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Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Apple iPhone 12

These are not really peers. The Galaxy S26 is a new 2026 flagship with a 6.9-inch 120Hz screen, three rear cameras, 8K video, a 4300mAh battery and 256GB of storage. The iPhone 12 is a refurbished 2020 phone with a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED, two rear cameras, 64GB and a 2815mAh battery. Buy the S26 if you want a current, long-lasting phone with room for photos and apps. Buy the iPhone 12 only if you want a small, light iPhone and 64GB is enough for you.

  • Choose the Galaxy S26 if you want a big, fast, current phone with three cameras, 8K video and 256GB of storage that will get updates for years.
  • Choose the iPhone 12 if you prefer a compact, light iPhone and can live with 64GB of storage and a 60Hz screen.

Prices

  • Samsung Galaxy S26: $749.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Apple iPhone 12: $199.95 at Walmart (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple iPhone 12 is $549.05 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S26 at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Smartphone (Unlocked), Black

Samsung Galaxy S26

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Smartphone (Unlocked), Black

4.7(2,630 ratings)
$749.00at WalmartChecked 18 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Large 120Hz display is smooth for scrolling and video
  • Three rear cameras and 8K video give more shooting options
  • 256GB holds far more photos, apps and games
  • 4300mAh battery and current chip suit heavy daily use
  • Galaxy AI tools for photo editing and image generation
Cons
  • Big and heavy for one-handed use
  • Exynos chip trails Snapdragon in some markets
  • No memory card slot
  • New model, so long-term reliability is unproven
Apple
iPhone 12 Black 64GB (Unlocked)

Apple iPhone 12

iPhone 12 Black 64GB (Unlocked)

4.9(15,599 ratings)
$199.95at WalmartChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Compact and light, easy to hold and pocket
  • OLED screen is sharp at 460 ppi
  • IP68 water resistance to 6 meters for 30 minutes
  • MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W
  • A14 Bionic still handles everyday apps well
Cons
  • 64GB fills quickly with photos and apps
  • 60Hz screen feels dated next to 120Hz
  • 2815mAh battery drains fast with heavy use
  • Refurbished unit, so condition varies
  • Older phone with fewer iOS updates left

What separates them

Samsung Galaxy S26Apple iPhone 12
Screen6.9-inch panel at 120Hz, smoother scrolling6.1-inch OLED at 60Hz
CamerasThree rear cameras plus 12MP front, 8K videoTwo rear cameras, 4K video
Storage256GB, no card slot64GB, no card slot
Battery4300mAh2815mAh, rated up to 17 hours video
ChipExynos 2600, deca-core, 2026 flagship classA14 Bionic, 2020 chip, still capable
Size and weight5.9 oz, 5.9 in tall, 6.9-inch screen5.78 oz, 5.78 in tall, easier one-handed use
ConditionNew, sealed retail unitCertified pre-owned, 90+ point inspection
Software supportAndroid 16, new release with years of updates aheadOlder iPhone, limited remaining iOS updates

Price history

$815.99$199.95
Nov 8Nov 10
  • Samsung Galaxy S26: lowest $789.00 on Nov 9 at Amazon; $815.99 on Nov 10.
  • Apple iPhone 12: lowest $199.95 on Nov 8 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Samsung Galaxy S26

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Spice MobileReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $749.00Checked 18 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • VerizonNew

    In stock

    $815.99Free shippingChecked 18 h ago
    Visit Verizon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $789.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon
  • Mint MobileNew

    Availability unknownPrice may need a phone plan

    $880.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Mint Mobile

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 14 stores and price history →

Apple iPhone 12

  • PlugNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $216.99Checked 5 h ago
    Visit Plug
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $184.34Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by houstoncellphones

    $192.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknownSold by Cellularstream

    $199.95Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSamsung Galaxy S26Apple iPhone 12
Depth (")0.30.29 inch (7.4 mm)
Height (")5.95.78 inches (146.7 mm)
Width (")2.82.82 inches (71.5 mm)
hard_drive_capacity256 GB—
colorBlack—
actual_colorBLACK—
size6.9—
ConnectionsUSB-C—
Flash/LightYes—
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)12.0—
Built-In CameraYes—
Android VersionAndroid 16—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSamsung Galaxy S26Apple iPhone 12
Refresh Rate120Hz—
System on Chip (SoC)Samsung Exynos 2600—
SIM CardeSIM, Nano-SIM—
No. of Back Cameras3—
NFCYes—
GPSYes—
No. of Front Cameras1—
Video Resolution (max)8 K—
Memory Card ReaderNo—
Internal Memory Size256GB

What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy S26

  • 4.7 / 52,630 ratings

Owners rate it highly for its screen, camera flexibility and AI editing tools. Complaints center on battery life under heavy use and the Exynos chip running warm in long gaming sessions.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 6.9-inch 120Hz panel bright and smooth for video and scrolling.
  • BatteryCriticisedHeavy users say the 4,300mAh cell needs a charge before the day ends.
  • PerformanceMixedEveryday use feels fast, but the Exynos 2600 falls behind Snapdragon phones in sustained gaming.
  • CamerasPraisedReviewers like the three-lens flexibility and 8K video, though burst shooting can lag.

Apple iPhone 12

  • 4.9 / 515,599 ratings

Owners of the iPhone 12 rate it highly, and buyers of certified pre-owned units say theirs worked smoothly and arrived with no flaws. Praise centers on value, the screen and smooth everyday performance.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedBuyers say the phone is a lot of iPhone for the money at current used prices.
  • ConditionPraisedPre-owned buyers report devices arriving clean and fully working, with no flaws on Good-condition units.
  • PerformancePraisedOwners describe smooth everyday use for apps, browsing and photos.
  • StorageCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for photos and video?
The Galaxy S26. It has three rear cameras, a 12MP front camera and 8K video. The iPhone 12 has two rear cameras and tops out at 4K.
Which lasts longer?
The Galaxy S26 is new and will get Android updates for years. The iPhone 12 is a 2020 refurbished model with limited remaining iOS support and a smaller battery that has likely aged.
Is the iPhone 12 worth stepping up to over the S26?
Only if size matters most. The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter, but the S26 wins on screen, cameras, storage, battery and software life.
Is 64GB enough on the iPhone 12?
For light use, yes. If you shoot lots of video, play large games or keep many photos on the phone, 64GB runs out fast and there is no card slot.
Does the Galaxy S26 work with two SIMs?
Yes. It takes a nano-SIM and an eSIM. The iPhone 12 here is eSIM only.
Is a refurbished iPhone 12 risky?
It is inspected and reset, and buyers report units arriving in good shape. Still, battery health and cosmetic condition vary, so check the return terms.

Ask our shopping agent

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More comparisons

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Smartphone (Unlocked), Black vs Moto G (2026)
  • iPhone 12 Black 64GB (Unlocked) vs Moto G (2026)

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best unlocked smartphones for T-Mobile network MVNOs
—
Water ResistantYes—
Processor CoresDeca Core—
Weight (oz)5.9—
4GYes—
Release Year2026—
Built-In SensorsBarometer, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor, Acceler…—
Battery Capacity (mAh)4300—
Operating SystemAndroid—
FoldableNo—
TouchscreenYes—
Screen Resolution1080x2340—
Front CameraYes—
Manufacturer ColorBlack—
IP-ClassIP68—
Screen Size (")6.3—
Camera Resolution (MP)50.0—
Wireless ChargingYes—
Exchangeable BatteryNo—
The 64GB base capacity fills quickly once photos and apps pile up.