Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 16e

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

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

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iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:387.00

Versus €719.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, operates on the Android ecosystem, while the iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, runs on Apple's iOS. These two smartphones represent different generations and operating systems, offering distinct user experiences. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is a slightly older Android flagship, whereas the iPhone 16 is a more recent iteration of Apple's standard smartphone line, bringing with it advancements in performance and camera technology.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release and Updates: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in early 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four years of major Android OS upgrades, concluding with Android 16, and five years of security patches, extending until 2027. The iPhone 16, released in late 2024, typically benefits from Apple's longer software support, which historically provides 5-7 years of major iOS updates and often extends security patches for up to 7-8 years. This suggests the iPhone 16 will receive updates until approximately 2036.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection, while the iPhone 16 incorporates Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front, designed for enhanced drop performance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making battery and screen replacements challenging. In contrast, the iPhone 16 series saw an improved iFixit repairability score of 7 out of 10, a notable increase from its predecessor, suggesting a more repair-friendly design.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily usage, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is powered by a capable processor from its generation, enabling smooth navigation and efficient handling of everyday applications. The iPhone 16, being a newer device, features a more advanced processor, which translates to faster app loading times, more fluid multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games and applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM, with the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically featuring 8GB and the iPhone 16 also equipped with 8GB of LPDDR5X memory, facilitating efficient multitasking. Storage options for the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G include 128GB and 256GB, while the iPhone 16 provides more choices, ranging from 128GB to 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for moderate users, though some reviews note it's not exceptional compared to certain competitors. The iPhone 16, with its optimized hardware and software, is designed to offer all-day battery life for most users, building on the strong performance seen in previous iPhone models.

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, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 16 comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering similar benefits in color accuracy and contrast, available in 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch sizes. Both provide sharp visuals suitable for various content.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The iPhone 16's display is expected to offer strong brightness for outdoor use and a smooth viewing experience, though the standard model typically features a 60Hz refresh rate, while Pro models offer higher.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and daily tasks. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G's slightly larger screen might appeal to users who prefer more screen real estate, while the iPhone 16's display is well-regarded for its color accuracy and overall visual quality.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer advanced systems for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The iPhone 16 comes with a dual-camera system, featuring an updated 48MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens that includes autofocus and macro capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G generally delivers good photo quality in various conditions, though some user reviews suggest it might trail high-end competitors in specific scenarios like low-light photography and capturing people. The iPhone 16, building on its predecessors, is known for producing high-quality photos with realistic colors and strong detail, performing well in everyday and low-light situations.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The iPhone 16 offers stable 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, with a reputation for excellent video quality and microphone performance for calls and recordings.

Front camera

10 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience 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, while the newer iPhone 16 features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G uses a USB-C port, and the iPhone 16 has also transitioned to a USB-C port, though its data transfer speeds are typically USB 2.0.
  • Biometrics and Design: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. The iPhone 16 also features the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera and sensors, and is rumored to include an Action Button for customizable shortcuts.
  • Physical Attributes: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The standard iPhone 16 is slightly more compact at 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm and weighs 170g, while the iPhone 16 Plus is larger at 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm and 199g. Both devices feature premium build materials, with glass fronts and backs.

Weight

195 g

167 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

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often praises its vibrant display, solid build quality, and consistent performance for everyday tasks. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life not being exceptional compared to some rivals and its camera performance, while good, occasionally trailing the absolute best in specific conditions. For the iPhone 16, user sentiment, based on its predecessor and expected advancements, highlights its powerful performance, high-quality camera system, and the seamless iOS experience. Potential concerns might include the standard model's refresh rate not matching Pro versions and the absence of certain advanced AI features found only in Pro models.

Users prioritizing a well-established Android ecosystem with a large, bright display and a versatile camera system may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Its robust software update policy for an Android device also offers good longevity. Conversely, users who value the latest advancements in mobile processing, a consistently strong camera for both photos and videos, and Apple's long-term software support will likely lean towards the iPhone 16. Its enhanced repairability is also a notable advantage for those considering long-term ownership. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them often comes down to individual preference for operating system, specific camera priorities, and the desire for the very latest generational improvements. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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