Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 16 Plus

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£503.46

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in early 2022, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus, launched in late 2024, represent different generations within the premium smartphone segment. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced features, the iPhone 16 Plus benefits from more recent technological advancements, particularly in its processing power and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and user-friendly interface.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it a device from an earlier generation. The iPhone 16 Plus, launched in September 2024, benefits from a more recent release, offering a longer period of current technology and software support. [4, 13, 23]
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android updates up to Android 16, with security updates extending through 2027. [5, 25] The iPhone 16 Plus, launching with iOS 18, is anticipated to receive software updates for approximately 5-6 years from its release, potentially extending its functional lifespan further into the future. [10, 23]
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [13, 34] The iPhone 16 Plus also features an aluminum frame, a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced drop protection, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. [15, 31]

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, encompassing everything from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is powered by a processor that delivers smooth performance for everyday applications and can handle graphically intensive games. [24, 25] The iPhone 16 Plus, featuring a newer generation processor, offers a notable increase in processing speed and graphical capabilities, providing a more responsive experience for demanding apps and multitasking. [3, 4, 10]
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, enabling efficient multitasking and smooth transitions between applications. [3, 5, 9, 20] The Galaxy S22 Plus is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. [5, 9] The iPhone 16 Plus offers more storage flexibility with options for 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to users with larger digital libraries. [3, 7, 12]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus, with its 4500 mAh battery, can typically last a full day for many users, with some tests showing around 10 hours of continuous video streaming or web browsing. [1, 2] The iPhone 16 Plus features a larger 4674 mAh battery and is designed for extended usage, with Apple reporting up to 27 hours of video playback, suggesting strong endurance for heavy use. [15, 21, 27]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key differences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. [6, 13] The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also delivering rich colors and high contrast. [14, 28]
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 393 pixels per inch (ppi). [13, 35] The iPhone 16 Plus provides a higher resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, with a pixel density of 460 ppi, offering slightly sharper text and images. [14, 28]
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: A notable difference lies in the refresh rate; the Galaxy S22 Plus features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [6, 13] The iPhone 16 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. [4, 15] Both phones offer excellent brightness, with the Galaxy S22 Plus reaching up to 1750 nits peak brightness and the iPhone 16 Plus achieving up to 2000 nits peak brightness for outdoor visibility. [6, 14]

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 designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. [13, 32] The iPhone 16 Plus utilizes an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP Fusion Main camera that can achieve a 2x telephoto effect through sensor cropping, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. [14, 26]
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus excels in everyday photography and offers strong low-light performance, with features like auto-HDR and panorama. [6, 13] The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a new vertical camera layout enabling Spatial Capture for 3D photos and videos, alongside advanced computational photography features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5 for improved detail and dynamic range. [4, 14, 19]
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support high-resolution video recording, with the Galaxy S22 Plus capable of 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. [6, 13] The iPhone 16 Plus records 4K Dolby Vision video at various frame rates and includes Cinematic mode. [14, 27] Both phones feature stereo speakers, with the iPhone 16 Plus offering Dolby Atmos-tuned Spatial Audio for an immersive media consumption experience. [23, 32]

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering reliable wireless connectivity. [13, 32] The iPhone 16 Plus features more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness. [15, 23] Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. [7, 13]
  • Biometric Security and Additional Features: The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [5, 11] The iPhone 16 Plus relies on Face ID for facial recognition security. [15] The iPhone 16 Plus also introduces an Action Button, customizable for various functions, and a dedicated Camera Control button for quick access to camera features. [4, 10, 20]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g, offering a balanced feel. [13, 35] The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly larger at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and weighs 199g, maintaining a comfortable profile for its screen size. [16, 30] Both devices feature premium glass and aluminum constructions. [13, 31]

Weight

195 g

199 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 (USB 2)

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the iPhone 16 Plus cater to users with distinct priorities, reflecting their different release cycles and operating systems. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 Plus for its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display and its versatile camera system, particularly the dedicated telephoto lens. Some users have noted its battery life, while generally sufficient for a day, might require more frequent charging for very heavy use compared to some competitors. Its Android operating system offers extensive customization options and integration with Google services.

The iPhone 16 Plus, being a newer device, is frequently lauded for its powerful processing capabilities, which ensure smooth performance across all tasks, and its enhanced camera features, including Spatial Capture for immersive content. Its expected strong battery endurance and the integrated Apple Intelligence features are also common points of appreciation. The 60Hz display, however, is a point of consideration for users accustomed to higher refresh rates. The iOS ecosystem provides a streamlined and secure user experience.

Users prioritizing a high refresh rate display and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy S22 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value the latest processing power, advanced camera innovations like Spatial Capture, and the integrated experience of iOS, along with potentially longer software support, may lean towards the iPhone 16 Plus. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

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