Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent two distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both offer compact designs and robust performance, the Galaxy S22 5G features a more advanced display and a versatile camera system, whereas the iPhone 12 provides a streamlined user experience within Apple's ecosystem. Both devices run on their respective operating systems, Android for the Galaxy S22 5G and iOS for the iPhone 12, each offering a unique interface and app environment.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the duration of software support it receives. The Galaxy S22 5G, being a newer device, generally benefits from a longer expected period of major operating system updates and security patches compared to the iPhone 12.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support well into 2027. The iPhone 12, released with iOS 14, typically receives major iOS updates for about 5-7 years from its release, with security updates often extending beyond that. This suggests the iPhone 12 may receive major iOS updates until around 2027-2028.
• Repairability: The iPhone 12 received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that important components are modular and generally accessible, though enhanced waterproofing can present some challenges. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making battery and screen replacements more challenging. However, another assessment gave the Galaxy S22 5G a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, noting that the battery and screen are accessible despite adhesive use.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can anticipate the Galaxy S22 5G to remain fully functional and secure for a slightly longer period due to its more recent release and Samsung's update policy. The iPhone 12, while still capable, is closer to the end of its major software update cycle, though it will continue to receive security patches.

Both devices offer capable performance for daily tasks, but their underlying hardware and software optimizations lead to different real-world experiences, particularly concerning battery behavior and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for gaming and productivity. The iPhone 12 also delivers a fluid user experience, efficiently managing apps and system processes.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 3700 mAh battery. The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the iPhone 12's battery life, especially with 5G enabled, has been noted to be less enduring than some predecessors, often requiring more frequent charging for heavy users. The Galaxy S22 5G generally offers a full day of use for many users, though intensive tasks can reduce this.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The iPhone 12 is available with 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB options. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with 128 GB and 256 GB internal storage. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

The display is a primary interaction point for smartphones, and both the Galaxy S22 5G and iPhone 12 offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with some key differences in technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, capable of reaching a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which contributes to excellent outdoor visibility. The iPhone 12 also has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. Both displays provide vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of OLED technology.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A notable difference is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which allows for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This means the Galaxy S22 5G can render content at twice the speed, providing a perceptibly smoother visual experience.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer sharp and clear visuals. The Galaxy S22 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (~425 ppi). The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels (~460 ppi). Both resolutions are more than sufficient for crisp text and detailed images at typical viewing distances.

Both smartphones are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, but they differ in their hardware configurations and specific strengths.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This telephoto lens allows for clearer zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system, consisting of a 12MP main wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: Both devices perform well in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and color-accurate images. In low-light scenarios, both offer a dedicated Night mode. The iPhone 12's Night mode is effective across its cameras, including the front camera, and it can capture detailed stills and videos in challenging light. The Galaxy S22 5G also excels in low-light photography, with its larger main sensor contributing to brighter and more detailed night shots.
• Video Recording Quality: Both phones support 4K video recording. The iPhone 12 is notable for its HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second, offering enhanced dynamic range in videos. The Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, along with HDR10+.