Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 16e

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:387.00

Versus €719.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the hypothetical iPhone 16E, anticipated in September 2025, represent different generations and operating systems in the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S22 runs on Android, the iPhone 16E operates on iOS. The primary differentiators between these two devices lie in their release timelines, which significantly impact their software support, processing capabilities, and camera technologies.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates and repairability. The Galaxy S22, being an older model, has a shorter remaining support window compared to the more recent iPhone 16E.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched with Android 12, has received its promised four major Android OS updates and is expected to receive security updates until February 2027. As of February 2026, it has been demoted to quarterly security updates. In contrast, Apple typically provides major iOS updates for five to seven years after a device's release, with security updates often extending even longer. The iPhone 16E, released in late 2025, would therefore benefit from a significantly longer period of major iOS updates and security patches.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users of the Galaxy S22 5G can realistically expect to use their device for at least another year with continued security patches, though major OS updates have concluded. The iPhone 16E, being a newer device, offers a longer practical lifespan in terms of receiving the latest software features and security enhancements.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature robust build materials. The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, and is IP68 dust and water resistant. However, some drop tests indicated the Galaxy S22 line might be less durable than its predecessor and the iPhone 13 in certain scenarios, with screens shattering on initial drops. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature Ceramic Shield front cover and IP68 water and dust resistance, consistent with recent iPhone models.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key aspect for daily smartphone use, affecting everything from app responsiveness to gaming. The difference in release dates between these two models means a notable gap in their processing power and overall system fluidity.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a processor from early 2022, which handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively for its generation. However, some users reported issues with overheating and apps malfunctioning or crashing. The iPhone 16E, featuring a more recent A-series chip (likely the A18), is designed for enhanced efficiency and speed, particularly optimized for generative artificial intelligence tasks. This newer chip provides a substantial performance boost for complex computations and future software demands.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: While the Galaxy S22 5G offers 8GB of RAM, providing smooth multitasking for most applications, the iPhone 16E is expected to come with 8GB of RAM, which, combined with its optimized iOS ecosystem, contributes to a highly responsive user experience. The newer architecture of the iPhone 16E's chip also means better thermal management and sustained performance during intensive use.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer similar internal storage configurations, typically starting at 128GB and going up to 256GB. The Galaxy S22 5G uses UFS 3.1 storage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 16E offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with some generational differences in technology and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. The iPhone 16E is expected to retain a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 5G boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 16E's display is expected to offer typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, with peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits and outdoor peak brightness of 2000 nits, providing strong performance in various lighting environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 5G's adaptive 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during scrolling and gaming. The iPhone 16E, as a non-Pro model, is expected to feature a 60Hz refresh rate, which is standard but less fluid than a 120Hz display.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 16E offer advanced photographic and videographic features, reflecting their respective ecosystems' strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, with good performance in everyday and low-light conditions. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens, with the main camera supporting super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). The cameras are vertically aligned, enabling spatial video capture.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G is praised for its sharp wide lens, accurate colors, and effective night mode. Its 3x optical zoom is a notable advantage for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. The iPhone 16E's camera system, with its larger main sensor and computational photography enhancements, is expected to deliver excellent image quality with natural colors and improved detail, especially in challenging lighting.
  • Video Recording: Both devices offer high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S22 5G can record up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, with good video stabilization. The iPhone 16E is also expected to offer advanced video capabilities, including 4K recording at various frame rates and improved stabilization, benefiting from its newer processing power.

Front camera

10 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 16E support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, with a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature more advanced connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, and will also utilize a USB-C port.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G has dimensions of 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, offering a compact and comfortable one-handed experience for many users. The iPhone 16E is expected to maintain a similar compact form factor with a 6.1-inch display, making it easy to handle.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy S22 5G includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature an Action Button, previously exclusive to Pro models, offering customizable shortcuts, and a new Camera Control button for quick photo and video capture.

Weight

195 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 16E cater to different user preferences, largely due to their distinct operating systems and generational differences. The Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, is a compact Android device known for its vibrant AMOLED display, versatile triple-camera system with optical zoom, and robust build quality. Users have praised its overall camera performance and comfortable form factor. However, common criticisms have included concerns about battery life, with some users reporting it struggles to last a full day with heavy use, and occasional issues with overheating and app stability.

The iPhone 16E, a more recent device from late 2025, offers the latest iOS experience with a focus on enhanced processing power, extended software support, and new user interface elements like the Action Button and Camera Control button. It is expected to deliver strong camera performance with advanced computational photography and improved video capabilities. Users who prioritize long-term software support, a highly optimized ecosystem, and cutting-edge processing for demanding tasks, including AI features, will find the iPhone 16E well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who prefer the Android ecosystem, a 120Hz display, and a dedicated telephoto lens might lean towards the Galaxy S22 5G.

Ultimately, the choice between these two devices depends on individual priorities. Both offer compelling features within their respective platforms. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models can be found, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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