Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G (2022) and the iPhone SE (2020) are two distinct smartphones, each offering a different approach to mobile technology. While the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, operates on the Android platform, the iPhone SE (2020), launched in April 2020, runs on iOS. These devices primarily differentiate themselves through their operating systems, physical size, display technology, and camera capabilities.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it a newer device compared to the iPhone SE (2020), which launched in April 2020. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support windows.
• Software Longevity: Android devices typically receive major operating system updates for several years, often 4-5, while iPhones are known for longer software support, frequently extending to 5-6 years or more. The iPhone SE (2020) launched with iOS 13.4 and has continued to receive updates, including iOS 26 as of 2025, suggesting a prolonged period of software relevance.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection. The iPhone SE (2020) carries an IP67 rating and features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. For repairability, the iPhone SE (2020) received an iFixit score of 6 out of 10, indicating that common components like the display and battery are relatively straightforward to replace, though the glass back is more challenging.

When evaluating performance, both devices offer capable experiences, though they cater to different expectations based on their hardware and software ecosystems.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and intensive multitasking with ease. The iPhone SE (2020) features a slightly older, yet still highly efficient, processor that delivers a very responsive experience for most everyday tasks and many games.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can expect fluid navigation and quick app loading times, suitable for power users and those who frequently switch between multiple applications. The iPhone SE (2020), despite its age, is noted by users for its consistent speed and lack of lag, even with heavy usage.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically comes with more RAM, which benefits extensive multitasking and keeping numerous apps open in the background without needing to reload. The iPhone SE (2020) has less RAM, but its operating system is optimized to manage memory efficiently, providing a smooth experience for most users. Both devices offer various storage options to accommodate user needs.

The visual experience on these two smartphones differs significantly due to their display technologies and physical dimensions.

• Display Technology: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2020) uses a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which provides accurate colors and good viewing angles, though it does not offer the same level of contrast as an AMOLED panel.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a higher FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) on its larger screen, resulting in sharp images and text. The iPhone SE (2020) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which provides sufficient clarity for its smaller screen size.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, along with high brightness levels suitable for outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE (2020) has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the iPhone SE (2020) offer different capabilities and features, catering to varied photographic preferences.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel wide lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens, offering optical zoom and advanced digital zoom capabilities. The iPhone SE (2020) has a single 12-megapixel wide rear camera with optical image stabilization.
• Photography Features: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes features like Night Mode, Super-steady Video, and advanced computational photography for various scenarios. The iPhone SE (2020) benefits from Smart HDR and a software-based Portrait mode for human subjects, but it lacks a dedicated Night Mode and the versatility of multiple lenses.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can record in 8K resolution, while the iPhone SE (2020) supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone SE (2020) also features stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.