Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Huawei P30 Pro

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

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Huawei P30 Pro
Huawei P30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:186.00

Versus €849.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Huawei P30 Pro, launched in March 2019, represent different generations of flagship smartphones. While both devices offer premium experiences, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G introduces more recent advancements in display technology and processing power, whereas the P30 Pro is particularly noted for its innovative camera system and exceptional battery longevity from its era. Both operate on the Android platform, though the P30 Pro retains access to Google Mobile Services, a key distinction for users.

Scores

Durability

These two smartphones differ significantly in their release timelines and expected software support, impacting their practical lifespan.

  • Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, being a 2022 device, launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, extending its usability well into the future. The Huawei P30 Pro, released in 2019 with Android 9.0 Pie, received updates up to Android 10 with EMUI 12 globally, but its major software update cycle has concluded.
  • Repairability and Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced screen durability. The P30 Pro, while also featuring a glass and metal construction, received an iFixit repairability score of 4/10, indicating it can be challenging to repair due to heavy use of adhesive.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritising the latest software features and security updates will find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a longer supported lifespan. For those who value a device's core functionality and are comfortable with an older software version, the P30 Pro remains a capable device, with some users reporting continued satisfaction with its performance and camera even years after its release.

Year of Release

2022

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two devices reflect their respective release years, with the newer model offering more advanced processing power.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a current-generation processor built on a 4nm architecture, which provides robust performance for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming. The Huawei P30 Pro features a processor from 2018, which delivered flagship-level performance at its launch, handling everyday tasks and gaming smoothly.
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers 8GB of RAM, ensuring fluid navigation and efficient handling of multiple applications simultaneously. The P30 Pro typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing a responsive user experience for most tasks, though it may show its age when running the most resource-intensive modern applications compared to the S22 Plus 5G.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, with the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. The P30 Pro also came with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, and uniquely supported Huawei's proprietary Nano Memory (NM) cards for expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, providing good battery life for a full day of typical use, with some tests indicating around 10 hours of continuous activity. The Huawei P30 Pro, with its 4200 mAh battery, was renowned for its exceptional battery life at the time of its release, often lasting up to two days for moderate users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these smartphones is shaped by their display technologies and specifications, with notable differences in refresh rates and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature OLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Huawei P30 Pro offers a 6.47-inch OLED panel. Both provide a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring clear and detailed visuals for everyday viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale between 48Hz and 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, particularly noticeable in compatible apps and games. The Huawei P30 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which offers a consistent but less fluid visual experience compared to higher refresh rate displays.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The P30 Pro also offers excellent sunlight visibility, providing a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting environments.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones were considered leaders in mobile photography at their respective launches, though they approach imaging with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle main sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Huawei P30 Pro is equipped with a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 40MP wide-angle main sensor with OIS and an RYYB sensor for enhanced light capture, a 20MP ultrawide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens with an impressive 5x optical zoom via a periscope design, and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing.
  • Low-Light and Zoom Performance: The P30 Pro was particularly acclaimed for its groundbreaking low-light photography, capable of capturing significant detail in very dim conditions, and its 5x optical zoom was a standout feature. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also offers improved low-light performance with its 'Nightography' features and a capable 3x optical zoom, providing sharper images than its predecessors.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps and has a 10MP front-facing camera. The P30 Pro records video up to 4K at 30fps and includes a 32MP front-facing camera, though it has fixed focus.

Main camera

50 megapixels

40 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, alongside Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The Huawei P30 Pro is limited to 4G LTE connectivity, featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from its generation. Both include NFC for contactless payments and other functions.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both smartphones utilise a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both feature in-display fingerprint sensors, with the P30 Pro's being noted for its responsiveness at the time of its release.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm and weighs 196g, offering a modern, flat design with polished metal trimmings. The P30 Pro is slightly larger at 158 x 73.4 x 8.4mm and weighs 192g, featuring a curved screen design and a premium feel.

Weight

195 g

192 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.47

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Huawei P30 Pro cater to users with different priorities, largely due to their generational gap and distinct strengths.

The Huawei P30 Pro is frequently praised by users for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its low-light performance and impressive 5x optical zoom, which many found to be ahead of its time. Its battery life also consistently receives high marks, with many users reporting it comfortably lasts a full day or more. Common criticisms, especially in recent years, include its 60Hz display, which feels less fluid compared to newer devices, and the conclusion of its major software update cycle. Some users have also noted potential durability concerns with its glass construction over time.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is lauded for its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, offering a smoother visual experience, and its consistently strong performance for demanding tasks. Its camera system, with improved low-light features and a capable telephoto lens, is also well-regarded. While its battery life is generally good for a day's use, some reviews suggest it doesn't always match the longevity of some competitors from its era. Some users have also reported that the device can run warm under heavy load.

Users prioritising the latest software support, a high refresh rate display, and robust performance for current applications may prefer the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Its modern connectivity options, including 5G, also make it a more future-proof choice. Those who value an outstanding camera experience, particularly for zoom and low-light photography, and exceptional battery life, might find the Huawei P30 Pro still offers a compelling package, especially if they are comfortable with an older software version. For individuals seeking a sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, extending their lifecycle and reducing electronic waste.

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