iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 - Complete Review
iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 - Complete Review & Comprehensive Buying Guide
Choosing between the iPhone 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S22 is more than just a battle of specifications; it is a choice between two distinct philosophies of compact flagship computing. While the iPhone 12 represented a super-cycle for Apple with its return to flat edges and introduction of 5G, the Galaxy S22 was Samsung's refinement of the premium compact Android experience.
As a technical consultant, I have analyzed both devices extensively over long-term usage. This guide moves beyond the marketing sheets to expose the real-world performance, battery degradation over time, and value proposition in the current market. Whether you are upgrading or buying pre-owned, this analysis covers every critical detail.
Expert Opinion Snapshot
If you are in a rush, here is the executive summary based on technical testing.
| Feature | iPhone 12 Winner | Samsung S22 Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Color Accuracy | 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Processor | Stability & Thermals | Raw Peak Power |
| Camera | Video Recording | Zoom (Telephoto Lens) |
| Resale Value | Excellent Retention | Moderate Retention |
Expert Insight: The biggest oversight most reviews miss is the display refresh rate gap. The iPhone 12 is locked at 60Hz. If you have ever used a 120Hz screen (like on the S22), going back to the iPhone 12 will feel "laggy" visually, even though the processor is faster.
Full Technical Specifications
| Spec Category | Apple iPhone 12 | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Tech | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz) | 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz) |
| Build Materials | Ceramic Shield Front, Glass Back, Aluminum Frame | Gorilla Glass Victus+, Armor Aluminum Frame |
| Processor | A14 Bionic (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 (4nm) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Rear Cameras | Main: 12MP (f/1.6) Ultrawide: 12MP |
Main: 50MP (f/1.8) Ultrawide: 12MP Telephoto: 10MP (3x Optical) |
| Charging | 20W Wired, 15W MagSafe | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
Ergonomics, Build & Materials
Both phones are champions of the "compact flagship" genre, but they feel remarkably different in hand. The iPhone 12 reintroduced Apple's flat-edge design. This makes the phone feel grippier but can dig into your palms during extended use without a case. The Ceramic Shield front has proven to be highly resistant to shatter, though it is still prone to micro-scratches.
The Galaxy S22, conversely, features slightly rounded edges and the "Contour Cut" camera housing that blends seamlessly into the frame. It uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, which offers a matte finish on the back. This matte finish is a significant advantage over the iPhone 12's glossy glass back, which is a magnet for fingerprints. In terms of pure hand-feel, the S22 feels more ergonomic and modern.
Performance, Thermals & Gaming
This is where the numbers on paper can be deceiving. The Samsung S22 ships with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 in some regions), which is technically two generations newer than the iPhone 12's A14 Bionic. However, newer does not always mean consistently faster.
The Thermal Throttle Issue: The Galaxy S22 suffers from aggressive thermal throttling. Due to its small chassis and powerful chip, sustained gaming (like PUBG or Genshin Impact) causes the phone to dim the screen and reduce frame rates after 15-20 minutes.
The iPhone 12's A14 Bionic, despite being older, offers remarkable stability. iOS optimization means UI navigation is fluid, and while it also heats up, it maintains peak performance longer than the S22. For pure multitasking, the S22's 8GB of RAM allows more apps to stay open compared to the iPhone's 4GB, but iOS memory management largely negates this gap for general users.
Camera Capabilities: The Real Difference
The camera setup is the deciding factor for many buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Strengths: 1. Zoom: The dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens is a game-changer. The iPhone 12 relies entirely on digital zoom, which degrades quality rapidly. If you take photos of pets or concerts, the S22 wins. 2. Nightography: Samsung's night mode pulls more light from dark scenes, though it can sometimes look artificially bright.
iPhone 12 Strengths: 1. Video Quality: The iPhone remains untouchable in video. The stabilization, dynamic range, and seamless switching between lenses during recording are superior to the S22, which can show micro-stutters in 4K video. 2. Shutter Lag: The iPhone captures the image the instant you press the button. The S22 still suffers from slight shutter lag, which can result in blurry photos of moving subjects (kids/pets).
Battery Endurance & Charging Speeds
This is the critical weakness for both devices, but particularly for the Samsung.
The Galaxy S22 has a 3,700 mAh battery powering a 120Hz screen and a power-hungry processor. In real-world testing, it struggles to last a full heavy day. Screen-on-time (SOT) typically hovers around 4 to 5 hours.
The iPhone 12 has a smaller 2,815 mAh cell, but the 60Hz screen and A14 efficiency allow it to often outlast the S22, typically delivering 5.5 to 6 hours of SOT. However, iPhone 12 battery health degrades noticeably after 2 years. If buying used, check that health is above 85%.
Market Value Guide (New vs Used)
| Condition | iPhone 12 (64GB) Est. Price | Galaxy S22 (128GB) Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Brand New (Old Stock) | $400 - $450 | $450 - $500 |
| Refurbished (Excellent) | $280 - $330 | $260 - $310 |
| Used (User to User) | $220 - $260 | $200 - $250 |
Pre-owned Inspection Checklist
If you are buying either of these devices used, use this checklist to avoid buying a lemon.
| Component | Test for iPhone 12 | Test for Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Display (True Tone) | Check Control Center. If "True Tone" is missing, the screen was replaced with a cheap part. | Dial *#0*# and select "Red", "Green", "Blue" to check for OLED burn-in (common on Samsungs). |
| Battery Health | Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Avoid if under 80%. | Use Samsung Members app > Diagnostics > Battery Status. |
| FaceID / Fingerprint | Set up FaceID. If it fails instantly, the TrueDepth sensor is broken (expensive fix). | Test Ultrasonic Fingerprint scanner. Screen protectors can interfere, remove to test. |
Top Alternatives Comparison
Before committing, consider these close rivals:
1. iPhone 13: Usually $100 more than the 12. It brings a significantly bigger battery and a smaller notch. If budget allows, the battery jump alone is worth the extra cost over the 12.
2. Google Pixel 7: Often cheaper than the S22. It offers a cleaner Android experience and arguably better still photos, but worse video and slower charging.
Critical Advice & Final Verdict
The decision between the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S22 ultimately comes down to what you prioritize: longevity or features.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: You demand a high-refresh-rate display (120Hz makes a huge difference in scrolling smoothness). You need a versatile camera with optical zoom for portraits and distance shots. You prefer a modern, bezel-less design and Android customization.
Buy the iPhone 12 if: You prioritize video recording quality for social media (Instagram/TikTok/YouTube). You want a phone that holds its resale value better. You prefer a reliable battery life (relative to the S22) and an operating system that will receive updates likely until 2026/2027.
Final Verdict: For the average user, the iPhone 12 is the safer bet due to its consistency and software support. However, for tech enthusiasts who notice frame rates and display quality, the Galaxy S22 offers superior hardware at a very compelling price point in the used market.