Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 12

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, an Android smartphone released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12, an iOS device launched in October 2020, represent different approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both offer compact designs and 5G connectivity, they diverge significantly in their display technology, camera systems, and software ecosystems. This comparison aims to highlight these practical differences to help users determine which device aligns best with their needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors such as release date, software support, and repairability play a crucial role.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, typically receives major iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its launch, meaning it is expected to continue receiving updates until around 2026 or 2027. The Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, benefits from Samsung's policy of providing four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software longevity well into the future.
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer robust build quality. The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 5G is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for similar dust and water protection.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 12 received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, indicating that many components are replaceable, though Apple's proprietary software can complicate unauthorized repairs. The Galaxy S22 5G generally received lower repairability scores, with some assessments as low as 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive for components like the battery and screen, making disassembly more challenging. However, other reports suggest a score of 7.5/10, noting that while the battery and screen are accessible, strong adhesive can still pose difficulties.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to demanding multimedia use. Both the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S22 5G offer capable hardware, but their real-world performance can differ.

  • Processing Power and Responsiveness: The iPhone 12, powered by its A14 Bionic chip, delivers smooth performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games. Users generally report a highly responsive experience with quick app loading. The Galaxy S22 5G, featuring a current-generation processor (either Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 depending on region), also handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience.
  • Storage and RAM: The iPhone 12 was available with storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and comes with 4GB of RAM. The Galaxy S22 5G offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which can contribute to more seamless multitasking with a larger number of applications open simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: User feedback for the iPhone 12 often points to its battery life being sufficient for moderate use, but heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge before the end of the day, especially with 5G enabled. The Galaxy S22 5G, with a 3700 mAh battery, generally offers a full day of use for many users, though intensive tasks like gaming or prolonged camera use will naturally consume power more quickly.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S22 5G feature 6.1-inch OLED displays, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12's Super Retina XDR display has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at approximately 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The Galaxy S22 5G's Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 425 ppi. Both resolutions deliver sharp and clear visuals for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 offers a typical brightness of 625 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content. Its display operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 5G boasts a higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility. A key differentiator is its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience compared to the iPhone 12's 60Hz display.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer excellent contrast and color accuracy. The Galaxy S22 5G's higher refresh rate makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize smooth motion in games or when navigating user interfaces. The iPhone 12's display, while at 60Hz, still provides a high-quality visual experience with its HDR capabilities.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both devices offer versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12-megapixel camera system, comprising a wide and an ultra-wide lens. The wide camera has an f/1.6 aperture, which improves low-light performance compared to its predecessor. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with a more comprehensive triple-camera setup: a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for zooming in on subjects without significant loss of detail.
  • Photography Performance: In everyday lighting, both phones produce high-quality images with good detail and color reproduction. The iPhone 12 excels in computational photography, offering features like Night Mode on all cameras and improved Smart HDR. The Galaxy S22 5G's larger main sensor and advanced image processing contribute to strong low-light performance and detailed shots. Its telephoto lens is a notable advantage for capturing distant subjects.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone 12 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps), offering excellent video quality. The Galaxy S22 5G can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24fps, and also offers 4K recording at 30/60fps, providing higher resolution options for video creators.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature 10-12 megapixel front-facing cameras capable of high-quality selfies and video calls. For audio, both offer stereo speakers, providing an immersive experience for media consumption. The Galaxy S22 5G's speakers are tuned by AKG.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S22 5G support 5G cellular connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in compatible networks. They also both feature Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless internet connections and Bluetooth 5.0 (iPhone 12) or 5.2 (Galaxy S22 5G) for connecting to accessories.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 12 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S22 5G uses a universal USB-C port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, the iPhone 12 relies on Face ID for facial recognition. The Galaxy S22 5G uses an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 has a flat-edged design, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 164 grams. The Galaxy S22 5G has a slightly more rounded design, with dimensions of 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 167 grams. Both are relatively compact for modern smartphones, offering comfortable one-handed use.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 12 combines a Ceramic Shield front with an aluminum frame and glass back. The Galaxy S22 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame.

Weight

195 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

The iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, while both offering premium smartphone experiences, cater to slightly different user priorities. User feedback for the iPhone 12 often highlights its continued smooth performance and competent camera system, even several years after its release. Common criticisms, however, frequently revolve around its battery life, particularly when using 5G, and the 60Hz display which some users find less fluid compared to newer devices.

The Galaxy S22 5G is praised for its vibrant 120Hz display, versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, and generally strong performance. Its more modern design and higher refresh rate are often cited as significant advantages. Some users, however, have noted that its battery life, while improved over its predecessor, might still require careful management for very heavy usage. The repairability of the Galaxy S22 5G has also been a point of discussion, with some reports indicating it is more challenging to repair than some competitors.

Users prioritizing a highly fluid visual experience and a more versatile camera system with optical zoom may find the Galaxy S22 5G to be a more suitable choice. Its higher RAM also benefits those who frequently multitask with many applications. Conversely, users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, who value consistent software updates over a longer period, and prefer the Face ID biometric system, might lean towards the iPhone 12. While its display refresh rate is lower, its overall performance remains robust for most daily tasks. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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