Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 12

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to flagship smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and premium build quality, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a larger, higher refresh rate display and a more versatile camera system, whereas the iPhone 12 emphasizes a compact form factor and a streamlined user experience within the iOS ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its launch, extending its software longevity. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022, benefits from Samsung's policy of providing four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it will likely receive major Android versions for a longer period from its release date compared to the iPhone 12's remaining update cycle.
  • Software Longevity Expectations: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and secure for several years. The iPhone 12, running iOS, is known for consistent and timely updates. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, with its robust update commitment from Samsung, also offers a strong outlook for continued software support.
  • Repairability and Build: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating good protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for improved drop performance, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back. The iPhone 12 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with some components being modular but enhanced waterproofing measures potentially hindering ease of repair.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming. Both devices offer capable hardware for a smooth user experience.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a current-generation processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 depending on region) that provides fast speeds, smooth multitasking, and strong gaming performance, handling demanding tasks like video editing without noticeable slowdowns. The iPhone 12 features a powerful A14 Bionic chip, which delivers a reliable and fluid user experience, ensuring apps launch quickly and run smoothly.
  • RAM and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports seamless performance and efficient multitasking, allowing users to switch between multiple applications without interruption. The iPhone 12 has 4GB of RAM. While this is less than the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, iOS is optimized to manage memory efficiently, providing a smooth experience for most users.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 12 offers more varied storage configurations, including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, catering to different user needs for app and media storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing good battery life that can last through a full day of normal use. It supports 45W fast wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in about 20-23 minutes, and 15W wireless charging. The iPhone 12 features a 2815 mAh battery, offering average battery life that typically lasts most of a day with moderate usage. However, heavy 5G usage can reduce its endurance. It supports 20W fast wired charging, achieving 50% charge in 30 minutes, and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 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 Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its rich contrast and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The iPhone 12 offers a slightly higher resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, resulting in a sharp visual experience.
  • Brightness Levels: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright sunlight. The iPhone 12 has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, with a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience. The iPhone 12 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they differ in their hardware and photographic approaches.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 12 has a dual 12 MP camera system, comprising a main wide-angle lens with OIS and an ultrawide lens.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is noted for its impressive camera capabilities, performing well in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 12's main camera, with its f/1.6 aperture, performs well in low-light conditions, and both its wide and ultrawide cameras support Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 for enhanced image processing.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers high-quality video recording. The iPhone 12 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second, and standard 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, providing excellent video capture capabilities.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 10 MP front camera, while the iPhone 12 has a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera that also supports Night mode. For audio, both offer good speaker output for media consumption and clear microphone quality for calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity Options: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, offering advanced wireless performance. The iPhone 12 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Port Types: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G utilizes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a widely adopted standard. The iPhone 12 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Authentication: For security and convenience, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The iPhone 12 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196 grams, offering a substantial feel. The iPhone 12 is slightly more compact and lighter at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and 164 grams, which may appeal to users preferring a smaller device. Both devices feature premium build materials, with aluminum frames and durable glass on the front and back.

Weight

195 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and iPhone 12 cater to different user preferences, each excelling in specific areas. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and its versatile camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens. Its strong performance for demanding applications and gaming is also a frequently highlighted positive. Some users, however, have noted that its battery life, while generally good, might not be as exceptional as some other devices in its class, and the regional variation in processors can be a point of discussion.

The iPhone 12 is commonly lauded for its consistent and fluid iOS experience, its powerful processor that ensures smooth operation, and its reliable camera performance, especially in low-light conditions with features like Night mode. Its more compact and lighter design is also a significant draw for many. A common criticism, however, is its standard 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users find less smooth compared to higher refresh rate screens, and its battery life can be significantly impacted by heavy 5G usage.

Users prioritizing a larger, smoother display with a higher refresh rate, a dedicated telephoto camera, and the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a more compact device, the streamlined iOS experience, consistent software updates, and strong overall performance for everyday tasks may lean toward the iPhone 12. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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