iPhone 12 vs Galaxy S22
Same class, different makers. The iPhone 12 (Apple) and the Galaxy S22 (Samsung) are built for the same kind of buyer. The Galaxy S22 has the edge in 4 of the 5 areas we looked at, most visibly in the display category.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S22 wins
- Performance Galaxy S22 wins
- Memory & Storage Galaxy S22 wins
- Camera Galaxy S22 wins
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Price iPhone 12 wins
- Display2.1
- Memory & Storage0.4
- Camera0.9
- Display5.1
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Galaxy S22 has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
Few buyers will miss this one. The Galaxy S22 brings 120 Hz to the table; the iPhone 12 brings 60 Hz. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison.
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The Galaxy S22 has 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB
When it comes to base storage, the Galaxy S22 wins comfortably with 128 GB against 64 GB. If you shoot a lot of video or keep music and maps offline, base storage is one of the specs you’ll feel most over the years.
-
The Galaxy S22 has a higher-resolution 50 MP main camera
It’s a lopsided result (50 MP for the Galaxy S22, 12 MP for the iPhone 12) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More megapixels on the main camera allow bigger crops and more detail in good light, but sensor size and processing matter just as much.
-
The Galaxy S22 has an extra rear camera
The spread here is large: 3 on the Galaxy S22 versus 2 on the iPhone 12. Expect to notice it. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The Galaxy S22 has 8.3% higher peak brightness
The Galaxy S22 is slightly stronger on peak brightness. The gap, 1,300 nits versus 1,200 nits, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Galaxy S22’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
Design & Size
- iPhone 12 5.78 in × 2.81 in × 0.29 in
- Galaxy S22 5.75 in × 2.78 in × 0.30 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other. There’s no meaningful weight gap here.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.75 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 5.78 oz | 5.89 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Galaxy S22 leads
Look at the display table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Galaxy S22. The Galaxy S22 delivers a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power. On the iPhone 12, you get 8.2% sharper pixel density. Net result: the Galaxy S22 leads this part of the comparison.
Refresh rate
iPhone 12: 60 Hz Galaxy S22: 120 Hz You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Galaxy S22 feels more fluid in everyday use.
Peak brightness
iPhone 12: 1,200 nits Galaxy S22: 1,300 nits Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility.
Performance
Galaxy S22 leads
If you’re keeping score, the performance point goes narrowly to the Galaxy S22. The Galaxy S22 makes its case with a newer 4 nm chip process. Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict. For anyone who cares most about performance, the Galaxy S22 is the safer choice.
CPU cores
iPhone 12: 6 Galaxy S22: 8 Core count on its own says little about speed; how the chip is designed and how fast each core runs matter more.
Process node
iPhone 12: 5 nm Galaxy S22: 4 nm A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life.
Memory & Storage
Galaxy S22 leads
The Galaxy S22 clearly takes the memory & storage round. On its side, the Galaxy S22 has 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB. Base storage is what you get without paying extra. Photos, videos and apps add up quickly, so more space at the entry price is real value. Anyone shopping mainly on memory & storage should start with the Galaxy S22.
Base storage
iPhone 12: 64 GB Galaxy S22: 128 GB The Galaxy S22 starts with more room, which means fewer “storage full” warnings and less time deleting old videos.
Camera
Galaxy S22 leads
The Galaxy S22 is the clear pick if camera is what you care about most. The Galaxy S22 wins here with a higher-resolution 50 MP main camera. The Galaxy S22’s higher-resolution main sensor gives you more room to crop, which helps when you can’t get closer. The iPhone 12 adds a sharper 12 MP selfie camera. On camera alone, the Galaxy S22 gets the nod.
Main camera
iPhone 12: 12 MP Galaxy S22: 50 MP Megapixels are only one part of image quality, so treat this as a sign of detail potential, not a verdict on photos.
Rear cameras
iPhone 12: 2 Galaxy S22: 3 The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S22 gives you more lenses to choose from.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
If battery & charging matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. In short, battery & charging is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Software & Updates
This section is descriptive. The iPhone 12 and the Galaxy S22 list different components for software & updates, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi (winner) | 425 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | 1,300 nits (winner) |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US) |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 4 nm (winner) |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 64 GB | 128 GB (winner) |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP (winner) |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 10 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 12 MP (winner) | 10 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 8K24 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 3,700 mAh Smallest battery in class |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 17 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 14 | Android 12 (One UI 4.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 4 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.75 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 5.78 oz | 5.89 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 12 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $800 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch price difference is small: $1, favoring the iPhone 12. If $1 isn’t a stretch, the Galaxy S22 gives you a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB.
Based on US launch pricing as of February 2022. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 12 if…
- you want the sharper screen (460 ppi vs 425 ppi)
- you take a lot of selfies or video calls (12 MP vs 10 MP front camera)
- you’d rather keep $1 in your pocket
Choose the Galaxy S22 if…
- you want smoother scrolling (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want more storage without paying for an upgrade (128 GB vs 64 GB)
- you like to crop into your photos (50 MP vs 12 MP main camera)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the iPhone 12 or the Galaxy S22?
For most people, the Galaxy S22 is the stronger choice, unless you’d rather have 8.2% sharper pixel density on the iPhone 12.
Is the iPhone 12 bigger than the Galaxy S22?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the iPhone 12 and the Galaxy S22 is too small to matter.
Which is faster, the iPhone 12 or the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 should be the quicker of the two, with a newer 4 nm chip process on its side.
Which has the better camera, the iPhone 12 or the Galaxy S22?
Going by the hardware, the Galaxy S22 comes out ahead: a higher-resolution 50 MP main camera and an extra rear camera.
Is the iPhone 12’s display better than the Galaxy S22’s?
Going by the numbers, the Galaxy S22’s screen comes out ahead: a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 8.3% higher peak brightness.
Is the iPhone 12 cheaper than the Galaxy S22?
The iPhone 12 is the cheaper option, launching at $1 less than the Galaxy S22 (launch prices as of February 2022).
Executive Summary
Honestly, the iPhone 12 versus the Galaxy S22 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. Here’s what matters most to me: the Galaxy S22 offers a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. Plus, the Galaxy S22 gets 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB, which I wouldn’t overlook. In fairness to the iPhone 12, 8.2% sharper pixel density is a genuine strength.
If you’d rather have strength in screen sharpness, go with the iPhone 12. If display is what you’d miss, go with the Galaxy S22.
My pick: the Galaxy S22, though the iPhone 12 makes sense if having 8.2% sharper pixel density matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.