Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 16e

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£359.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, is an Android smartphone known for its vibrant display and versatile camera system. In contrast, the iPhone 16E, a hypothetical model expected in late 2026, would represent Apple's latest iteration of its essential smartphone line, running on iOS. The primary differentiators between these two devices lie in their operating systems, their respective release timelines, and the generational advancements in performance and camera technology.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are key factors. The Galaxy S22 Plus, having been released in 2022, has a defined software support window, while the iPhone 16E, as a newer device, would benefit from a longer expected support period.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates until Android 16, with security updates extending into early 2027. The iPhone 16E, launching in 2026, would typically receive major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years, with security patches often extending beyond that.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, and offers IP68 dust and water resistance. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature Apple's Ceramic Shield front cover, a glass back, and an aluminum frame, also with IP68 water and dust resistance.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus can anticipate reliable performance and security updates for several more years. The iPhone 16E, being a more recent release, would offer an extended period of software and hardware relevance, making it a suitable choice for users prioritizing the longest possible device lifespan.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is central to the daily user experience, influencing everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming. These two devices, separated by several years of technological advancement, offer different levels of processing power and efficiency.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus is powered by a processor from its release year, providing smooth operation for everyday applications and multitasking. However, some users have noted that it can experience heating and performance throttling during extended periods of intensive gaming or heavy use. The iPhone 16E, as a 2026 device, would feature a significantly newer generation of Apple's internal processing unit, designed to handle demanding applications and advanced mobile gaming with greater efficiency and sustained performance.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers storage options typically starting at 128GB or 256GB, paired with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its overall system responsiveness. The iPhone 16E is expected to offer similar or expanded storage options, likely starting at 128GB, and would benefit from optimized RAM management inherent to its operating system, ensuring fluid multitasking and quick app loading.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus, with its 4500 mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use for many users, though heavy 5G usage can impact longevity. The iPhone 16E is anticipated to deliver improved battery life, leveraging both a larger battery capacity (compared to previous base models) and the enhanced power efficiency of its newer internal components and operating system.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with differences in technology and features reflecting their respective release years.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a sharp 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution. The iPhone 16E is expected to come with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its excellent color accuracy, contrast, and high pixel density, offering a clear and immersive visual experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 16E is anticipated to offer high brightness levels, potentially up to 2000 nits peak for outdoor viewing, but is likely to retain a standard 60Hz refresh rate, differentiating it from more premium models in its lineup.
  • Viewing Experience: Both phones provide expansive, edge-to-edge displays. The Galaxy S22 Plus's larger screen size offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone 16E's display, while slightly smaller, would benefit from Apple's continuous refinements in display technology, offering a consistently high-quality visual experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both devices offer advanced systems designed for capturing high-quality photos and videos, with generational improvements influencing their performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It is capable of recording 8K video. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature an advanced dual-camera system, likely with a 48MP main sensor with improved low-light performance and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, alongside a 12MP ultrawide lens. It would support 4K video recording with enhanced computational photography.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus delivers good results in various lighting conditions, with notable improvements in night photography compared to its predecessors. However, some users have reported challenges with capturing fast-moving subjects in low light. The iPhone 16E would benefit from Apple's latest advancements in image processing and sensor technology, aiming for consistent detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance across a wider range of scenarios.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices include capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera. The iPhone 16E is expected to feature a 12MP front camera, integrating with Face ID technology. Both offer high-quality video recording, with the iPhone 16E likely to include advanced video stabilization and cinematic features.

Front camera

10 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from how a device connects to other technologies to its physical design and handling.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering modern wireless connectivity. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 16E would also support 5G, and is expected to feature Wi-Fi 6E or potentially Wi-Fi 7, along with a newer Bluetooth standard. It would also utilize a USB-C port, aligning with current industry trends.
  • Biometric Security and Interaction: The Galaxy S22 Plus uses an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. The iPhone 16E relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. Additionally, the iPhone 16E is rumored to include the Action Button, previously exclusive to Pro models, offering customizable shortcuts.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, offering a balanced feel in hand. The iPhone 16E is expected to maintain a similar form factor to its predecessors, with dimensions around 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, providing a comfortable grip for most users. Both devices feature premium build materials, including glass and aluminum.

Weight

195 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the hypothetical iPhone 16E offer distinct smartphone experiences, largely shaped by their respective operating systems and generational advancements. User sentiment for the Galaxy S22 Plus often praises its bright and vibrant AMOLED display, its capable camera system, and its overall solid performance for daily tasks. Some common criticisms include its battery life not always meeting expectations for heavy users and occasional heating during intensive activities like gaming.

For the iPhone 16E, based on typical Apple releases and current rumors, users would likely appreciate its expected long-term software support, the seamless integration of the iOS ecosystem, and the robust performance from its newer internal components. Anticipated improvements in camera capabilities and battery efficiency would also be key advantages. Potential considerations might include the likely retention of a 60Hz display, which could be a point of differentiation from more premium models or Android competitors.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem, along with a proven camera system, may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended software longevity, a highly optimized user experience, and the latest advancements in mobile processing and computational photography might lean toward the iPhone 16E. Both devices represent strong choices within their categories, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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