Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 16

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

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

See options
iPhone 16
iPhone 16
Starting at

Refurbished price:549.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, represent different generations of flagship smartphones from their respective ecosystems. While both offer premium mobile experiences, the iPhone 16 benefits from more recent technological advancements, particularly in processing power and camera capabilities, alongside its distinct iOS operating system compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus's Android platform.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 16, which launched in September 2024. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support windows.
  • OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides around four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices like the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Apple, known for its extended support, generally offers major iOS updates for five to seven years and security updates for seven to eight years from a device's release. This means the iPhone 16, being a newer model, will receive software and security updates for a significantly longer period than the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back panels and an aluminum frame, offering good resistance to drops and scratches. The iPhone 16 incorporates Ceramic Shield on the front, which Apple states is tougher than other smartphone glass, combined with a glass back and an aluminum frame. Both are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a significant area of distinction, largely due to the generational gap between the two smartphones.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is powered by a processor from early 2022, which capably handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and most demanding applications. The iPhone 16, featuring a newer generation processor from 2024, offers enhanced performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother transitions, and more efficient handling of intensive tasks like advanced gaming and complex photo/video editing.
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G generally experience fluid navigation and efficient multitasking. The iPhone 16, with its more advanced internal components, provides a noticeably more responsive user experience, particularly when switching between numerous applications or running several demanding processes simultaneously.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB internal storage options, typically paired with 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 16 offers similar storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, and comes with 8GB of RAM. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but with some differences in technology and user experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. The iPhone 16 comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED display, available in 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch sizes, also delivering excellent contrast and color accuracy. Both provide sharp visuals for media consumption and daily use.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 16 offers a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, with a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and can reach up to 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors, providing clear viewing in various lighting environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale between 48Hz and 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The standard iPhone 16 models, however, maintain a fixed 90Hz refresh rate, which offers a smooth experience but does not match the 120Hz fluidity found on the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a key focus for both manufacturers, with the iPhone 16 showcasing more recent advancements.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 features a new dual-lens vertical camera system, including a 48MP Fusion main camera with a 2x telephoto option (utilizing sensor cropping) and a 12MP ultrawide lens that supports macro photography.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G delivers good image quality with accurate colors and improved low-light performance compared to its predecessor. The iPhone 16, with its newer sensors and computational photography, offers enhanced low-light capabilities and features like spatial photos and videos, which provide a sense of depth. A new 'Camera Control' button on the iPhone 16 provides more intuitive photo and video capture.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps, along with 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 16 records 4K video at 60fps in Dolby Vision, and its Pro models offer 4K at 120fps. The iPhone 16 also includes studio-quality microphones for clearer audio recording.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity Options: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The iPhone 16 features the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Port Types and Sensors: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes a USB-C 3.2 port and an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The iPhone 16 has transitioned to a USB-C port across all models, offering universal compatibility and enhanced charging capabilities. It relies on Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g. The iPhone 16 (standard model) is slightly smaller and lighter at 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm and 170g, while the iPhone 16 Plus is larger at 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm and 199g. These differences can influence one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

195 g

170 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often praises its bright display, capable camera system, and balanced size within its series. Some users have noted mixed experiences with battery life, with some finding it sufficient for a day of use while others felt it required occasional top-ups, particularly with heavy usage. The iPhone 16, being a more recent release, has been lauded for its significant performance upgrades, advanced camera features like the dedicated Camera Control button and spatial video, and the extended software support typical of Apple devices. Criticisms for the standard iPhone 16 models sometimes point to the retention of a 90Hz display refresh rate, which, while smooth, is not as fluid as the 120Hz found on some competitors or its Pro counterparts.

Users prioritizing a more recent device with a longer software support window, enhanced processing power, and advanced camera features, particularly for video and computational photography, will find the iPhone 16 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who prefer the Android ecosystem, appreciate a 120Hz display refresh rate, and are looking for a device that still offers strong performance and a versatile camera system may lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer robust build quality and water resistance. For those considering a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed choice.

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