Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 16 Plus

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

Refurbished price:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:559.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 16 Plus, launched in September 2024, represent different generations of flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer a premium smartphone experience, the iPhone 16 Plus benefits from more recent technological advancements, particularly in its internal components and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, which launched in September 2024. This difference in age directly impacts their remaining software support lifespan.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus, having launched with Android 12, is expected to receive major Android updates up to Android 16 and security updates through 2027. The iPhone 16 Plus, launching with iOS 18, benefits from Apple's typically longer software support, extending its practical lifespan for receiving new features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front, a color-infused glass back, and an aluminum design, also boasting an IP68 rating. User tests indicate the iPhone 16 Plus offers improved scratch resistance and good structural integrity.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. These two devices offer distinct experiences based on their underlying hardware and software optimization.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is powered by a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively, providing a responsive user experience. The iPhone 16 Plus features a newer generation processor, which contributes to smoother operation, faster app loading times, and enhanced efficiency for complex tasks and future software features, including advanced AI capabilities.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking and smooth transitions between applications. The Galaxy S22 Plus is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, while the iPhone 16 Plus offers more options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to users with higher storage needs.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users, with some reporting up to 1.5 days. The iPhone 16 Plus, with a 4674 mAh battery, is noted for its excellent battery longevity, often lasting 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge, and in some cases, up to three days with general use, making it suitable for extended periods away from a power source.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences, though with some key differences in technology and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 393 ppi. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi, which translates to sharp and detailed visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, providing excellent visibility. However, its display operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may present a less fluid visual experience compared to higher refresh rate screens.
  • User Experience: The iPhone 16 Plus incorporates the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera that displays alerts and live activities. Both displays support HDR10+ (Galaxy S22 Plus) and HDR (iPhone 16 Plus) for enhanced contrast and color in compatible content.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, catering to different photographic preferences and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom with OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Plus has an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP Fusion Main camera with OIS that can also provide 2x telephoto capabilities through sensor cropping, and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with a 120° field of view, which also supports macro photography.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus delivers improved low-light performance and generally produces bright photos with good color. The iPhone 16 Plus is praised for its detailed photos with good dynamic range and natural colors across various lighting conditions, performing well in both photography and videography. It also features a new Camera Control button for more tactile adjustments and supports Spatial video recording.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices offer high-quality video recording capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Plus can record up to 8K video at 24fps, and 4K at 30/60fps, while the iPhone 16 Plus supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at various frame rates. For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera, and the iPhone 16 Plus features a 12MP front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 Plus features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPhone 16 Plus steps up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. The iPhone 16 Plus has adopted a USB-C port, aligning with modern standards, whereas the Galaxy S22 Plus also uses USB-C. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and User Interface: The Galaxy S22 Plus utilizes an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 Plus relies on Face ID for facial recognition. The iPhone 16 Plus also introduces an Action button, customizable to quickly access various functions like the camera or flashlight, enhancing user interaction.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g or 196g. The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly larger and heavier at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and 199g. Both phones feature an aluminum frame, with the Galaxy S22 Plus having an Armor Aluminum frame for enhanced durability.

Weight

195 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the iPhone 16 Plus cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting their different release dates and operating system philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 Plus for its vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate and its versatile camera system, particularly its 3x optical zoom. Some common concerns for the S22 Plus have included reports of a laggy user interface, occasional overheating, and battery drain issues, though many of these can be mitigated with software updates and usage adjustments.

The iPhone 16 Plus is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, robust performance, and the integrated Apple ecosystem. Its camera system, with the new Camera Control button and Spatial video capabilities, is also a strong point, alongside its enhanced durability. Criticisms sometimes point to its 60Hz display, which is not as fluid as some competitors, and the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens beyond the 2x optical zoom achieved through the main sensor.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience with a high refresh rate display and dedicated optical zoom may find the Galaxy S22 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value extended battery life, a streamlined iOS experience, long-term software support, and advanced computational photography features might lean towards the iPhone 16 Plus. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed choice.

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