Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone 11 Pro • Unlocked

Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$231.85

Versus $959.99 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 Plus, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro, launched in September 2019, represent different generations of flagship smartphones. While both offer premium experiences, the Galaxy S22 Plus benefits from more recent advancements in display technology, connectivity, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 11 Pro, despite its earlier release, continues to provide a robust user experience within the Apple ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 Pro was released in September 2019, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus, which launched in February 2022. This difference in age directly impacts their remaining software support. [2, 8]
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus, running on Android, is expected to receive major operating system updates up to Android 16 and security updates through 2027, offering several more years of official support. [23] The iPhone 11 Pro, operating on iOS, typically receives 5-6 years of major OS updates from its release. Having launched with iOS 13, it has already received several updates and is likely nearing the end of its major OS update cycle, though it may continue to receive security patches for a period. [2, 7]
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature premium build materials and are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S22 Plus utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame. [21, 29] The iPhone 11 Pro features a glass back and a stainless steel frame. [3, 22] Both are designed to withstand immersion in water, with the iPhone 11 Pro specifically rated for up to 4 meters for 30 minutes. [1, 22]

Release Year

2022

2019

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a more recent generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with efficiency. [21, 24] The iPhone 11 Pro features a powerful processor that, at its release, was considered among the fastest available in a smartphone, providing smooth operation for most tasks. [1, 22]
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus can expect fluid navigation and quick app loading times due to its newer hardware and optimized software. The iPhone 11 Pro also delivers a highly responsive user experience, with applications launching quickly and transitions appearing smooth.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports robust multitasking. [21, 24] The iPhone 11 Pro features 4GB of RAM. [3, 28] Both devices offer various internal storage options, with the Galaxy S22 Plus available in 128GB and 256GB configurations, and the iPhone 11 Pro in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. [2, 21, 24] Neither model supports expandable storage via a microSD card. [2]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. [1, 21, 22] Both OLED technologies provide deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 393 pixels per inch (ppi). [21, 25] The iPhone 11 Pro has a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels, with a higher pixel density of 458 ppi, contributing to sharp image and text display. [1, 22]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, offering excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. [17, 21] It also features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which can dynamically adjust between 48Hz and 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, with the data transfer rate capable of dropping to 10Hz for power efficiency. [10, 12, 13, 16, 21] The iPhone 11 Pro has a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, though it has a 120Hz touch-sensing rate for responsive interactions. [1, 22]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they differ in their specific configurations and features.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices feature a triple-camera setup. The Galaxy S22 Plus includes a 50MP main wide-angle camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. [21, 36] The iPhone 11 Pro features three 12MP lenses: a wide, an ultrawide, and a telephoto with 2x optical zoom. [22] Both main and telephoto lenses on both phones include optical image stabilization (OIS). [21, 22]
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers features like Nightography for enhanced low-light performance, improved Portrait mode, and Director's View for video recording. [27, 34, 39] The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Night mode, Portrait mode with advanced bokeh, and Smart HDR, significantly improving low-light and dynamic range photography for its time. [22]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Plus is capable of recording 8K video at 24 frames per second (fps) and 4K video at 30/60fps. Its front camera is 10MP and supports 4K video at 30/60fps with autofocus. [21, 33, 35] The iPhone 11 Pro records 4K video at 24, 30, or 60fps across all its rear cameras, and its 12MP front camera also supports 4K video recording. [22]

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and daily practicality of these devices.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster wireless speeds and improved connectivity. [21, 37] The iPhone 11 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable wireless performance. [1, 22]
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S22 Plus uses a USB Type-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer and features an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, alongside 2D face unlock. [8, 21, 24] The iPhone 11 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port and relies solely on Face ID for secure facial recognition. [1, 22] Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. [21, 22]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighing 195g. [21, 25] The iPhone 11 Pro is more compact at 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm and weighs 188g, making it easier for one-handed use for some users. [2, 11, 22] Both devices feature stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience. [21, 22]

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

5.8

Network

5G

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus often highlights its bright, smooth display and capable camera system as strong points. Many users appreciate its solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming, along with its modern design. Some common criticisms have included battery life being good but not exceptional compared to some competitors, and the initial confusion around its variable refresh rate capabilities. [14, 15, 17, 23]

The iPhone 11 Pro is frequently praised for its excellent battery life, which was a significant improvement over previous iPhone models, often lasting more than a full day of heavy use. [2, 9, 26, 30] Its camera system, particularly the introduction of Night mode, also received considerable acclaim for its ability to capture quality images in various conditions. [2, 9] Users also value its compact size and the overall fluid iOS experience. A frequent point of discussion, however, is its 60Hz display, which some users found less smooth compared to higher refresh rate Android devices available around its release. [4, 19, 20]

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display, 5G connectivity, and a longer period of software updates may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus better suited to their needs. Its advanced camera features and faster charging capabilities also appeal to those seeking a more modern Android experience. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more compact device, a highly optimized software ecosystem, and a proven track record of strong battery endurance might lean towards the iPhone 11 Pro. Both devices offer robust performance for their respective platforms. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these capable smartphones.

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