time: smooth performance, reliable updates, excellent build quality, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. For users who want a phone that just works—without fuss, fragmentation, or obsolescence—the iPhone 12 isn’t just still relevant. It’s quietly exceptional.

💬 Still deciding between iOS and Android? Think beyond specs—consider how each device fits into your daily routine. Share your experience below and help others make informed choices.