S22 vs iPhone 12: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, with countless options vying for your attention. But what if you’re stuck between two titans? Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle to help you decide which phone deserves a spot in your pocket.
We’re putting the Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Apple iPhone 12 under the microscope, examining every aspect from their stunning displays and powerful processors to their impressive camera systems and user-friendly interfaces. Get ready to explore the key differences and similarities that will influence your final decision.
Whether you’re an Android aficionado or an iOS loyalist, this comparison of the S22 vs iPhone 12 will provide valuable insights. We will break down the strengths and weaknesses of each device, so you can make an informed choice that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | S22 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Apple A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto | 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 3700 mAh | 2815 mAh |
| Charging | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 20W Wired, 15W Wireless (MagSafe) |
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable | iOS 14, upgradable |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S22: Features a vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a variable 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. Offers excellent brightness and color accuracy. However, the smaller screen size compared to some competitors might be a drawback for some users.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a Super Retina XDR display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Provides excellent color accuracy and HDR support. The notch at the top of the screen might be considered distracting by some.
- Winner: s22
Processor
- S22: Powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor (depending on the region), offering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Can experience some thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads.
- iPhone 12: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, known for its exceptional speed and efficiency. Provides smooth performance across all applications. While still powerful, it’s a generation older than the s22’s processors.
- Winner: s22
Camera
- S22: Features a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. Camera software processing can sometimes oversaturate colors.
- iPhone 12: Offers a dual 12MP camera system with advanced image processing. Produces excellent photos and videos, especially in low light. Limited telephoto capabilities compared to the s22.
- Winner: s22
Battery Life
- S22: Features a battery capacity that can vary by region. Battery life can be decent for moderate use, but it may struggle to last a full day with heavy usage.
- iPhone 12: Provides a battery life that generally lasts a full day with moderate use. Can be improved with software updates.
- Winner: iphone 12
Design
- S22: Features a modern and sleek design with a glass back and a metal frame. Available in a variety of colors. Some may find the design less distinctive compared to previous generations.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a flat-edge design with a premium build quality. Available in a range of stylish colors. The notch at the top of the screen might be considered outdated by some.
- Winner: Tie
Software
- S22: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering a highly customizable experience with a wide array of features. Software updates are generally provided. The abundance of features can be overwhelming for some users.
- iPhone 12: Operates on iOS, known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Offers timely and consistent software updates. iOS is less customizable than Android.
- Winner: Tie
Storage & RAM
- S22: Offers various storage options and generous RAM. Provides ample space for apps, media, and files, and fast multitasking.
- iPhone 12: Offers various storage options, with RAM that is optimized for iOS. Storage options may be limited.
- Winner: s22
Price & Value
- S22: Typically has a higher initial price point. Offers a premium experience with advanced features and cutting-edge technology.
- iPhone 12: Offers a slightly lower initial price. Provides a good value for its performance and features, especially considering its age.
- Winner: iphone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera Versatility | S22 |
| Performance | Tie |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Operating System | iPhone 12 (iOS) / S22 (Android – for customization) |
| Battery Life | S22 |
| Ecosystem | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch display, offering a similar viewing experience for users. This size is ideal for comfortable one-handed use and media consumption.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S22 and iPhone 12 are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against spills and submersion in water. This offers peace of mind in everyday situations.
- 5g Connectivity: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds, along with improved network performance. This allows for smoother streaming and online gaming.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without using cables. This feature adds to the overall user experience.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones boast high-quality displays with vibrant colors and sharp details, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience for videos, photos, and general use.
S22 Vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung S22 boasts a modern and premium design with a sleek glass back and a durable Armor Aluminum frame. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The iPhone 12 also features a premium design, using a flat-edged aluminum frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased drop resistance. Both phones offer excellent build quality, but the S22’s slightly more compact form factor may appeal to users who prefer a smaller device. The S22’s design is more modern, while the iPhone 12 offers a classic aesthetic.
Display Quality
The Samsung S22 sports a vibrant and bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. This enhanced refresh rate is particularly noticeable during gaming and general use. The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display, which offers excellent color accuracy and sharpness, but its 60Hz refresh rate feels slightly less fluid compared to the S22. The S22’s display is brighter, with a higher refresh rate, making it a better choice for media consumption and gaming enthusiasts.
