Authors Note
This was produced following the launch of the S22, and S22 samples provided with similar ideas/concepts following that of MKBHD and XEETECHCARE mentioned. And will primarily be discussing the standard S22 and iPhone 13.
Recources
Links to other sources used.
Androids New iPhone
Camparason of the S22 to the iPhone 13, Feb 26, 2022
Image above contains the iPhone 13 (Left) and the S22 (Right) by NextPit
Abstract
Following the launch of Samsung's new Galaxy S22, some are considering this to be the closest thing to an iPhone yet powered by Android. After the launch event of the S22, many have received a sample of the phone, reviews have been made and the first batch of phones has been shipped to those early who pre-ordered early. And due to the major design clues found different from the S21, this can be found to be an iPhone replacement of sorts.
Design
It has been known since before even the launch of the S22 of the dimensions. They seem pretty similar (at 146x70.6x7.6 mm on the S22,
and 146.7x71.5x7.7 mm on the iPhone 13 according to GSMAREA) but now lead to be found concluding the similarity of these phones. But we can start to see the major
similarity with the display. The S22 went from a pretty standard 6.2-inch display (diagonal measurements including the hidden area on screen curves.) to a 6.1-inch
which so happens to be the same as the iPhone 13. But technically hidden by most spec sheets is that the S22 has a slightly small 6.06-inch display, which is just
enough to make a difference and yet not noticeable on the outside.
This can also be seen in the aspect ratio (the difference in width and height of the display. Typically, the standard has been a 16:9),
which has been decreased as Samsung typically has a taller aspect ratio, going from 20.5:9 to 19.5:9 which also happens to be the same aspect ratio as the iPhone 13.
Not only that, but the S22 for the first time for Samsung has a fully equal bezel all around with no chin (bottom bezel). And this does not come with the sacrifice
of the overall bezel size of the S22 as it is indeed smaller than the iPhone 13’s. Making it look more like an iPhone.
Image above contains the S22 (Left) and the iPhone 13 (Right) by HT Tech
Software
The software currently present on the S22 is the new Android 12 with Samsung's One UI 4.1 as compared to the iPhone 13’s current iOS 15.3. One of the most common elements of iOS is known as being “smooth”, “clean”, and “simple” or easy to use UI (user interface). But all these pros of iOS have been brought to both Android 12 and One UI 4 as it is the smoothest and simplest software experience yet. And the new Snapdragon 8 gen 1 with 120 Hz makes the software on the S22 snappy and smooth all the time like the highly optimized iPhone has been for years.
Image above contains the iOS 15 (Left) and One UI 4.0 (Right) by Mr Android UHD
Differences
But that is about where the similarity starts to end. First off is with the display. Other than the fact that Samsung currently makes
all Apple panels for the iPhone line up and has been used for years although they are currently trying to outsource production. But the differences start with the S22
120hz adaptive refresh rate display which does use up a bit more power but, can make the overall experience buttery smooth. While 60hz like that on the iPhone 13 has
been abandoned by all “flagship” devices by now and even by Samsung 2 entire generations ago.
Again, with the display, the iPhone X (10) in 2017 was Apple's first full-screen phone without a home button at all. Earlier that year
Samsung released the S8 which was similar, but the iPhone X had an even bezel going all around an all Android phones from then had a larger chin (the bottom bezel)
and sometimes a larger forehead (Top bezel). And during the next years, Samsung and other companies slowly decreased these top and bottom bezel sizes. Even in 2019
including a punch hole or popup camera instead of a giant notch. Other than the Pixel 4’s which had bigger overall even bezels. The S22 also brings the completely
even bezels all around but this time even smaller than the bezels on the iPhone 13. Effectively beating the iPhone at its own game.
Image above contains the iPhone 13 (Left) and S22 (Right) by Buisness Insider
Aside from this, the S22 has a triple camera set up which is sometimes underrated as most people do not know why this can be useful.
Well without going in-depth, each lens or camera is set to a different zoom, and all zoom in-between is called “digital zoom” which basically just crops into the
same image, and “optical zoom” which uses preset lenses to physically zoom into an image. The iPhone 13 only contains a Main and Ultra-Wide camera zooming up to 5x
but supports macro shots. While the S22 has a Main, Ultra-Wide, and 3x Telephoto camera zooming up to 30x hybrid, but does not support macro shots.
And of course, the chipset. The iPhone is powered by Apple on silicon A15, which stock is the fastest possessor on a phone but uses
the slightly less efficient 5nm architecture. While the S22 runs off Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 8 gen 1 and Samsung's Exynos 2200. Which is only present on
limited amounts of flagship phones. The Snapdragon 8 gen 1 processor by default is slower than the A15. But on the just-released Red Magic 7 with the 8 gen 1, the
processor blows the A15 out of the park. This is due to overclocking which is only possible with the massive cooling system present on the Red Magic 7. Making the
Red Magic 7 arguably the most powerful phone. Not to mention that this chipset also runs off a 4nm architecture.
Image above contains the S22 (Left) and iPhone 13 (Right) by Phone Arena
Conclusion
Overall, which phone should you get? Well, it basically just boils down to what ecosystem you are already involved in as they are both great phones for 2022. Only if the benefits of your current ecosystem outweigh what you are missing with the iPhone 13. While if you are not currently involved in an ecosystem from either Apple or even Samsung. Then the referable e option is S22 as even though the iPhone 13 has the power, software, battery, and 5G capability are in a flagship phone in 2022. The dual camera lens set up and 60 Hz display is undeniable for a flagship phone to have in 2022. Generally, this is a 2022 phone, but the drawbacks make it barely considered as a “flagship” phone with our current standard.