Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 17

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £859.00 new

See options
iPhone 17
iPhone 17
Starting at

Refurbished price:£688.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, and the Apple iPhone 17, launched in late 2025, represent different generations within the smartphone market. While both are premium devices, they offer distinct experiences rooted in their respective operating systems and design philosophies. Key differentiators include their display technology, camera systems, and long-term software support, catering to varied user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy S22 5G, having launched with Android 12, was promised four years of major OS updates, extending to Android 16, and five years of security updates, concluding in February 2027. As of early 2026, it is in its final year of security updates, transitioning to a quarterly schedule. The iPhone 17, shipping with iOS 26, benefits from Apple's typically longer software support, often receiving major iOS updates for five to seven years from its release.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features a Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, encased in an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 17 incorporates a Ceramic Shield 2 front cover and an aluminum design, also with an IP68 rating. User reports suggest the base iPhone 17 model demonstrates good scratch resistance, though some Pro models faced concerns regarding their aluminum build.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration may find the iPhone 17's extended support timeline more appealing. The Galaxy S22 5G, while still functional, will receive fewer updates going forward.

Year of Release

2022

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices are designed to deliver responsive performance, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a current-generation processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 depending on region) that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively. The iPhone 17 features Apple's A19 chip, which users describe as exceptionally fast, providing instantaneous processing and smooth operation across various tasks, including gaming, without significant heat buildup during regular use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone 17 also includes 8GB of RAM and starts with a base storage of 256GB, with higher options available, providing ample space for applications and media.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery. User experiences often indicate that heavy usage may require frequent charging, with some tests showing around 7-8 hours of screen-on time. The iPhone 17 has a 3692 mAh battery and generally provides a full day of use for most users, with test results indicating over 12 hours of web browsing over 5G, a slight improvement over its predecessor.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is characterized by vibrant displays, each with its own strengths.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 425 ppi. The iPhone 17 sports a slightly larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels, translating to about 460 ppi. Both technologies offer deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsiveness, with a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The iPhone 17 also incorporates ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, which users note makes the interface feel more fluid. It boasts a typical brightness of 1000 nits and a peak outdoor brightness of 3000 nits, offering excellent visibility in bright conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Both devices provide an immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 17 also includes Apple's Dynamic Island and Always-On display features, enhancing user interaction and information glanceability.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2622x1206

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with distinct approaches to imaging.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 17 introduces a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, comprising a 48MP Fusion Main camera with OIS and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The main sensor on the iPhone 17 can also provide 12MP optical-quality 2x telephoto shots.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G is praised for its overall photo quality, particularly its telephoto capabilities and good low-light performance. The iPhone 17's main camera is noted for producing detailed photos with good color balance, performing well even in low-light conditions. The ultrawide camera on the iPhone 17, however, may show some limitations in low light.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices support high-resolution video recording. The Galaxy S22 5G can record up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 17 records 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 60fps and includes features like Cinematic mode and Dual Capture. Both offer stereo speakers, providing a rich audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

18 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPhone 17 features the newer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22 5G employs an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for secure unlocking. The iPhone 17 relies solely on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, which users find to be highly effective.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is known for its compact size and lightweight build (146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, 167g), making it comfortable for one-handed use. The iPhone 17 is slightly larger and heavier (149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, 177g) but maintains a comfortable in-hand feel.

Weight

168 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Apple iPhone 17 cater to different user priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and release timelines. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its compact form factor, vibrant display, and capable camera system, particularly its telephoto lens. However, a common criticism revolves around its battery life, which for heavy users, often necessitates mid-day charging.

The iPhone 17 receives acclaim for its fluid 120Hz display, powerful performance, and significantly improved main camera, especially in low-light conditions. Its Face ID system is also frequently highlighted for its reliability. While its battery life is generally considered good for a full day, some users note it's not a substantial leap from previous iPhone models.

Users prioritizing a highly compact Android device with a versatile camera and are comfortable with more frequent charging may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a longer-supported device within the Apple ecosystem, with a focus on display fluidity, robust performance, and strong main camera capabilities, will likely lean towards the iPhone 17. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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