Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked

Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T
Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T
Starting at

Refurbished price:$164.99

Versus $799.99 new

See options
iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked
iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$200.00

Versus $749.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro, launched in September 2019, represent different generations and operating systems within the premium smartphone market. While both offer advanced camera systems and high-quality displays, the Galaxy S22 5G features a more recent Android operating system and 5G connectivity, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro operates on Apple's iOS platform and is recognized for its robust build and initial battery performance.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 Pro, released in September 2019, is an older device compared to the Galaxy S22 5G, which launched in February 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G launched with Android 12 and was promised four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates. It received its final major OS upgrade to Android 16 (One UI 8) in October 2025, with security updates expected to continue until sometime in 2027. The iPhone 11 Pro, on the other hand, is anticipated to receive iOS 19 as its last major OS update, with security updates potentially extending for several years beyond that, possibly up to ten years from its release.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 5G received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating challenges with battery and screen replacement due to strong adhesives. While a specific iFixit score for the iPhone 11 Pro was not readily available, Apple devices generally have varying repairability, and the iPhone 11 Pro's stainless steel frame contributes to its perceived durability.

Release Year

2022

2019

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key factor for any smartphone, encompassing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device manages power.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a modern processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with fluidity. The iPhone 11 Pro, while older, features a capable processor that still delivers a responsive experience for everyday tasks and many contemporary applications.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: Both devices offer sufficient RAM to manage multiple applications running simultaneously, allowing for smooth transitions between tasks. The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, while the iPhone 11 Pro has 4GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, which for heavy users, may necessitate more frequent charging throughout the day. The iPhone 11 Pro, with a 3046 mAh battery, was noted for its excellent battery life at launch, often lasting more than a full day of heavy use, partly due to its power-efficient OLED display.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is largely defined by the display's technology, clarity, and responsiveness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature OLED display technology, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 458 ppi. The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant details.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 11 Pro offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content. The Galaxy S22 5G boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which can be beneficial for visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Refresh Rate: A notable difference is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, which is particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 11 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple rear camera setup including a 50MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 11 Pro also has a triple 12MP rear camera system, consisting of a wide-angle lens with OIS, a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and OIS, and an ultrawide lens.
  • Low-Light Photography and Features: The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night Mode, which significantly enhances low-light photography by capturing brighter and clearer images with reduced noise. The Galaxy S22 5G also offers strong low-light performance and features like Dual Pixel PDAF for sharp focus even in challenging lighting. Both support advanced features like Portrait Mode.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S22 5G is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24fps, and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 11 Pro supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Both offer cinematic video stabilization.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: A significant difference lies in network capabilities. The Galaxy S22 5G supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds in compatible areas. The iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE networks and does not support 5G. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth for wireless connections.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both smartphones utilize a proprietary charging port, with the Galaxy S22 5G featuring a USB-C port and the iPhone 11 Pro using a Lightning port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, the Galaxy S22 5G uses an in-display fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 11 Pro relies on Face ID for facial recognition.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro features a stainless steel frame, contributing to a solid and somewhat heavier feel (188g) compared to the Galaxy S22 5G's aluminum frame (167g). Both devices offer IP68 water and dust resistance, providing protection against immersion.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

5.8

Network

5G

LTE

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

AT&T

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its vibrant 120Hz display, offering a smooth visual experience, and its versatile camera system, particularly the high-resolution main sensor and 3x optical zoom. Its 5G connectivity is also a frequently cited advantage for those seeking faster mobile data. However, some users have noted that its battery life, while adequate for many, might require more attention for heavy usage scenarios. The repairability of the device has also been a point of criticism due to the use of strong adhesives.

The iPhone 11 Pro is frequently lauded for its robust build quality, often attributed to its stainless steel frame, and its impressive battery life at launch, which many users found to comfortably last beyond a full day. Its camera system, especially the introduction of Night Mode, was also a significant highlight, delivering strong performance in various lighting conditions. Common criticisms tend to revolve around its 60Hz display refresh rate, which feels less fluid compared to newer devices, and its lack of 5G connectivity.

Users prioritizing a modern Android experience with a high refresh rate display, 5G connectivity, and a versatile camera with higher megapixel counts may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a highly optimized software ecosystem, a consistently strong battery performance (especially from its initial release), and a premium, durable build might lean towards the iPhone 11 Pro. Both devices offer compelling features, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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