Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone 14 • Locked T-Mobile

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

Refurbished price:$212.82

Versus $959.99 new

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iPhone 14 • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$239.00

Versus $599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 14 are both prominent smartphones, released in February 2022 and September 2022, respectively. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they cater to different user preferences through their distinct operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S22 Plus runs on Android, offering a larger display and a versatile camera setup, whereas the iPhone 14 operates on iOS, emphasizing a streamlined user experience and enhanced video capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus was released in February 2022, while the iPhone 14 followed in September 2022. This seven-month difference means the iPhone 14 will likely receive software updates for a slightly longer period.
  • OS Support: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, meaning the Galaxy S22 Plus is expected to receive updates through Android 16 and security patches until 2027. Apple generally offers 5-6 years of iOS updates, positioning the iPhone 14 to receive support for a comparable or slightly extended duration.
  • Repairability: Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating similar protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 14 initially received a high repairability score due to its internal redesign making back panel access easier, but this score was later downgraded due to software limitations on part pairing for unauthorized repairs. Information on the Galaxy S22 Plus's repairability is less prominently detailed in public scores, but generally, Android devices can face similar challenges with proprietary parts and software locks.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 14 deliver strong performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though their underlying architectures differ.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in some regions, Exynos 2200 in others), enabling smooth multitasking and efficient handling of graphics-intensive games. The iPhone 14 utilizes a robust processor (A15 Bionic), which provides a highly responsive user experience and efficient power management.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically features 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 14 comes with 6GB of RAM, and its optimized iOS ecosystem ensures fluid navigation and quick app launches.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer internal storage configurations starting at 128GB and going up to 256GB. The iPhone 14 also has a 512GB option. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, lasting around 10 hours and 30 minutes in continuous video streaming tests. The iPhone 14, with a smaller 3279 mAh battery, is optimized for efficiency and can also last a full day for typical usage, achieving around 9 hours and 28 minutes in similar web browsing tests.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both smartphones 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, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 390 ppi. The iPhone 14 provides a 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution with a higher pixel density of around 460 ppi, contributing to sharper text and images.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 14 offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting environments.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 14 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems for capturing photos and videos, with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This telephoto lens allows for optical magnification of distant subjects. The iPhone 14 has a dual-camera system with a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus is praised for its detailed photos and good low-light performance. The iPhone 14, with its larger main sensor and Photonic Engine, shows significant improvements in low-light photography, capturing more detail and better color accuracy.
  • Video Recording: Both phones offer high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S22 Plus can record up to 8K video at 24fps, and 4K at 30/60fps. The iPhone 14 supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 60fps and features Cinematic mode for a shallow depth of field effect, and Action mode for enhanced video stabilization.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera. The iPhone 14 features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, improving selfie quality and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.2 (S22 Plus) or 5.3 (iPhone 14).
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S22 Plus uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The iPhone 14 uses a Lightning port and relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) with an aluminum frame, measuring 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighing 195g. The iPhone 14 features a Ceramic Shield front, glass back, and an aerospace-grade aluminum design, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm and weighing 172g. The iPhone 14 is notably lighter and slightly more compact.
  • Other Features: The iPhone 14 introduced safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. The Galaxy S22 Plus offers features like Wireless DeX for a desktop-like experience.

Weight

7 oz

6 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User sentiment for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus often highlights its expansive and bright display, versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, and the flexibility offered by the Android operating system. Users appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate for smooth interactions and the overall premium build. Some common criticisms include battery life that, while generally good, might not always meet the expectations of heavy users, and the presence of different processors depending on the region, which can lead to varied performance experiences.

The iPhone 14 is frequently praised for its consistent performance, excellent video recording capabilities, and the intuitive and secure iOS ecosystem. Users often commend its reliable camera for everyday photography and its compact, lightweight design. Criticisms sometimes point to the 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users find less fluid compared to higher refresh rate screens on competing devices, and the continued use of the Lightning port. Some users also noted that the base iPhone 14 felt like a more incremental upgrade compared to its predecessor.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem, particularly those who value a dedicated telephoto camera, may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who prefer a more compact device, a highly optimized software experience, and strong video capabilities will likely lean toward the iPhone 14. Both devices represent solid choices in their respective ecosystems. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these capable smartphones.

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