Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Apple iPhone 13
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the flagship option here, delivering top-tier features like a stunning 50MP camera that excels in photography. On the flip side, the Apple iPhone 13. However, the S22's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel twice as smooth compared to the iPhone 13's 60Hz. If you're into gaming or media consumption, that smoother experience is a game changer. So, while both phones have their strengths, the Samsung Galaxy S22 takes the lead for those who want the best performance and camera quality without compromise. Key specs: Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz and Battery: 3700 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S22 (premium flagship) and Apple iPhone 13 (budget-friendly) 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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How We Compare These Products
PageBen prioritizes usefulness for US shoppers. Affiliate commission does not decide recommendations, rankings, or verdicts.
Sources Checked
Official specifications, Retailer ratings, Manufacturer documentation, Buyer feedback.
Decision Factors
We weigh camera system, display, battery life, software support, performance, storage, and carrier fit.
Editorial Standard
Hands-on notes are labeled when available; otherwise analysis is based on documented specs and buyer evidence.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5★ (466 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (818 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use | Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating |
| Main Drawback | Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day | Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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: Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Apple iPhone 13
Samsung Galaxy S22
Apple iPhone 13
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)Best Buy | ★4.8(818)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 4GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 3,240mAh (approximate) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front |
Dimensions | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 6.14 oz (174 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Face ID |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support |
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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)
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB LPDDR4X
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Pros
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
Cons
- Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy for most people - its 50MP camera crushes the iPhone 13's 12MP. That said, grab the iPhone 13 if you want to save money.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you love photography with its 50MP camera, need a smoother display for gaming with 120Hz, or want a premium build quality.
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you prefer a durable design with Ceramic Shield, want a longer-lasting battery for daily use, or are looking to save money. (60 Hz refresh, 3240 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 818 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
Samsung Galaxy S22 and Apple iPhone 13 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 13 leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.5★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S22 could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S22 or Apple iPhone 13?
Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better choice if you prioritize compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Apple iPhone 13 wins if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S22 and Apple iPhone 13?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S22 offers compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use, while Apple iPhone 13 stands out with excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S22 small 3,700mah battery often struggles to last a full heavy day. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 13 stuck on 60hz refresh rate (competitors offer 120hz). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+What should I prioritize when choosing between these smartphones?
Focus on the features that matter most for your daily use. Samsung Galaxy S22 stands out for compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use and versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens. Apple iPhone 13 excels at excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating and strong battery life for its size (beat many android competitors at launch). Check the spec table above for the complete side-by-side breakdown.
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