Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 16 Pro

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

Refurbished price:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:650.00

Versus €1,239.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, represent different generations and ecosystems within the premium smartphone market. While both devices offer high-end features, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces more recent advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display refinements. The Galaxy S22 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and consistent user interface.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices offer different trajectories in terms of longevity.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, having launched with Android 12, is eligible for four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, with its last major OS update expected to be Android 16 around late 2025 or early 2026, and security updates continuing until 2027. The iPhone 16 Pro, released in September 2024 with iOS 18, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period, typically 5-7 years from its release date, offering extended software longevity.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust build materials. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back panels, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, a textured matte glass back, and an aerospace-grade titanium frame, also with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating challenges in repair due to strong adhesives and a glued-down battery. The iPhone 16 Pro, building on its predecessor's design, is designed with improved repairability in mind, with the iPhone 15 Pro receiving a 7/10 score after initial updates to repair processes.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is about more than just raw speed; it encompasses how smoothly the device handles daily tasks, demanding applications, and manages its power resources.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is powered by a processor that enables snappy performance for everyday applications and gaming. The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's A18 Pro chip, which offers significant enhancements for artificial intelligence tasks, a 15% faster central processing unit, a 20% faster graphics processing unit, and a 16-core Neural Engine, resulting in a highly responsive user experience, especially with intensive applications and advanced computational features.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices are designed to handle multitasking efficiently. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, typically equipped with 8GB of RAM, provides a fluid experience when switching between multiple apps. The iPhone 16 Pro, with its advanced chip and optimized iOS, ensures smooth transitions and rapid app loading, maintaining high responsiveness even under heavy workloads.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with its battery life vary, with some reporting the need for a second charge during heavy usage days, while others find it sufficient for a full day. The iPhone 16 Pro features a larger battery compared to its predecessor and benefits from the power efficiency of its A18 Pro chip. Users have reported significantly improved battery life, with some experiencing over 18 hours of use on a single charge even with demanding tasks.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. Its resolution is 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 390 pixels per inch (PPI). The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its exceptional contrast, color accuracy, and clarity.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, which contributes to good visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 16 Pro also offers high peak brightness, ensuring content remains clear and readable even under direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both smartphones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This allows for smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during gaming or fast-paced content consumption. The iPhone 16 Pro's ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to optimize both smoothness and power efficiency.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1206 x 2622

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key differentiator for many users, and both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and iPhone 16 Pro offer advanced photographic and videographic tools.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro boasts an upgraded camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens that now offers 5x optical zoom on both Pro models.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G delivers detailed photos in various conditions, with its 50MP main sensor capturing ample light. Its telephoto lens provides clear zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 16 Pro offers enhanced low-light performance across its lenses and benefits from advanced computational photography, leading to improved detail and dynamic range in diverse lighting scenarios.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second. The iPhone 16 Pro elevates video capabilities with support for 4K video recording at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision, offering high resolution and frame rate for professional-grade video capture. Both devices provide clear audio recording for calls and videos, with the iPhone 16 Pro potentially benefiting from newer microphone technologies.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily functionality of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The iPhone 16 Pro features more recent connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security and Additional Features: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and 2D face unlock for secure access. The iPhone 16 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. A notable addition to the iPhone 16 Pro is the new Capture button, designed for quick access to camera functions and features.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm and weighs 196g, offering a balanced feel in hand. The iPhone 16 Pro, with its 6.3-inch display, has dimensions of 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm and weighs 199g. The iPhone 16 Pro's slightly larger display compared to previous Pro models is achieved through thinner bezels, maintaining a manageable form factor.

Weight

195 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.3

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 3)

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the iPhone 16 Pro cater to users with distinct preferences, reflecting their respective ecosystems and release timelines. User sentiment for the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often praises its vibrant display, versatile camera system, and the flexibility of the Android operating system. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life, particularly under heavy usage, and its repairability score.

The iPhone 16 Pro, being a more recent release, garners positive feedback for its significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and extended battery life. Users appreciate the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem and the consistent performance. Its improved repairability compared to older iPhone models is also a notable point.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience with a strong camera and bright display may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. It remains a capable device for everyday tasks and media consumption. Conversely, users who value the latest in mobile processing, advanced computational photography, a longer software support window, and the integrated iOS ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone 16 Pro. Its enhanced battery performance and newer connectivity standards also make it a compelling choice for those seeking a device with a longer future-proof lifespan.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these powerful smartphones.

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