Last updated on December 4, 2025
It’s 2025, and you’re on the hunt for a fantastic smartphone that won’t empty your wallet. The refurbished market is a treasure trove, offering older flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 12 at incredible value. Both were cutting-edge devices in their prime, but how well do they stand up today, and which one offers the best long-term value for your money? It’s a common dilemma, and I’m here to help you navigate the nuances of choosing between these two capable devices.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Vs iPhone 12 – Which Phone Wins in 2025?
Deciding between the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 12 in 2025 goes beyond just raw specifications. It’s about the entire ecosystem, expected longevity, and what truly enhances your daily mobile experience. Both remain excellent phones, but they cater to slightly different priorities, especially now that they’ve been on the market for a few years. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see how they stack up.
Performance in 2025: Still Snappy Enough?
When these phones first launched, they represented the pinnacle of mobile processing power. Even today, in 2025, their performance is more than adequate for the vast majority of users. Modern apps are generally well-optimized, allowing these older flagships to keep pace.
iPhone 12: A14 Bionic Performance
The iPhone 12, powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, was a powerhouse then and remains incredibly capable now. Apple’s custom-designed chips are renowned for their long-term performance and efficiency. You’ll find that the A14 Bionic easily handles everyday tasks, social media, web browsing, and even demanding games without a hitch. iOS is meticulously optimized to run smoothly on older hardware, so you shouldn’t experience significant slowdowns in general use.
Galaxy S21: Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 Performance
The Galaxy S21 came in two main variants: one with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 and another with Samsung’s Exynos 2100, depending on your region. Both were top-tier chips at the time. The Snapdragon 888 is still very strong, capable of running modern apps and games smoothly. While the Exynos 2100 was generally a bit behind the Snapdragon 888 in raw power and efficiency, both still offer a solid smartphone experience. You might notice a *slight* difference in the most graphically intensive games compared to brand-new flagships, but for everyday use, either processor will serve you well.
Camera Technology Today: How Do They Hold Up?
Camera technology evolves rapidly, but both the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21 still offer very competent camera systems that produce great results.
iPhone 12 Camera
The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system (wide and ultrawide). Its primary strength lies in its consistent image processing, excellent video capabilities, and reliable “point and shoot” experience. Apple’s computational photography excels at producing natural-looking photos with good dynamic range and accurate colors. Even in 2025, it’s a reliable camera for most situations, particularly if you value consistency and high-quality video.
Samsung S21 Camera
The Galaxy S21 boasts a more versatile triple-lens setup: a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. This gives you more flexibility, especially with zooming and framing shots. Samsung’s cameras often deliver more vibrant, punchier colors, which many users prefer. The S21 camera still holds its own, particularly for those who like to experiment with different focal lengths and appreciate the extra detail from the 64MP sensor in good lighting conditions.
Compared to newer budget phones like the Google Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, these older flagships often provide superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to their larger sensors and more advanced image processing.
Software and Longevity: Updates Matter
Software support is crucial for a phone’s longevity, security, and access to new features. This is where the iOS vs. Android debate truly comes into play for older devices.
iPhone 12 Software Support
Apple is renowned for its long-term software support. The iPhone 12 launched with iOS 14. Based on Apple’s typical support cycles (usually 5-6 major iOS versions), it’s highly probable that the iPhone 12 will receive iOS 18 (released in late 2024) and potentially iOS 19 (expected late 2025). This means you’ll continue to receive new features and, crucially, critical security patches for several more years, significantly contributing to the iPhone 12’s long-term value.
Galaxy S21 Software Support
Samsung has significantly improved its software update policy in recent years. The Galaxy S21 launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1. Samsung committed to 4 major Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the S21 series. This means it received Android 12, 13, 14, and is expected to receive Android 15 (likely its last major OS update). While this is a big improvement for Android, Apple generally provides a longer runway for major OS feature updates. However, Samsung’s commitment to 5 years of security patches ensures your device remains secure even after it stops receiving new Android versions.
