Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S22
The Apple iPhone 15 is the mid-range option here, but it offers a high-resolution 48MP camera compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22's 50MP. However, the S22 features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that makes scrolling feel much smoother than the iPhone's 60Hz. In real-world use, the iPhone 15's battery capacity of 3349mAh provides up to 20 hours of video playback. If you're considering an upgrade in 2026, these specs will play a crucial role in your decision. Key specs: Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz and Battery: 3349 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 15 (mid-range) and Samsung Galaxy S22 (premium flagship) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (951 reviews) | 4.5★ (466 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Flagship |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S22
Apple iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy S22
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)Best Buy | ★4.5(466)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Qualcomm Adreno 730 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,300 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 30x Space Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF |
Battery | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 3,700 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 5.89 oz (167 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) |
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Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
- Versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens
Cons
- Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day
- Wired charging limited to 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy for most people - its 120Hz refresh rate crushes the iPhone 15's 60Hz, making it ideal for gaming and media. That said, grab the iPhone 15 if you want a superior camera with 48MP for photography - it's an impressive option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you need a top-notch camera for photography, appreciate bright displays with 2000 nits peak brightness, or want a longer software support lifespan.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you prefer a smoother display for gaming, want a compact design for one-handed use, or need a versatile triple camera system. (120 Hz refresh, 3700 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 951 reviews vs 466
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 15 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Samsung Galaxy S22 remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S22?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. Samsung Galaxy S22 wins if you value compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S22?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Samsung Galaxy S22 stands out with compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S22 small 3,700mah battery often struggles to last a full heavy day. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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