Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus, 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 robust performance and capable camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technologies, and overall design philosophy. The Galaxy S22 Plus runs on Android, offering a larger, higher refresh rate display and a versatile camera setup, whereas the iPhone 12 operates on iOS, providing a compact form factor and a streamlined user interface.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S22 Plus, being a newer device, generally benefits from a longer remaining period of software updates compared to the iPhone 12.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and was promised four generations of Android OS upgrades, with security updates extending through 2027, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 16. The iPhone 12, released with iOS 14, has received updates up to iOS 17 and is expected to be compatible with iOS 18 and potentially iOS 19. While Apple typically provides longer software support than many Android manufacturers, the S22 Plus's later release date gives it an advantage in remaining update cycles.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature premium build materials designed for resilience. The iPhone 12 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple stated offers improved drop performance. The Galaxy S22 Plus utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame. Both phones carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to six meters of water for 30 minutes.
• Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and perform well for several years. However, the Galaxy S22 Plus's newer components and extended software support window suggest it may offer a slightly longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features and security patches.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding mobile games. Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 12 deliver responsive experiences, though they achieve this with different underlying hardware and software optimizations.

• System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 depending on region) and 8GB of RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and rapid app loading. The iPhone 12 features Apple's A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimizations, also provides a fluid user experience. While the S22 Plus offers more RAM, Apple's efficient software often allows its devices to perform comparably with less memory.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides good endurance, often lasting a full day of typical use. Some tests indicate it can last around 10 hours and 30 minutes of continuous HD video streaming over Wi-Fi. The iPhone 12 has a smaller 2815 mAh battery. Its battery life can be average, with some tests showing around 8 hours and 25 minutes of 5G web surfing, though it performs better on 4G. Heavy users of the iPhone 12 might find themselves needing to charge more frequently.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer various storage configurations to suit different user needs. The Galaxy S22 Plus is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 12 provides options for 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S22 Plus and iPhone 12 offer high-quality viewing experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. Both OLED technologies provide deep blacks and vibrant colors, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. Initially advertised with a 10Hz minimum, Samsung later clarified the hardware supports a minimum of 48Hz. The iPhone 12 has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. Its display operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is generally smooth for everyday use but less fluid than a 120Hz display.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The larger 6.6-inch screen of the Galaxy S22 Plus offers more screen real estate, which can be beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. The iPhone 12's 6.1-inch display provides a more compact form factor, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability.

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 12 are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they differ in their hardware configurations and photographic capabilities.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile 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 with a 12MP main wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom for magnification.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus's larger main sensor and advanced processing contribute to detailed images, particularly in various lighting conditions. Its camera system offers features like improved low-light performance and a new portrait mode. The iPhone 12's main camera, with its f/1.6 aperture, also performs well in low light, capturing more light than its predecessor. Both phones offer good color reproduction and dynamic range.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices excel in video recording. The Galaxy S22 Plus can record video up to 8K resolution. The iPhone 12 supports HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second. Both phones generally offer good microphone quality for calls and recording, and their stereo speakers provide a decent audio experience for media consumption.