Both phones will continue to receive important security updates for quite some time, which is vital for protecting your data and privacy.
Battery Life and Degradation: What to Expect
Battery degradation is a natural process for all Lithium-ion battery devices. When considering a refurbished phone, this is an especially important factor to scrutinize.
iPhone 12 Battery Life in 2025
The iPhone 12 has a 2,815 mAh battery. When new, it offered decent all-day battery life for moderate users. In 2025, a refurbished iPhone 12 will almost certainly have a battery health percentage lower than 100%. This means you might find the battery life to be less than stellar, possibly requiring a top-up during the day, especially if the battery health is below 85%. You can check the exact battery health in iOS settings.
Galaxy S21 Battery Life in 2025
The Galaxy S21 has a larger 4,000 mAh battery. When new, it generally offered better battery endurance than the iPhone 12. Similar to the iPhone, a refurbished Galaxy S21 will have experienced some battery degradation. The S21’s battery life might still be better than an equally degraded iPhone 12 due to its larger original capacity, but it’s crucial to check the battery health if you’re buying refurbished. Android phones often don’t have a built-in battery health percentage indicator as precise as iOS, so checking the seller’s guarantee is even more important.
For either phone, if the battery health is particularly low (e.g., below 80%), consider factoring in the cost and effort of a battery replacement, which can significantly extend the phone’s usable life.
Value for Money: The Refurbished Market in 2025
This is where older flagships truly shine as budget-friendly yet powerful smartphone options.
Refurbished iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21
The refurbished phone market for both the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21 is robust. You can find these devices at significantly lower prices than new mid-range phones, often offering superior performance, camera quality, and premium build materials. This makes them excellent value-for-money smartphones in 2025. When considering the total cost of ownership, remember that a potential battery replacement might add to the initial refurbished price.
When buying a refurbished device, always check the seller’s reputation, warranty, and return policy. Inquire about the battery health (if applicable) and cosmetic condition. Reputable sellers often certify devices to be fully functional and offer warranties, providing peace of mind. Parts availability for repairs, especially for screens and batteries, is generally good for popular models like these.
Ecosystem and Features: Beyond the Core Specs
Both Samsung and Apple offer distinct smartphone ecosystems and unique features that can influence your choice.
Apple Ecosystem & Features
If you’re already invested in Apple products like a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone 12 will integrate seamlessly into your existing setup. Features like MagSafe for magnetic accessories and wireless charging, along with the secure and convenient Face ID biometric authentication, are still highlights. Apple’s ecosystem is known for its tight integration and ease of use across devices.
Samsung Ecosystem & Features
Samsung’s Android ecosystem offers more customization and flexibility. Features like Samsung DeX allow you to connect your phone to an external display for a desktop-like experience, which can be incredibly powerful for productivity. The Galaxy S21 uses an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded in the display for biometric security, which some users prefer over facial recognition. Android also offers more freedom for sideloading apps and deeper system customization.
Both phones feature vibrant OLED/AMOLED displays, which look fantastic with deep blacks and excellent contrast, though both are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind against splashes and spills. Both support 5G connectivity, ensuring you can access the fastest mobile networks available.
Which Phone Wins? The Best Old Flagship Phone for You
There’s no single winner; the best choice truly depends on your individual priorities and preferences.
- **Choose the iPhone 12 if:** You prioritize long-term software updates (especially for feature releases), a simple and consistent user experience, top-tier video recording, and are already deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Its A14 Bionic chip still delivers excellent performance.
- **Choose the Galaxy S21 if:** You prefer Android’s flexibility and customization, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, a larger original battery capacity, and want a powerful device at a potentially lower refurbished price point. The Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100) still offers strong performance.
Both make excellent choices as a “best old flagship phone” in 2025, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag of a brand-new device. Just remember to buy from a reputable refurbished phone market seller and always check the battery health and warranty details!
