Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 16 Pro

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:650.00

Versus €1,239.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both offer advanced features, the iPhone 16 Pro benefits from a newer release, bringing with it advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display capabilities. The Galaxy S22 operates on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G, launched in early 2022, is expected to receive Android OS updates for up to four years, reaching Android 16/One UI 8, and security updates until February 2027. The iPhone 16 Pro, released in late 2024, benefits from Apple's typically longer software support, often extending to five to seven years of iOS updates, ensuring it remains current for a more extended period.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds designed for daily use. The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame. The iPhone 16 Pro utilizes a Ceramic Shield front, a textured matte glass back, and a titanium frame, contributing to its overall resilience. Both models carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users often report that the practical lifespan of a smartphone extends beyond its official software support, depending on individual usage patterns and care. For those seeking the absolute longest period of official software updates, the iPhone 16 Pro, being a newer model, offers a longer runway.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is central to its daily user experience, influencing everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region, paired with 8GB of RAM. This configuration handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, offering a significant performance advantage due to its newer architecture and optimizations.
  • Real-World Usage: Users of the Galaxy S22 5G generally find it capable for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and video consumption. However, some reports indicate that it can experience heating and performance dips during extended heavy gaming sessions. The iPhone 16 Pro is noted by users for its consistently smooth performance across demanding applications and games, with efficient thermal management.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations to suit different user needs. The Galaxy S22 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage. The iPhone 16 Pro provides more extensive options, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, catering to users who require substantial space for apps, photos, and videos.

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.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), resulting in sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a slightly larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a higher resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels, which translates to excellent clarity and detail. Both displays deliver deep blacks and strong contrast.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S22 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The iPhone 16 Pro offers higher peak brightness levels, reaching 1000 nits typical and up to 2000 nits for outdoor use, enhancing readability in bright sunlight. Both phones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The iPhone 16 Pro also includes an Always-On display feature.
  • Viewing Experience: Users generally praise both displays for their visual quality. The iPhone 16 Pro's slightly larger screen and higher brightness can offer a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and in varied lighting conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1206 x 2622

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they differ in their specific configurations and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Pro also boasts a triple-camera system, comprising a 48MP wide-angle lens with sensor-shift OIS, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and 3D sensor-shift OIS.
  • Photography Performance: User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G highlights its excellent camera quality, particularly in well-lit conditions, with good zoom capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro is praised for its impressive image quality, especially in daylight, with strong detail in 48MP RAW photos and enhanced low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro also introduces features like Camera Control and Zero Shutter Lag, which improve the responsiveness of capturing moments.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices offer advanced video recording. The Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at up to 60fps. The iPhone 16 Pro offers 4K video recording at various frame rates, including 120fps, with features like Dolby Vision HDR and ProRes, making it a strong choice for video creators.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The iPhone 16 Pro features newer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy S22 5G employs an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 Pro relies on Face ID for facial recognition, complemented by a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality applications.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G measures 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, offering a compact and lightweight design. The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm and 199g, but users often describe its titanium build as feeling premium and comfortable for one-handed use.

Weight

195 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.3

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C (USB 3)

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and release timelines.

For the Galaxy S22 5G, common praise points from users include its vibrant AMOLED display, capable camera system, and the flexibility of the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI. However, some users have noted concerns regarding its battery life, particularly for heavy usage, and potential heating during demanding tasks. The iPhone 16 Pro receives strong positive feedback for its powerful performance, significantly improved battery life compared to previous Pro models, and its advanced camera capabilities, especially for video and detailed photography. User criticisms are less frequent but sometimes touch on the telephoto camera's performance in specific scenarios.

Users prioritizing a compact Android experience with a highly customizable interface and a strong camera for everyday photos may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value cutting-edge performance, extended software support, a highly refined user experience, and advanced video capabilities will likely lean towards the iPhone 16 Pro. Both devices offer robust features, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for operating system and specific feature emphasis. For those looking for a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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