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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy S22 is the flagship option here, offering a powerful camera and a stunning display. In my testing, the S22's 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED display shines at 1,300 nits, making it incredibly bright and vibrant compared to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)'s 4.7" Retina HD LCD, which peaks at only 625 nits. The trade-off? So, if you're looking for a premium experience with superior photography capabilities, the S22 is definitely worth considering for 2026 and beyond.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 4.7"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 3700 mAh vs 2018 mAh
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Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5
(466)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 730
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy S22
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22
48–120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OISWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
3,700 mAh (Typical)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.89 oz (167 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+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
★4.5(466)Best Buy
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| 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 |
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Samsung Galaxy S22
Rating:★4.5(466)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 730
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi
Refresh Rate:48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF
Battery:3,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+
Dimensions:5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.89 oz (167 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM)
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
- • Versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens
- • Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and IP68 rating
- • Bright 120Hz OLED display (1,300 nits) remains visible outdoors
- • Long-term software support (4 OS upgrades)
✗ Cons:
- • Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day
- • Wired charging limited to 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
- • Lacks Wi-Fi 6E support found in S22+ and Ultra
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can run warm under sustained heavy load
- • No microSD card slot
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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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 taking high-quality photos, enjoy a vibrant display for media, or need a powerful phone for gaming. (6.1" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a budget-friendly iPhone, prefer a compact design, or simply need a reliable device for basic tasks. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S22 excels if you value compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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