Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs iPhone 15 Pro

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

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €1,445.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:510.00

Versus €1,165.38 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent two distinct approaches to high-end smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display characteristics, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Ultra operates on Android, offering a more open ecosystem, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated services and strong privacy features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected practical lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date means the iPhone 15 Pro will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 Pro launched with iOS 17 and is compatible with iOS 18, with Apple typically providing major software updates for five to six years from release. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G launched with Android 12 and has received updates, but Android devices generally receive fewer years of major OS updates compared to iPhones.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 15 Pro has shown improved repairability compared to previous iPhone models, with some reports indicating a repairability score of 7 out of 10 from iFixit, though earlier assessments for the Pro Max variant were lower. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making battery and screen replacements challenging.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to demanding gaming sessions. Both devices offer robust performance, but their underlying architectures lead to different user experiences.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a current-generation processor, which provides significant power for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a powerful processor from its release year, capable of handling most tasks smoothly.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 Pro generally experience fluid navigation and quick app launches, benefiting from the tight integration between hardware and software. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G also offers a responsive experience, with its processor and ample RAM ensuring smooth operation even with multiple applications open.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various storage configurations, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, catering to different user needs. The iPhone 15 Pro typically comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, which can be beneficial for extensive multitasking on the Android platform.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 15 Pro offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its color accuracy and contrast.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels) with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it suitable for outdoor viewing. The iPhone 15 Pro features a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels and can reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits, offering excellent visibility in bright conditions.
  • Refresh Rate: Both phones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G can scale down to 1Hz for power efficiency, while the iPhone 15 Pro's ProMotion display also adjusts dynamically.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a significant differentiator for modern smartphones, and both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 15 Pro excel in photography and videography, albeit with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, allowing for extensive zoom capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro features a triple-camera system with a 48 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 12 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, focusing on detailed and color-accurate images.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is often praised for its zoom capabilities and vibrant image processing, while the iPhone 15 Pro is known for its consistent image quality, natural color reproduction, and strong low-light performance. Both devices offer advanced features like portrait modes and night modes.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps, along with various slow-motion options. The iPhone 15 Pro records video up to 4K at 60fps, with features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for stable footage. Both phones provide quality microphone performance for calls and video recording, and their speakers offer a good media consumption experience.

Main camera

108 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two high-end smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards, with the iPhone 15 Pro featuring Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offering Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. A notable difference is the port: the iPhone 15 Pro has adopted USB-C with USB 3 speeds, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G also uses USB-C.
  • Unique Features and Sensors: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G integrates an S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking and drawing. The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a customizable Action Button and features like Dynamic Island, Face ID for biometric security, and satellite-based emergency services. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for security.
  • Design and Build: The iPhone 15 Pro features a lightweight yet strong titanium frame with contoured edges, contributing to a lighter feel compared to its predecessors. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has an Armor aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back. The iPhone 15 Pro is smaller and lighter at 187g, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier at 228g/229g.

Weight

228 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 3)

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G often praises its versatile camera system, especially the extensive zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen for productivity. Some users, however, noted that its battery life, despite the large capacity, did not always meet expectations due to processor efficiency. The iPhone 15 Pro, while lauded for its powerful performance and robust camera, faced initial user concerns regarding overheating, which Apple addressed through software updates. Some users also commented on the titanium frame's susceptibility to fingerprints and a perceived lack of vibrant colors on the display compared to expectations.

Users prioritizing a large display, extensive camera zoom, and integrated stylus functionality for creative or professional tasks may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a compact design, a highly optimized software experience, and cutting-edge processing power for demanding applications might lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices offer premium experiences, and choosing between them often comes down to preference for the Android or iOS ecosystem and specific feature priorities. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, quality-assured refurbished options for both models are available, providing a sustainable choice for acquiring these advanced smartphones.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons