Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 15 Plus

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£344.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent two distinct approaches to the large-screen smartphone experience. While both offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems and overall ecosystem. The Galaxy S22 Plus runs on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus operates on iOS, known for its streamlined user experience.

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: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 15 Plus, which debuted in September 2023. This difference in launch dates directly impacts their expected software longevity.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides around four years of major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. The iPhone 15 Plus, being a newer Apple device, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period, generally five to seven years from its release. This means the iPhone 15 Plus will likely benefit from new features and security patches for a longer duration.
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer strong physical durability. The Galaxy S22 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, and is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 15 Plus also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, along with a Ceramic Shield front cover and a color-infused glass back, framed by aluminum.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to handling demanding games and multitasking. Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 15 Plus deliver capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a processor designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. The iPhone 15 Plus features a powerful chip that enables advanced computational photography and ensures smooth performance across various applications and games.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 Plus can expect a highly responsive experience, with applications launching quickly and transitions feeling fluid. The Galaxy S22 Plus also offers a smooth user experience, capable of managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8 GB of RAM and storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB. The iPhone 15 Plus includes 6 GB of RAM and offers storage capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB. Neither device supports expandable storage. For users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in intensive tasks, the higher RAM in the Galaxy S22 Plus might offer a slight edge in maintaining more apps in memory, while the iPhone's optimized iOS often achieves similar multitasking fluidity with less RAM.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 15 Plus offer large, vibrant screens designed for an engaging visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors, with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a higher resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, resulting in a sharper image.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, while the iPhone 15 Plus can achieve an even higher peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits. The Galaxy S22 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera that displays alerts and live activities, enhancing the user interface. Both displays offer excellent color accuracy and contrast, making them suitable for media consumption and general use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different hardware configurations and software enhancements.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Plus 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 offering 3x optical zoom with OIS. The iPhone 15 Plus utilizes a dual-camera system, highlighted by a 48 MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS, which also enables a 2x telephoto option through a sensor crop, alongside a 12 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus excels in capturing detailed photos, particularly with its 48 MP main camera, and offers enhanced low-light performance and next-generation portraits. The Galaxy S22 Plus is also known for producing good daylight shots and offers strong performance in various lighting conditions. Both devices provide high-quality video recording, with the Galaxy S22 Plus capable of 8K video at 24fps and the iPhone 15 Plus supporting 4K HDR video at up to 60fps.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10 MP front camera, while the iPhone 15 Plus features a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera. Both phones offer quality microphone performance for calls and recording, and stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption 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, including connectivity, physical design, and additional functionalities.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular networks and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast wireless connectivity. The Galaxy S22 Plus features a USB-C 3.2 port, offering faster data transfer speeds. The iPhone 15 Plus has transitioned to a USB-C 2.0 port, which provides data transfer speeds comparable to its predecessor's Lightning port. Neither phone includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 15 Plus relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. Both devices feature an aluminum frame and are designed to be durable. The iPhone 15 Plus has a slightly more modern design with a color-infused glass back and contoured edges.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs around 195-196 grams. The iPhone 15 Plus is slightly larger and heavier at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and 201 grams. These dimensions mean both are large-screen devices, but the iPhone 15 Plus is marginally taller and wider.

Weight

195 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the iPhone 15 Plus frequently highlights its exceptional battery life as a major strength, with many users reporting it can last up to two days on a single charge with moderate use. Its camera system, particularly the 48 MP main sensor and improved portrait capabilities, also receives praise for delivering detailed and vibrant photos. Some users, however, note the 60Hz refresh rate as a point of comparison with other modern smartphones that offer higher refresh rates. The transition to USB-C is generally seen as a positive, though the USB 2.0 transfer speeds are sometimes mentioned as a limitation compared to Pro models.

For the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, common praise points include its vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and its capable camera system with optical zoom. Its overall performance is considered strong for daily tasks and gaming. Battery life, while generally good for a full day of use, is sometimes noted as not being as long-lasting as some competitors, particularly under heavy 5G usage.

Users prioritizing extended battery life and a streamlined, long-supported software experience may find the iPhone 15 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a higher display refresh rate, a dedicated telephoto lens, and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem might lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer robust performance and durability, making them solid choices depending on individual preferences. For those looking for a more sustainable choice, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an excellent way to extend the life cycle of these devices.

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