Performance and Software
The Samsung S22 is powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200 processor (depending on the region), offering blazing-fast performance for multitasking and demanding applications. It runs on One UI, Samsung’s custom Android skin, which provides a wealth of features and customization options. The iPhone 12 is equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, known for its exceptional speed and efficiency. It runs on iOS, which is renowned for its user-friendliness and seamless integration. Both phones offer top-tier performance, but Android’s customization may appeal more to some.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung S22 features a versatile triple-lens camera system, capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in various conditions. Its advanced image processing delivers excellent results, especially in low light. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system that also produces high-quality images and videos. The iPhone excels in video recording and generally offers simpler, more intuitive controls. The S22 provides more flexibility with its additional telephoto lens, allowing for greater zoom capabilities and creative shooting options. The S22 is a better choice for camera versatility.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung S22’s battery life is decent, but it may not last a full day under heavy usage. It supports fast wired and wireless charging. The iPhone 12 also offers decent battery life, but it can drain quickly when used extensively. It supports fast wired charging and MagSafe wireless charging. While both phones offer fast charging capabilities, the S22 typically charges faster. The battery life on the S22 is slightly less, but the fast charging is a plus.
Price and Value
The launch prices of both phones were competitive, but their current prices have likely changed. The S22 typically depreciates in value faster than the iPhone 12. Considering the features and performance offered by both devices, they both provide good value for their respective price points. The iPhone 12 often holds its value better over time due to its brand recognition and consistent software updates. The choice depends on specific needs and budget, but the S22 may be found at a lower price point now.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s22 If…
- You want a phone with a versatile camera system, including a telephoto lens.
- You prefer the Android operating system and its customization options.
- You value faster charging speeds.
- You desire the latest processor technology.
Buy iphone 12 If…
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and its seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- You prioritize ease of use and a user-friendly interface.
- You value consistent software updates and long-term support.
- You prefer a smaller overall size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in design?
The S22 features a more modern design with a sleek glass back and a compact form factor. The iPhone 12 has a flat-edged aluminum frame with a Ceramic Shield front. Both phones offer premium designs, but the S22 is slightly smaller and more modern-looking. The S22 offers a more premium feel, while the iPhone 12 has a more classic aesthetic.
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung S22 boasts a vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth animations. The iPhone 12 has a Super Retina XDR display with excellent color accuracy but a 60Hz refresh rate. The S22’s display is brighter and smoother, making it superior for gaming and media consumption.
How does the performance compare?
Both phones offer top-tier performance. The S22 is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor, while the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip. Both are extremely fast and handle demanding tasks with ease. The S22 offers more customization. Performance is very similar, with iOS taking a slight lead.
How do the cameras compare?
The S22 features a versatile triple-lens camera system, while the iPhone 12 has a dual-camera setup. The S22 provides more flexibility with its additional telephoto lens. Both phones capture excellent photos and videos. The S22 offers more features overall, while the iPhone 12 excels in video recording and user-friendliness.
Which phone has better battery life?
Battery life is comparable on both phones, but it will depend on usage. The S22 supports fast wired and wireless charging. The iPhone 12 also supports fast wired charging and MagSafe wireless charging. Neither phone offers exceptional battery life, but both provide fast charging capabilities, and the S22 edges out in charging speed.
What about software and updates?
The S22 runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering customization options. The iPhone 12 runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness. Apple provides consistent software updates for several years. Samsung offers updates, but the support length is usually less than Apple’s. Software experience is a matter of preference.
Which phone is a better value?
Both phones provided good value at launch. The S22 may be found at a lower price point now. The iPhone 12 typically holds its value better. The choice depends on individual needs and budget. The S22 may be a better option in terms of raw specs, but the iPhone 12 holds its value better over time.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S22 and iPhone 12 are both excellent smartphones, each with its strengths. The S22 stands out with its superior display and versatile camera system, while the iPhone 12 offers a streamlined user experience and consistent software updates. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. The S22 excels in specs and features, while the iPhone 12 provides a user-friendly experience and solid resale value.
Winner: Samsung S22