Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 16 Plus

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:559.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in early 2022, and the anticipated iPhone 16 Plus, expected in late 2026, represent distinct offerings in the smartphone market. While the Galaxy S22 5G provides a compact Android experience, the iPhone 16 Plus is poised to deliver Apple's latest advancements in a larger form factor. Their primary distinctions lie in their operating systems, overall size, and the generational leap in hardware capabilities, offering different strengths for various user needs.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, has received several major Android updates and is expected to continue receiving security updates into 2027. The iPhone 16 Plus, as a 2026 release, will benefit from Apple's typically longer software support, often spanning 6-7 years from its launch.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G was promised four Android OS upgrades, with Android 16 being its last major OS upgrade, and five years of security updates. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to receive software updates for a significantly longer period, offering more years of access to the latest features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S22 5G includes a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) and an aluminum frame, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. The iPhone 16 Plus is also rated IP68 for splash, water, and dust resistance, capable of withstanding a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
  • Practical Lifespan: While both are built to last, the newer components and extended software support of the iPhone 16 Plus suggest a longer practical lifespan for users prioritizing the most current software and hardware.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the efficiency of their internal components, impacting everything from app loading to multitasking. The Galaxy S22 5G, powered by a 2022-era processor, handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently. The iPhone 16 Plus, with its anticipated 2026-generation A18 chip, is designed for more demanding tasks and future applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G provides smooth navigation and quick app launches for typical daily use. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to offer a noticeable increase in responsiveness, particularly with graphically intensive applications and advanced multitasking, due to its newer processing architecture.
  • Demanding Applications: For users engaging in mobile gaming, video editing, or other resource-heavy tasks, the iPhone 16 Plus is likely to deliver a more fluid and sustained high-performance experience. The Galaxy S22 5G's performance may throttle under sustained heavy use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices are capable of handling multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature 8GB of RAM and storage options starting from 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, potentially managing a greater number of active background processes with less impact on overall system speed.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics. The Galaxy S22 5G features a compact Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to offer a larger, more advanced Super Retina XDR OLED display with enhanced brightness and clarity.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy with a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature a Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2796 x 1290 pixel resolution, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 6.1-inch display, offering a sharp viewing experience in a compact form factor. The iPhone 16 Plus is anticipated to have a larger 6.7-inch display, providing a more expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to offer a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits and a typical brightness of 1000 nits, with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though with different approaches. The Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera system. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to build upon Apple's camera reputation with an advanced dual-camera system and improved computational photography.

  • Photography Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G includes a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and 12MP ultrawide lens, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature a 48MP main camera (referred to as the Fusion Camera) and a 12MP ultrawide camera, with improvements in sensor technology and computational photography, including support for Spatial Capture for 3D photos and video.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 16 Plus is anticipated to provide enhanced video stabilization and dynamic range, supporting 4K Dolby Vision video recording at various frame rates, and Spatial video recording.
  • Front Camera and Features: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front camera. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature a 12MP TrueDepth camera with autofocus and advanced portrait features.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, practical elements like connectivity, physical design, and sensors contribute to the overall user experience. The Galaxy S22 5G includes a range of connectivity options and a compact design. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to incorporate the latest connectivity standards and a larger design.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to feature Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections.
  • Port Types and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S22 5G uses an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition. The iPhone 16 Plus will rely on Face ID for secure authentication.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 5G has dimensions of 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167 grams, offering a compact and lightweight feel. The iPhone 16 Plus is larger, with dimensions of 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and a weight of 199 grams, providing a more substantial feel in hand.

Weight

195 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G often highlights its compact size, vibrant display, and capable camera system for everyday use. Some users have noted that its battery life, while adequate for many, might require more frequent charging for heavy users. The device is generally regarded as a solid performer for its generation, offering a comprehensive Android experience.

For the iPhone 16 Plus, based on typical Apple releases and early information, users are expected to appreciate its extended battery life, powerful performance for demanding applications, and advanced camera capabilities, including Spatial Capture. Its larger display will likely be a highlight for media consumption and productivity. Potential considerations might include its larger physical size, which some users find less convenient for one-handed operation.

Users prioritizing a compact Android device with a strong camera and good overall performance will find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs, especially as a quality-assured refurbished option. Conversely, users who prioritize the latest Apple ecosystem, a larger display, extended software support, and cutting-edge performance for future-proofing will likely lean toward the iPhone 16 Plus. This comparison highlights that both devices cater to different user preferences, with the choice often coming down to preferred operating system, size, and the desire for the most current hardware.

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