Galaxy S22+ 5G vs iPhone 12 Pro

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

Refurbished price:A$389.00

Versus A$1,690.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$411.00

Versus A$1,119.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, are both premium smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 Plus operates on the Android ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on iOS, presenting fundamental differences in interface and app availability. Key differentiators between these models include their display technology, camera systems, and overall design philosophy.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch, ensuring several more years of software support. The Galaxy S22 Plus, launched in February 2022, generally receives 4-5 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates, providing a slightly longer software longevity due to its newer release.

Both devices offer strong physical durability with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, while the Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides. The iPhone 12 Pro received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that while some components are modular, waterproofing can add complexity to repairs.

Release year

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two devices reflects their respective release timelines and operating systems.

  • Storage Options: The iPhone 12 Pro offers storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The Galaxy S22 Plus comes with 128GB or 256GB internal storage options.
  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, app loading, and gaming. The Galaxy S22 Plus, featuring a newer generation processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with fluidity, often showing a performance lift over previous generations.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro's 2815 mAh battery can last a full day with moderate use, but heavy usage, particularly with 5G, may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S22 Plus, with a larger 4500 mAh battery, generally offers a full day of typical use, though continuous 5G streaming can reduce this duration.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2532x1170 pixel resolution, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S22 Plus sports a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1080x2340 pixel resolution, also offering rich colors and contrast.
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 12 Pro provides typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 Plus features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but with different strengths and configurations.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple 12-megapixel camera system (wide, ultra-wide, 2x telephoto) and a LiDAR scanner for enhanced low-light autofocus. The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light photography with Night mode. The Galaxy S22 Plus's higher megapixel main sensor captures detailed images and performs well in various conditions.
  • Video Recording Quality: The iPhone 12 Pro supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S22 Plus can record video up to 8K at 24 frames per second and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, with HDR10+ support.
  • Audio Experience: Both phones feature stereo speakers. The Galaxy S22 Plus's stereo speakers are tuned by AKG.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

These devices offer a range of practical features and design elements.

  • Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and Galaxy S22 Plus support 5G connectivity, along with Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy S22 Plus also supports Wi-Fi 6E for potentially faster wireless speeds where available, and Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPhone 12 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Sensors: The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. The Galaxy S22 Plus features a USB-C port and an in-display fingerprint sensor, alongside face recognition. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch display and weighs 189g, featuring flat stainless steel edges and a Ceramic Shield front. The Galaxy S22 Plus has a larger 6.6-inch display and weighs 195g, with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides.

Weight

227 oz

187 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User sentiment for the iPhone 12 Pro often praises its consistent camera performance, particularly its video capabilities and the introduction of Night mode. Users also appreciate the iOS ecosystem's fluidity and long-term software support. A common criticism, however, is that its battery life can be average, especially with heavy 5G usage. The Galaxy S22 Plus is frequently lauded for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and strong overall performance for demanding tasks. Its larger battery capacity is also a positive point for many users, though some note that real-world battery performance can vary.

Users prioritizing a smooth, long-supported software experience with strong video capabilities and a compact form factor may find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Those who value a larger, brighter, and smoother display, along with a versatile camera system and the Android ecosystem, might lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus. Both devices offer robust performance for daily use and are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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