Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 13 mini

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:220.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 13 Mini, launched in September 2021, are both compact flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While the Galaxy S22 5G runs on the Android operating system, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 13 Mini operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their physical size, operating system philosophies, and camera system approaches.

Scores

Durability

Evaluating the long-term usability of these devices involves considering their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release and Discontinuation: The iPhone 13 Mini was released in September 2021 and was discontinued in September 2023, making it a device with a shorter sales window. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release, with security updates extending even further, potentially until 2031 for the iPhone 13 Mini. Samsung generally offers 4-5 years of major Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for its flagship devices.
  • Physical Durability and Repairability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The iPhone 13 Mini utilizes Ceramic Shield for its front cover, while the Galaxy S22 5G employs Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back. Initial repairability assessments for the iPhone 13 series indicated challenges, though subsequent software updates improved the situation, bringing its score to 6 out of 10.

Year of Release

2022

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 13 Mini is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S22 5G features a current-generation processor, which also delivers strong performance for everyday use and more intensive tasks.
  • Memory and Storage: The iPhone 13 Mini comes with 4GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 512GB. The Galaxy S22 5G typically includes 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for multitasking, with storage options up to 256GB.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 13 Mini has a smaller battery capacity, which some users report may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a larger battery capacity, though some users have noted concerns regarding its battery life and performance management under certain conditions.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, influencing media consumption and overall user interaction.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 13 Mini features a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors, offering a compact viewing experience. The Galaxy S22 5G sports a larger 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers rich colors and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer high-resolution displays. The iPhone 13 Mini has a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels at 476 pixels per inch (ppi), providing sharp images. The Galaxy S22 5G has a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels at 425 ppi, also ensuring clear visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 13 Mini's display reaches a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a higher peak brightness of 1300 nits and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, which can enhance scrolling and gaming experiences.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture moments with clarity and detail.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 13 Mini features a dual 12MP camera system, including a main wide lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with a versatile triple camera setup, comprising a 50MP wide lens with optical image stabilization, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 Mini includes features like Cinematic mode for video, Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4, enhancing photo and video quality across various conditions. The Galaxy S22 5G offers advanced features such as 8K video recording, Super Steady video, and improved low-light performance across its multiple lenses.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices are equipped with capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls; the iPhone 13 Mini has a 12MP front camera, while the Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front camera. Both also feature stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the iPhone 13 Mini and Galaxy S22 5G support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds. The iPhone 13 Mini uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port, while the Galaxy S22 5G features a more universal USB-C port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 13 Mini relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded under its display for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 13 Mini is notably compact and lightweight, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm and weighing 141 grams, making it ideal for one-handed use. The Galaxy S22 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and 167 grams, offering a larger screen in a still relatively manageable form factor. Both devices feature premium builds with aluminum frames and glass backs.

Weight

195 g

140 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

The iPhone 13 Mini and Samsung Galaxy S22 5G cater to different user preferences, primarily distinguished by their size and operating system. Users frequently praise the iPhone 13 Mini for its exceptionally compact form factor, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easy pocketability, while still delivering robust performance for its size. However, a common concern among users is its battery life, which may not consistently last a full day for heavy users. The iPhone 13 Mini was also the last of its 'mini' line, discontinued due to lower demand for smaller phones.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is often lauded for its vibrant display and versatile camera system, which includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. Some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery performance and occasional performance throttling under sustained heavy loads.

Users prioritizing a highly portable device that excels in one-handed operation and is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem may find the iPhone 13 Mini well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a slightly larger display, a more customizable Android experience, and a camera system with greater zoom flexibility might lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. Both devices remain capable smartphones, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model.

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