Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 12 Pro

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£205.00

Versus £879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G (2022) and the iPhone 12 Pro (2020) represent two different approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S22+ offers a larger, more modern display and a more recent release date, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a frequent choice for its integration into the Apple ecosystem and its durable stainless steel design. These devices run on Android and iOS respectively, offering distinct user experiences tailored to different software preferences. Choosing between them involves weighing the benefits of a newer Android flagship against a slightly older but highly capable professional-grade iPhone.

Scores

Durability

The two-year gap between these devices significantly impacts their long-term software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22+ was released in 2022 with a commitment to four years of major OS updates, meaning it will likely receive support until 2026. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro, despite being older, benefits from Apple's typically longer support cycles, often reaching six or seven years of updates from its 2020 launch.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 12 Pro features a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield glass, which provides high resistance to drops and scratches. The Galaxy S22+ uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an Armor Aluminium frame, offering modern durability standards that are comparable for daily wear and tear.
  • Repairability: Both manufacturers have improved access to genuine parts over time, though the Galaxy S22+ is often noted for a slightly more modular internal layout in certain regions, while the iPhone 12 Pro has a vast network of third-party repair support.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Daily tasks and multitasking feel fluid on both devices, though they handle power management and background apps differently.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22+ handles demanding applications and multitasking with ease, benefiting from a higher amount of memory that allows more apps to stay open simultaneously. The iPhone 12 Pro uses its resources efficiently, providing a smooth experience during video editing or gaming despite having less physical memory.
  • Battery Endurance: With a larger physical battery capacity, the Galaxy S22+ is designed to last through a full day of use, including navigation and streaming. The iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller battery but benefits from highly optimised software, though users may find themselves reaching for a charger sooner during intensive tasks.
  • Storage Flexibility: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities to house photos and apps, but neither supports expandable storage via a card slot, making the initial choice of capacity an important consideration for the user's long-term needs.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience differs primarily in size and the smoothness of motion on the screen.

  • Display Fluidity: The Galaxy S22+ features a high refresh rate that makes scrolling through social media and system animations appear fluid. The iPhone 12 Pro maintains a standard refresh rate, which is consistent and clear but lacks the extra fluid motion found on the newer Samsung model.
  • Outdoor Visibility: For users who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight, the Galaxy S22+ offers a higher peak brightness level, making the screen easier to read outdoors. The iPhone 12 Pro remains clearly legible in most conditions but does not reach the same maximum brightness levels as its competitor.
  • Screen Real Estate: The Galaxy S22+ provides a larger 6.6-inch canvas, which is well-suited for watching videos or reading long documents. The iPhone 12 Pro is more compact at 6.1 inches, making it easier to operate with one hand while still providing a high-resolution OLED experience with deep blacks.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile triple-lens systems that cater to photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.

  • Zoom and Detail: The Galaxy S22+ utilises a high-resolution main sensor that captures fine details in daylight and offers a dedicated telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom for closer shots of distant subjects. The iPhone 12 Pro provides a 2x optical zoom, which is effective for portraits but has less reach than the Samsung.
  • Video and Low Light: The iPhone 12 Pro is frequently praised for its natural colour reproduction in video and its LiDAR scanner, which assists with faster autofocus in dark environments. The Galaxy S22+ counters with strong low-light photography processing that brightens shadows and reduces noise in night-time images.
  • Audio Experience: Both devices feature stereo speakers that provide clear audio for media consumption. The iPhone 12 Pro tends to offer a consistent sound profile at high volumes, while the Galaxy S22+ provides a wide soundstage that enhances the immersive feel of movies.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features like connectivity and physical handling play a significant role in the daily user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G networks for fast mobile data and include modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. The Galaxy S22+ uses a universal USB-C port for charging and data transfer, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro uses the proprietary Lightning port, which may require specific cables for those not already in the Apple ecosystem.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22+ employs an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor hidden under the display, allowing for quick unlocking even with wet fingers. The iPhone 12 Pro relies on Face ID, which uses 3D mapping for secure and convenient access, though it requires a clear view of the user's face.
  • Portability: Due to its smaller screen and stainless steel build, the iPhone 12 Pro feels denser and more compact in the hand. The Galaxy S22+ is larger and wider, which may be a factor for users with smaller hands, though it remains relatively light for its size due to its aluminium construction.

Weight

195 g

187 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

User feedback from various tech communities highlights distinct strengths for both the Galaxy S22+ 5G and the iPhone 12 Pro. Owners of the Galaxy S22+ often praise the vibrant, fluid display and the modern aesthetic of the device, though some note that battery life can vary depending on settings like the high refresh rate. iPhone 12 Pro users frequently highlight the device's reliable performance and the high quality of its video recording, though the standard refresh rate is a common point of comparison with newer models.

Choosing between these two depends largely on individual priorities. Users who value a large, fluid screen for media consumption and a more recent release date will likely find the Galaxy S22+ 5G to be a better fit. Conversely, those who prefer a more compact, robustly built device with long-term software reliability and a professional-grade video camera may lean toward the iPhone 12 Pro. Both smartphones are available as a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prefer the open flexibility of the Android platform or the integrated, consistent experience of the iOS ecosystem. As an eco-friendly alternative, choosing a refurbished model ensures these high-performance devices continue to serve users well into the future.

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