Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 16 Plus

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£503.46

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (2022) and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus (2024) represent two distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S22 5G is a compact device designed for portability and high-speed screen interactions, the iPhone 16 Plus is a much larger handset focused on battery longevity and a spacious viewing area. Both devices run on their respective operating systems—Android for the Samsung and iOS for the Apple—offering different ecosystems for apps, services, and user customisation.

Scores

Durability

The release dates of these two devices play a significant role in their expected functional lifespan and the duration of software support they will receive.

  • Software Support Timeline: The iPhone 16 Plus, launched in 2024, is expected to receive official software updates for many years, likely until 2030 or 2031, ensuring it remains compatible with the latest applications. The Galaxy S22 5G, being a 2022 model, has a shorter remaining support window, with major operating system updates expected to conclude around 2026, followed by a period of security-only patches.
  • Physical Resilience and Repair: Both smartphones are constructed with glass panels and metal frames, making them sturdy but susceptible to damage from drops without a case. The iPhone 16 Plus features a refined internal structure that simplifies certain repairs, while the Galaxy S22 5G benefits from a mature repair market where components are widely available for technicians.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Daily performance and battery behaviour are influenced by the physical size of these devices and the efficiency of their internal components.

  • System Responsiveness: Both phones handle everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and video calls with ease. The iPhone 16 Plus utilises newer internal hardware that remains cool during demanding activities like gaming, while the Galaxy S22 5G provides a snappy experience for multitasking, though it may generate more heat when pushed to its limits for long periods.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with a large battery that easily supports a full day of heavy use, often extending into a second day for those with lighter habits. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G features a smaller battery to maintain its compact size, which means users who frequently use navigation or video apps may need to charge the device before the day is over.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is one of the most noticeable differences between these two models, focusing on the balance between size and smoothness.

  • Display Technology and Fluidity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch display with a high refresh rate, which makes scrolling through lists and playing supported games feel smooth. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a much larger 6.7-inch screen, providing a more immersive experience for watching movies, though it uses a standard refresh rate that lacks the same level of fluid motion seen on the Samsung.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both devices use advanced screen technology that produces deep blacks and accurate colours. The iPhone 16 Plus can reach higher brightness levels, making it easier to read in bright outdoor environments, while the Galaxy S22 5G offers a sharp, clear image that is sized for users who prefer navigating their phone with a single hand.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities and media playback are tailored to different user needs, with one focusing on versatility and the other on consistency.

  • Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 5G includes a dedicated lens for optical zoom, allowing users to capture clear photos of distant subjects. The iPhone 16 Plus uses a dual-lens system with a high-resolution main sensor that captures detailed images and provides a natural look for portraits, though it relies on digital processing for zoomed-in shots.
  • Video and Sound Quality: For those who record a lot of video, the iPhone 16 Plus offers consistent stabilisation and colour accuracy that is highly recognised for social media content. Both phones feature stereo speakers, but the larger physical dimensions of the iPhone 16 Plus allow for a fuller sound with more noticeable bass when listening to music or watching videos without headphones.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features such as connectivity and physical handling define how these devices fit into a user's daily life.

  • Handling and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 5G is a lightweight and narrow phone, making it a choice for users with smaller hands or those who want a device that disappears into a pocket. The iPhone 16 Plus is a larger, heavier device that offers more screen space but generally requires two hands for comfortable typing and navigation.
  • Connectivity and Security: Both smartphones support 5G for fast mobile data and use a standard USB-C port for charging and connecting to accessories. The iPhone 16 Plus features a customisable button for quick shortcuts and uses facial recognition for security, while the Galaxy S22 5G utilises a fingerprint sensor built directly into the screen for quick and secure access.

Weight

167 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback from online communities highlights the distinct strengths and trade-offs of both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 16 Plus. The Galaxy S22 5G is frequently commended for its portable size and the smoothness of its high-refresh-rate display, though many owners mention that the battery life is a limiting factor for heavy users. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Plus is widely praised for its notable battery endurance and large, vibrant screen, while some users note that the lack of a high refresh rate is a missed opportunity for a modern device of its size.

Users who prioritise a compact, easy-to-handle Android phone with a versatile camera system will find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a large-screen experience for media consumption, long-lasting battery life, and the latest software support from Apple may lean toward the iPhone 16 Plus. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is a sustainable choice that helps reduce environmental impact while providing a reliable, high-performing device. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you value the portability and screen fluidity of the Samsung or the longevity and expansive display of the iPhone. Both remain capable examples of modern smartphone technology that can serve a variety of professional and personal needs.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons