Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the premium option here, boasting a powerful 50MP camera and a stunning 6.1" AMOLED display. In real-world use, its performance shines, especially for photography with up to 3x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the budget-friendly choice, perfect for those looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance, thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. However, the trade-offs are significant. If you need compact design and top-tier camera performance, the S22 is your go-to, but the SE is a tempting option if you're pinching pennies. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S22 (premium flagship) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5★ (466 reviews) | 4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| 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 SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
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 SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy S22
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)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 (2022) |
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 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 2,018mAh (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 | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
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+ | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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 SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy for most people - its 50MP camera crushes the iPhone SE's 12MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you love photography and want a powerful 50MP camera, you need a vibrant 6.1" display for media, or you want the latest features like 5G and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want to save money while still enjoying the iPhone ecosystem, prefer a compact design under 5 inches, or if you mainly use your phone for calls and social media.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 466 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
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
Compact and lightweight Priority
Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.5★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S22 or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better choice if you prioritize compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) wins if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S22 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S22 offers compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S22 small 3,700mah battery often struggles to last a full heavy day. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.