Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs iPhone 12 mini

Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:336.00

Versus €1,364.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:146.50

Versus €689.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 12 Mini, launched in November 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the S22 Ultra offers a large display, advanced camera system, and integrated stylus, the iPhone 12 Mini prioritizes a compact form factor with a focus on portability and a streamlined user experience. Both devices operate on different ecosystems, with the S22 Ultra running Android and the iPhone 12 Mini running iOS.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical construction.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The iPhone 12 Mini was released in November 2020, making it an older device compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, which launched in February 2022. This difference in release dates means the S22 Ultra will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for approximately 5-6 years from their release. The iPhone 12 Mini, being an older model, is closer to the end of its software support cycle than the S22 Ultra. Samsung generally offers several years of Android OS updates and security patches for its flagship devices, suggesting the S22 Ultra will continue to receive updates for a considerable time.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Mini features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple stated offers improved drop performance compared to previous models. Its frame is made of aluminum. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ for both its front and back, along with an aluminum frame, contributing to its overall resilience. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes for the iPhone 12 Mini, and up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes for the S22 Ultra.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these smartphones is influenced by their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks, demanding applications, and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a current-generation processor designed to handle intensive applications, advanced gaming, and complex computational tasks with efficiency. The iPhone 12 Mini, while featuring a capable processor for its release year, delivers smooth performance for everyday use, app loading, and general multitasking.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The S22 Ultra offers higher RAM configurations, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking. It also provides a wider range of storage options, including larger capacities, catering to users with extensive media libraries or numerous applications. The iPhone 12 Mini comes with standard storage options and sufficient RAM for typical smartphone usage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G includes a large battery capacity, designed to support its expansive display and powerful features through extended use. The iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller battery, which, combined with its compact size, means that heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently throughout the day. For average use, the iPhone 12 Mini can last a full day, but intensive tasks like gaming or prolonged video streaming can deplete its battery more quickly.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is shaped by their display technology, size, and clarity, catering to different user preferences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 12 Mini feature OLED display technology, which provides deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. The S22 Ultra boasts a larger display with a higher resolution, resulting in a sharp and detailed viewing experience. The iPhone 12 Mini, despite its smaller size, offers a high pixel density, ensuring crisp text and images.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a high peak brightness, making it well-suited for outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight, and features a dynamic refresh rate that can adjust up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 Mini has a standard refresh rate and a respectable peak brightness, providing a clear viewing experience in most conditions, though it may not match the S22 Ultra's performance in very bright environments or for motion smoothness.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S22 Ultra's expansive 6.8-inch display is ideal for media consumption, productivity tasks, and immersive gaming. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Mini's 5.4-inch display offers a compact and easily manageable viewing area, appealing to users who prefer one-handed operation and a smaller device footprint.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera capabilities of these two smartphones offer distinct strengths for capturing photos and videos in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a high-megapixel main sensor, multiple telephoto lenses for optical zoom, and an ultrawide lens, allowing for a wide range of photographic possibilities from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes. The iPhone 12 Mini comes with a dual 12-megapixel camera system, comprising a wide and an ultrawide lens, which delivers strong performance for everyday photography.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Ultra excels in capturing highly detailed images, offering advanced zoom capabilities and robust low-light performance. The iPhone 12 Mini's camera system is praised for its consistent image quality, accurate color reproduction, and improved low-light performance compared to its predecessors, with Night mode available across all cameras.
  • Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The S22 Ultra supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps, along with various other modes and stabilization features. The iPhone 12 Mini offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps, including HDR video with Dolby Vision, providing excellent video quality with good stabilization.
  • Audio and Speakers: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G provides stereo speakers tuned by AKG, offering a rich audio experience for media consumption. The iPhone 12 Mini also features stereo speakers, delivering clear audio for calls and media playback.

Main camera

108 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two devices.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 12 Mini support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds where available. They also include modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for both) and Bluetooth for wireless accessories.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 12 Mini uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a USB-C port, a more widely adopted standard. For security, the iPhone 12 Mini relies on Face ID for facial recognition. The S22 Ultra incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and supports 2D face unlock.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone 12 Mini is significantly smaller and lighter, with dimensions of 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm and a weight of 135 grams, making it highly portable and easy for one-handed use. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 228 grams, which provides a more expansive screen but requires a two-handed grip for most users.
  • Unique Features: A key differentiator for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. The iPhone 12 Mini supports MagSafe for magnetic accessories and wireless charging.

Weight

228 g

135 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 12 Mini cater to different user priorities, each excelling in its own domain. Users often praise the S22 Ultra for its expansive and vibrant display, its versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the productivity enhancements offered by the integrated S Pen. Common criticisms sometimes point to its large size and weight, which can make one-handed use challenging for some individuals. Conversely, the iPhone 12 Mini is frequently lauded for its exceptionally compact form factor, making it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand, and its consistent performance for everyday tasks. However, its smaller battery capacity is a frequent concern for heavy users, and its display size may not be ideal for extensive media consumption or gaming.

Users prioritizing a large, feature-rich display, advanced camera flexibility, and the utility of a stylus for productivity or creative tasks may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Its robust performance and extensive software support also appeal to those seeking a long-term flagship Android experience. On the other hand, individuals who value ultimate portability, a device that fits easily into smaller pockets, and a streamlined user interface will likely lean towards the iPhone 12 Mini. It remains a strong option for users who prefer a compact smartphone without significant compromises on core functionality. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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