Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs iPhone 13 • 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 13 • Unlocked
iPhone 13 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$229.00

Versus $629.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, are both compact flagship smartphones that offer distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 13 runs on Apple's iOS, providing different ecosystems and interface philosophies. Key differentiators include their camera systems, display technologies, and expected software support timelines.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 13 offer robust build quality and extended software support, though their timelines differ.

  • Release and Support: The iPhone 13, released in September 2021, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5 to 6 years from its launch, potentially extending support until around 2027 or 2028. The Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, was promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, suggesting support into 2027.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 13 utilizes a Ceramic Shield front cover, while the Galaxy S22 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, alongside an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to their resilience against everyday wear.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 13 has been noted for its complex repair process, with some component replacements potentially affecting functionality like Face ID if not performed by authorized services. Information on the Galaxy S22's repairability suggests a more modular design for some components, though specific repair scores vary.

Release Year

2022

2021

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 13 deliver capable performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they achieve this through different hardware architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 13 is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S22 5G features a high-performance processor, either a Snapdragon or Exynos depending on the region, which also provides smooth operation for gaming and complex applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 13 comes with 4GB of RAM, which is optimized for iOS's efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S22 5G offers 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously on its Android platform. Both devices offer storage options up to 256GB or 512GB, catering to users with varying storage needs.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 generally offers a full day of battery life for most users, with significant improvements over its predecessor. The Galaxy S22 5G, while capable of lasting a day for moderate use, has received mixed feedback regarding its battery life, with some heavy users finding it requires more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant and clear, with each device employing advanced display technologies to enhance user interaction.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a resolution of 1170x2532 pixels, resulting in a sharp 460 pixels per inch. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a pixel density of 422 ppi, which ensures crisp visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 13's display can reach a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, making it suitable for outdoor viewing. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 5G boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and gaming, and it can achieve a peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, offering excellent visibility in bright conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Both screens support HDR content, delivering an immersive viewing experience for videos and photos. The iPhone 13's notch houses its front camera and sensors, while the Galaxy S22 5G uses a punch-hole cutout for its front camera, offering a slightly different aesthetic for screen real estate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 13 offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, each with its own strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 13 features a dual 12MP camera system with a wide (f/1.6) and an ultrawide (f/2.4) lens, known for improved low-light performance and sensor-shift optical image stabilization. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide (f/1.8, OIS), a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, providing more flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 excels in everyday photography with detailed and well-balanced images, and its Cinematic Mode offers a unique video feature for shifting focus. The Galaxy S22 5G's camera system delivers excellent image quality, particularly benefiting from its telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature not present on the standard iPhone 13. It also offers advanced shooting modes and 8K video recording.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 13 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front camera with autofocus, which can be beneficial for video recording. Both phones offer high-quality video recording, with the iPhone 13 praised for its overall video capabilities.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6) for fast internet access. The iPhone 13 uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Galaxy S22 5G features a more universal USB-C port.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 13 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy S22 5G utilizes an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: Both phones are designed with premium materials, featuring glass backs and aluminum frames. The iPhone 13 weighs 174g and measures 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.7mm. The Galaxy S22 5G is slightly lighter at 167g and has dimensions of 146mm x 70.6mm x 7.6mm, making both devices comfortable for one-handed use.

Weight

7 oz

4 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

AT&T

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 5G each present a compelling package for users seeking a compact yet powerful smartphone. User feedback often praises the iPhone 13 for its consistent performance, reliable battery life, and excellent video capabilities. Some common criticisms for the iPhone 13 include its 60Hz display, which is not as smooth as higher refresh rate screens found on some competitors, and the absence of a telephoto lens on the standard model.

The Galaxy S22 5G is frequently lauded for its vibrant 120Hz adaptive display, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and premium design. However, a recurring concern among users has been its battery life, which some find to be less consistent, especially with heavy usage.

Users prioritizing a highly optimized ecosystem, strong video performance, and consistent all-day battery life may find the iPhone 13 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a high refresh rate display, the flexibility of a triple-camera system with optical zoom, and the customization options of the Android operating system might lean towards the Galaxy S22 5G. Both devices represent solid choices, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed decision.

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