Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Apple iPhone SE (2022) are both smartphones released in early 2022, offering distinct experiences within their respective ecosystems. While the Galaxy S22 5G operates on Android and features a modern, expansive display, the iPhone SE (2022) runs on iOS and maintains a classic compact design. Key differentiators include their display technologies, camera system versatility, and overall form factors.

Both devices, released in 2022, are designed for several years of practical use, with software support being a primary factor for longevity.

• Software Updates: The iPhone SE (2022) typically receives iOS updates for an extended period, often 5-7 years from its release, with iOS 26 being compatible as of September 2025. The Galaxy S22 5G, running Android, is expected to receive feature updates through Android 16 and security updates into the Android 17 cycle, generally translating to 4-5 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, along with an aluminum frame, contributing to its robust build. It carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) uses an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy case with a glass front and back and is rated IP67, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Lifespan: Users can anticipate both devices to perform reliably for several years, with the iPhone SE (2022) potentially offering a longer period of major operating system updates.

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications, though they approach it from different operating system perspectives.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a current-generation Android processor, enabling smooth operation for multitasking and graphics-intensive games. The iPhone SE (2022) integrates a powerful Apple-designed processor, ensuring responsive performance across iOS applications and efficient handling of demanding tasks.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports fluid multitasking and app switching within the Android environment. The iPhone SE (2022) features 4GB of RAM, optimized by iOS to provide a highly responsive user experience even with multiple applications running.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G houses a 3700 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient display, aims to provide a full day of use for many users. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 2018 mAh battery, and while smaller, its power-efficient processor and iOS optimizations allow it to last through a day of moderate use.

The display experience on these two devices presents a significant contrast, catering to different user preferences for size, technology, and visual fluidity.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, providing accurate colors and good viewing angles, though without the same contrast levels as an OLED panel.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions, and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone SE (2022) offers a peak brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most daily interactions but does not offer the same level of fluidity.
• Screen Size and Immersion: The larger, edge-to-edge display of the Galaxy S22 5G provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022)'s smaller screen and traditional bezels offer a compact form factor that some users prefer for one-handed use and pocketability.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S22 5G and iPhone SE (2022) offer different capabilities and approaches to photography, reflecting their distinct hardware configurations.

• Rear Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for a wide range of photographic styles and detailed shots. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera, which is known for its reliable image quality and consistent performance in various lighting conditions for everyday photography.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: Both devices offer good low-light performance, with the Galaxy S22 5G leveraging its larger sensor and computational photography for brighter and more detailed night shots. The iPhone SE (2022), despite its single lens, benefits from its powerful processor to enhance image processing, including Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, though it lacks a dedicated Night mode. Both can record 4K video, with the Galaxy S22 5G offering more advanced video features and stabilization.
• Front Camera and Features: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front-facing camera. The iPhone SE (2022) includes a 7MP front camera, which provides clear images and supports features like Portrait mode through software enhancements.