Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs OnePlus 12 • 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
OnePlus 12 • Unlocked
OnePlus 12 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$746.99

Versus $1,200.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the OnePlus 12, launched globally in early 2024, represent different generations of Android flagship smartphones. While both offer premium experiences, the OnePlus 12 introduces more recent advancements in display technology, processing power, and battery capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with Samsung's One UI and OnePlus's OxygenOS offering distinct user interfaces and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the OnePlus 12, which launched globally in early 2024. This difference in release dates means the OnePlus 12 benefits from newer components and a more extended period of anticipated software support.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for its flagship devices. Having launched with Android 12, the Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive updates up to Android 16. The OnePlus 12, launching with Android 14, is promised four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, suggesting support up to Android 18.
  • Durability Features: Both phones feature robust builds. The Galaxy S22 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for both its front and back, along with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The OnePlus 12 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display and has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance.

Release Year

2022

2023

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer OnePlus 12 benefiting from more recent hardware advancements, impacting daily usage and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G handles everyday tasks smoothly, offering responsive performance for general app usage and multitasking. The OnePlus 12, featuring a more current-generation processor, delivers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in smoother operation for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex multitasking scenarios.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, utilizing UFS 3.1 technology. The OnePlus 12 offers more generous configurations, with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage, employing the faster UFS 4.0 standard, which contributes to quicker app loading and data transfer speeds.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, which for heavy users, often necessitates more frequent charging throughout the day. The OnePlus 12 features a larger 5400 mAh battery, consistently providing extended usage, often lasting a full day or more for many users, and supports rapid wired and wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with notable differences in technology and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels, offering greater detail and a more expansive viewing area.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G's display reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits and has a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and good visibility in various lighting conditions. The OnePlus 12 significantly surpasses this with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor use, and features an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate for optimized power consumption and fluidity.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer rich colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology. The OnePlus 12's larger size and higher resolution contribute to a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming, while its superior peak brightness enhances outdoor readability.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3168

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and videographic content, each with its own strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple camera setup including a 50 MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The OnePlus 12 also has a triple rear camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide lens (Sony LYT-808 sensor) with OIS, a 64 MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and 6x in-sensor zoom with OIS, and a 48 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G delivers detailed and vibrant photos in various conditions, with its telephoto lens providing clear zoomed-in shots. The OnePlus 12, with its Hasselblad Color Calibration, aims for natural color reproduction and offers a more advanced telephoto capability for distant subjects. Both are capable of capturing quality images in everyday and low-light scenarios.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices support 8K video recording at 24 frames per second and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, providing high-resolution video capture. The Galaxy S22 5G includes stereo speakers, while the OnePlus 12 features super linear dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, practical elements like connectivity, physical design, and additional sensors contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S22 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, along with a USB-C 3.2 port. The OnePlus 12 offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, also featuring a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port. Both support 5G networks and NFC for mobile payments.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g or 168g, making it easier for one-handed use. The OnePlus 12 is larger and heavier at 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 mm and 220g, offering a more substantial feel and a larger screen. Both feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 5G features a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) with an aluminum frame. The OnePlus 12 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its front display and an AG-crafted glass back with an aluminum frame.

Weight

7 oz

8 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.82

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

AT&T

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G often praises its compact size, vibrant display, and capable camera system, making it a strong choice for those who prefer a smaller form factor without sacrificing flagship features. However, a frequent criticism revolves around its battery life, which some users find insufficient for heavy, all-day use without a recharge.

The OnePlus 12, on the other hand, receives widespread acclaim for its exceptional battery life, rapid charging capabilities, and its bright, high-resolution display. Users also appreciate its powerful performance for demanding tasks and its versatile camera system. Some minor criticisms have occasionally surfaced regarding software glitches, though these are often addressed through updates.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a premium feel and a strong camera for everyday photography may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value extended battery life, a larger and brighter display, and cutting-edge performance for gaming or intensive applications will likely lean towards the OnePlus 12. For consumers considering either of these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these powerful smartphones.

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