Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 11

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £859.00 new

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iPhone 11
iPhone 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:£124.00

Versus £489.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, and the Apple iPhone 11, launched in late 2019, represent two different eras of smartphone technology. While the iPhone 11 remains a popular entry point into the iOS ecosystem, the Galaxy S22 offers a more modern Android experience with updated hardware. The primary differences lie in their connectivity standards, display technologies, and the length of remaining software support. Users choosing between these two will find distinct approaches to design and functionality that reflect their respective release years and operating system philosophies.

Scores

Durability

The three-year gap between these devices significantly impacts their long-term software viability and physical resilience in a modern landscape.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 launched with a commitment to four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning it remains current until approximately 2027. In contrast, the iPhone 11 is approaching the later stages of its official support cycle, though it typically receives security updates for several years after major OS support ends.
  • Physical Build: The S22 features reinforced glass on both the front and back for improved scratch resistance, while the iPhone 11 uses a durable glass and aluminium construction that has proven resilient over time.
  • Sustainable Choice: Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model ensures that these durable materials stay in use longer, reducing electronic waste while providing a reliable device for several more years.

Year of Release

2022

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Everyday tasks and multitasking feel different on these devices due to the evolution of mobile processing power between 2019 and 2022.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 handles demanding applications and intensive multitasking with ease, benefiting from more modern internal components that manage heat and power efficiently. The iPhone 11 remains surprisingly fluid for standard tasks like browsing and social media, though it may show its age with the latest high-end mobile games.
  • Memory Management: With a higher amount of temporary memory, the S22 can keep more applications open in the background without needing to reload them as frequently as the iPhone 11.
  • Battery Efficiency: While the iPhone 11 is known for its consistent day-long battery life during moderate use, the S22 offers much faster charging capabilities to quickly top up the battery when needed during a busy day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is perhaps the most noticeable difference when placing these two smartphones side-by-side for media consumption.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S22 utilises an advanced AMOLED panel that produces deep blacks and vibrant, punchy colours by turning off individual pixels. The iPhone 11 uses a traditional LCD, which provides natural colour reproduction but lacks the high contrast and true blacks found on the Samsung.
  • Motion Smoothness: A key feature of the S22 is its high refresh rate, which makes scrolling through lists and navigating the interface appear much smoother than the standard refresh rate on the iPhone 11.
  • Outdoor Clarity: The S22 screen can reach much higher brightness levels, making it significantly easier to read text or view photos when used directly under bright sunlight compared to the iPhone 11.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

828 x 1792

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both devices are capable media tools, but the Galaxy S22 provides more flexibility for photography enthusiasts through its lens configuration.

  • Camera Versatility: The S22 features a triple-lens system, including a dedicated telephoto lens for clear zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 11 has a dual-lens system that lacks a dedicated zoom, meaning it relies on digital cropping which can reduce image detail.
  • Low-Light Performance: Thanks to newer sensor technology, the S22 captures more light and detail in dark environments, whereas the iPhone 11 produces respectable but slightly noisier images in similar conditions.
  • Video and Audio: Both smartphones excel in video recording with stable footage and clear stereo sound. The iPhone 11 is often noted for its balanced microphone pickup during calls, while the S22 offers more advanced manual controls for video creators.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features like connectivity and physical dimensions play a large role in the daily user experience and long-term utility.

  • Network Connectivity: The Galaxy S22 supports 5G networks, allowing for much faster data speeds and better performance in crowded areas. The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE, which is still functional but lacks the future-proofing of the newer standard.
  • Biometrics and Ports: Samsung uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor hidden under the display for secure access, while Apple relies on Face ID facial recognition. Additionally, the S22 uses the universal USB-C port, whereas the iPhone 11 uses the proprietary Lightning connector.
  • Ergonomics: The S22 is slightly narrower and lighter, making it easier to use with one hand compared to the slightly wider and heavier frame of the iPhone 11.

Weight

168 g

194 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Mobile network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

On community forums and user review platforms, the Galaxy S22 is frequently praised for its compact size and the exceptional quality of its vibrant display. However, some users note that the battery life can be inconsistent during heavy 5G usage. The iPhone 11 is often celebrated for its long-term reliability and the simplicity of the iOS experience, though modern users sometimes find the screen resolution and lack of 5G to be limiting factors in 2026.

Users who prioritise having the latest display technology, 5G connectivity, and a versatile camera with zoom capabilities will likely find the Galaxy S22 to be the better fit for their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a straightforward, dependable interface and do not require the fastest data speeds may lean toward the iPhone 11. Both devices represent a sustainable choice when purchased as an eco-friendly alternative through refurbishment, allowing users to access high-quality technology while supporting a circular economy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether one values the modern features of the 2022 Samsung or the proven longevity of the 2019 Apple classic.

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