Galaxy S III vs iPhone 5c: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S III edges ahead with a BeastScore of 62.0/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2012

Galaxy S III

Galaxy S III
62/ 100
Launch price$599
Apple · 2013

iPhone 5c

iPhone 5c
62/ 100
Launch price$549
Head-to-head

Galaxy S III wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S III
Galaxy S III
1 win
iPhone 5c
iPhone 5c
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S IIIiPhone 5c
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    60
    60
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S III
    52
    32
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    80
    80
Key differences
  • Galaxy S III has the bigger battery2,100 mAh vs 1,510 mAh
  • Galaxy S III has the bigger screen4.8" vs 4"
  • iPhone 5c is lighter132 g vs 133 g
  • iPhone 5c launched cheaper$549 vs $599
  • Galaxy S III has a sharper selfie camera1.9 MP vs 1.2 MP
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S III
  • ✓Bigger 2,100 mAh battery (+590 mAh)
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓4.8" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 5c
  • ✓1 g lighter (132 g vs 133 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$50 cheaper at launch ($549 vs $599)
  • ✓8 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S IIIiPhone 5c
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeHD Super AMOLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina
Screen Size4.8"4"
Resolution & Density1280x720 (306 ppi)1136x640 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness330 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.0iOS 7
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory1 GB LPDDR1 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB8GB / 16GB / 32GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera8 MP, f/2.68 MP, f/2.4
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens1.9 MP, f/2.61.2 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 5c Lightest Chassis
Dimensions136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm124.4 x 59.2 x 8.97 mm
Weight133 g132 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,100 mAh1,510 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging5W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging5W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 4
Bluetooth4.04.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$599$549
Our verdict

Galaxy S III wins — BeastScore 62.0/100

The Galaxy S III is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,100 mAh vs 1,510 mAh) and bigger screen (4.8" vs 4"). The iPhone 5c is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (132 g vs 133 g).

Buy Galaxy S III if you want

Larger battery: 2,100 mAh vs 1,510 mAh · Larger display: 4.8" vs 4"

Buy iPhone 5c if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S III or iPhone 5c?

The Galaxy S III is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,100 mAh vs 1,510 mAh) and bigger screen (4.8" vs 4"). The iPhone 5c is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (132 g vs 133 g). BeastScore: Galaxy S III 62.0/100, iPhone 5c 62.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S III and iPhone 5c?

Galaxy S III has a 4.8-inch display and 2100 mAh battery. iPhone 5c has a 4-inch display and 1510 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S III and iPhone 5c compare for speed?

Galaxy S III scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 5c scores 60/100.

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