Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 16 Pro

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£564.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, launched in late 2024, represent distinct approaches to premium smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S22 operates on the Android ecosystem, offering extensive customization, the iPhone 16 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated experience. These devices primarily differentiate themselves through their camera systems, display technologies, and overall performance capabilities, catering to varying user preferences. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was introduced in February 2022, making it an earlier generation device compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, which debuted in September 2024. This difference in release year directly impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, meaning the Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive feature updates through Android 16 and security updates into the Android 17 cycle. The iPhone 16 Pro, being a newer model, benefits from Apple's generally longer software support, often extending to 6-7 years of major iOS updates.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, along with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16 Pro utilizes a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield front, also boasting an IP68 rating, suggesting a high level of resistance to everyday elements.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in modern smartphones is crucial for smooth operation, from daily tasks to demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a processor designed for high-end performance at its release, capable of handling various applications and multitasking efficiently. The iPhone 16 Pro features a newer generation processor, specifically designed with an enhanced neural engine, which translates to improved performance for complex tasks, including advanced AI functionalities and graphics-intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space and capability for most users. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to offer similar or greater RAM capacity, ensuring fluid multitasking, and typically starts with higher base storage options, catering to users with extensive digital content.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, supporting 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. While its battery life is generally sufficient for a day of moderate use, heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently. The iPhone 16 Pro includes a larger battery capacity and benefits from optimizations in its operating system and processor, leading to a significant improvement in battery life, with the Pro Max variant offering the best battery life ever on an iPhone.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer high-quality visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a higher resolution of 2868 x 1230 pixels and a pixel density of 460 ppi, resulting in exceptionally sharp and detailed visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G's display reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits and supports an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 16 Pro enhances this with improved typical brightness of 1200 nits for SDR content and a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, alongside its ProMotion technology for a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, delivering a highly responsive and bright viewing experience.
  • Design and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 16 Pro features significantly thinner bezels, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio and offering a more immersive viewing experience despite its slightly larger physical size. Both displays are protected by durable glass, with the Galaxy S22 5G using Gorilla Glass Victus+ and the iPhone 16 Pro featuring Ceramic Shield.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1206 x 2622

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, capable of recording 8K video at 24fps. The iPhone 16 Pro features a more advanced triple-camera system, including a 48MP 'Fusion' main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera with autofocus and macro capabilities, and a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, now available on both Pro models.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G offers good low-light performance with its large sensor and OIS. The iPhone 16 Pro significantly improves low-light photography with its upgraded ultrawide sensor and enhanced main camera sensor. For video, the iPhone 16 Pro supports 4K video recording at 120fps with Dolby Vision and ProRes 4K at 120fps when connected to external storage, offering professional-grade video capabilities.
  • Additional Camera Features: The iPhone 16 Pro introduces a new dedicated Capture button, providing intuitive control over photo and video functions, including zooming and focusing. It also supports spatial photos and videos, enhancing the immersive content creation experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, providing reliable and fast wireless connections. The iPhone 16 Pro steps up connectivity with support for 5G, the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard for faster speeds and lower latency, and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for improved spatial awareness.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G has dimensions of 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, offering a compact and manageable form factor. The iPhone 16 Pro, while featuring a larger 6.3-inch display, maintains a comfortable feel due to its thinner bezels and lightweight titanium frame. Both devices feature USB-C ports for charging and data transfer.
  • Security and Sensors: The Galaxy S22 5G includes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded in the display and supports face recognition for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 Pro relies on Apple's Face ID for biometric authentication.

Weight

167 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 3)

Users often praise the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G for its vibrant display and versatile camera system, particularly its telephoto capabilities. Some common concerns noted by users include its battery life, which for heavy users may require mid-day charging, and the performance of its processor under sustained heavy loads. The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, receives acclaim for its significantly improved camera system, especially the enhanced ultrawide lens and advanced video recording features. Its larger, brighter display with minimal bezels and substantial battery life are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Criticisms, though less frequent for a newer device, sometimes revolve around the incremental nature of some upgrades compared to its immediate predecessor.

For users prioritizing extensive customization options, a diverse app ecosystem, and a slightly more compact form factor, the Galaxy S22 5G could be a suitable choice. Its camera system remains capable for everyday photography and offers good zoom flexibility. Conversely, users who value cutting-edge camera technology, superior video capabilities, a highly integrated software experience, and extended software support will likely find the iPhone 16 Pro better aligned with their needs. Its enhanced performance and improved battery life also cater to power users and those who demand the latest technological advancements. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether one prioritizes the Android ecosystem's flexibility or Apple's integrated and often more future-proofed hardware and software experience. Both devices, when considered as a quality-assured refurbished option, offer a sustainable choice for consumers.

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