Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone SE (2020)

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:99.00

Versus €319.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S22 offers a modern Android experience with advanced display and camera technology, the iPhone SE 2020 provides a compact iOS experience with a focus on core performance. The primary differences lie in their operating systems, display technologies, and camera systems.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, making it two years older than the Galaxy S22 5G, which launched in February 2022. This age difference impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release, with major OS support potentially extending until Android 16 and security updates until 2027. The iPhone SE 2020 typically receives 5-7 years of major iOS updates, with security patches potentially extending beyond that, meaning it could receive updates until 2027-2029.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass fronts and backs with aluminum frames. The Galaxy S22 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2020 has an IP67 rating, protecting it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with both devices offering capable processing power for their respective ecosystems.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a current-generation processor, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications, multitasking, and graphics-intensive games. The iPhone SE 2020 features a powerful chip that, at its release, was considered among the fastest in a smartphone, providing a responsive experience for everyday tasks and many applications.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S22 5G is available with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM and offers storage choices of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery. User reports indicate that its battery life, while generally sufficient for moderate use, might require more frequent charging for heavy users compared to some larger devices. The iPhone SE 2020 has an 1821 mAh battery, and users often note that it may not easily last a full day with heavy usage, suggesting that it is better suited for lighter use patterns.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and sizes.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, which provides accurate colors and good viewing angles.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in sharp images and text, and can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels and a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is suitable for indoor use but may be less visible under direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G includes an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone SE 2020 operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two smartphones offer different capabilities and user experiences.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration supports enhanced night photography and various shooting modes. The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12 MP wide-angle rear camera with OIS, which performs well in good lighting conditions.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S22 5G has a 10 MP front camera. The iPhone SE 2020 includes a 7 MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video, with the Galaxy S22 5G supporting up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, while the iPhone SE 2020 records up to 4K at 60fps.
  • Low-Light Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G's camera system is designed with enhanced AI features for improved low-light photography. The iPhone SE 2020's camera, while capable, does not include a dedicated Night Mode and generally offers less strong performance in very dim conditions compared to more recent devices.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster data speeds and more robust wireless connections. The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable connectivity for most current needs, though it lacks 5G capabilities.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S22 5G uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port and incorporates a physical home button with Touch ID for fingerprint recognition. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G measures 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, offering a relatively compact form factor for a modern Android phone. The iPhone SE 2020 is smaller and lighter at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and 148g, making it easier for one-handed use for many individuals.

Weight

195 g

148 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

User sentiment for the Galaxy S22 5G often praises its vibrant display, capable camera system, and overall performance for a compact Android device. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which some users find to be less than ideal for extended heavy use. The iPhone SE 2020 is frequently lauded for its powerful processor, compact design, and the familiarity of its iOS experience. However, its smaller, older display technology and battery life are often noted as areas where it falls short compared to more contemporary smartphones.

Users prioritizing a modern, expansive display with a high refresh rate, a versatile multi-lens camera system, and 5G connectivity will find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a premium Android experience in a relatively compact form. Conversely, individuals who prefer a smaller, more traditional smartphone design, value the iOS ecosystem, and require strong core performance for everyday tasks may lean toward the iPhone SE 2020. Its physical home button with Touch ID also appeals to those who prefer this biometric authentication method. Both devices, when considered as quality-assured refurbished options, provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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