Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 • Locked Verizon

Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$159.99

Versus $999.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 • Locked Verizon
iPhone 14 • Locked Verizon
Starting at

Refurbished price:$299.00

Versus $599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, are both prominent smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While the Galaxy S22 Plus operates on the Android platform, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 14 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. These devices present different approaches to design, performance, and user interaction, catering to varied preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S22 Plus, launched earlier in 2022, typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release date. The iPhone 14, released several months later, generally benefits from Apple's longer software support, often receiving iOS updates for five to seven years after its initial launch, potentially extending its functional lifespan for new features and security patches.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14 is expected to receive software updates for a longer duration, potentially up to seven years, compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus's typical five years of security updates.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust build materials and IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements.
  • Repairability Considerations: The iPhone 14 initially received a favorable repairability assessment due to its internal redesign, making some repairs more accessible. However, this score was later adjusted downwards due to software-based part pairing requirements that can complicate independent repairs.

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 responsive performance for daily tasks, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations. The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking on the Android platform. The iPhone 14 utilizes a processor that was previously featured in Apple's higher-tier models, providing smooth operation and efficient handling of iOS applications and games.

  • Application Responsiveness: Users can expect fast app loading times and smooth transitions on both devices, with the iPhone 14 often noted for its consistent fluidity within the iOS ecosystem.
  • Multitasking Capability: The Galaxy S22 Plus, with its generous RAM configuration, is well-suited for users who frequently switch between multiple applications and engage in heavy multitasking. The iPhone 14 also offers capable multitasking, supported by iOS's efficient memory management.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a larger battery capacity, which, combined with Android's power management, aims to provide extended usage. The iPhone 14, despite having a smaller battery, benefits from iOS's optimized power consumption, often resulting in comparable real-world battery life for many users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is characterized by vibrant displays, though they differ in size, refresh rate, and peak brightness. The Galaxy S22 Plus features a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing a more expansive and fluid viewing experience. The iPhone 14's 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, known for its color accuracy and deep blacks.
  • Brightness for Outdoor Use: The Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, which is beneficial for visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 14 offers a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, providing clear visuals for HDR content.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both displays offer high resolutions, with the iPhone 14 having a slightly higher pixel density, contributing to sharp text and detailed images.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, each with its own strengths in different scenarios. The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, while the iPhone 14 relies on a dual-camera system with enhanced computational photography.

  • Photography Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering flexibility for various shot types, including distant subjects. The iPhone 14 features a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, with improvements in low-light performance and a new Photonic Engine for enhanced image processing.
  • Video Recording: Both smartphones are capable of recording high-quality video, with the iPhone 14 offering features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for stabilized footage. The Galaxy S22 Plus supports 8K video recording, providing extremely high-resolution video capture.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 14's front camera includes autofocus, improving clarity for selfies and video calls. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and video recording, and their stereo speakers provide an immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 14, from connectivity to physical design. These aspects can influence daily handling and compatibility with accessories.

  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering access to a less congested band for potentially faster wireless speeds where available. The iPhone 14 supports Wi-Fi 6. Both devices feature 5G connectivity for high-speed mobile data.
  • Charging and Ports: The Galaxy S22 Plus utilizes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a widely adopted standard. The iPhone 14 continues to use Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Both support wireless charging.
  • Physical Design and Biometrics: The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, while the iPhone 14 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The iPhone 14 is slightly lighter and more compact than the Galaxy S22 Plus, which has a larger screen and overall footprint.

Weight

7 oz

6 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Verizon

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus often praises its vibrant display, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and the flexibility of the Android operating system. Some users have noted its strong performance for gaming and demanding applications. Criticisms sometimes point to battery life for heavy users, despite its larger capacity, and the presence of regional processor variations.

The iPhone 14 is frequently lauded for its consistent performance, the intuitive nature of iOS, and its reliable camera, particularly for video recording and low-light photography. Users appreciate its compact size and the long-term software support from Apple. Some common observations include the 60Hz display refresh rate, which is lower than some competitors, and the continued use of the Lightning port.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display and the versatility of a telephoto camera, along with the open customization of Android, may find the Galaxy S22 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a compact device, extended software longevity, a highly integrated ecosystem, and strong video capabilities may lean toward the iPhone 14. Both devices represent solid choices, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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