Iphone 11 Pro Vs Galaxy S22 Is The Samsung Upgrade Worth It

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in 2019, was a powerhouse in Apple’s lineup—offering triple cameras, OLED display quality, and solid build. Fast forward to today, and many users are considering whether upgrading to the Galaxy S22, a flagship Android contender from 2022, makes sense. With nearly three years of technological advancement between them, the decision isn’t just about new features—it’s about real-world improvements in performance, photography, battery life, and ecosystem fit.

This comparison dives deep into practical differences, helping iPhone 11 Pro owners evaluate if the switch to Samsung’s Galaxy S22 delivers meaningful gains or merely incremental updates.

Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap

The iPhone 11 Pro runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which was top-tier at launch and still handles daily tasks well. However, the Galaxy S22 is powered by either the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (depending on region), both built on more advanced 4nm processes compared to the A13’s 7nm design. This translates to faster CPU and GPU performance, better multitasking, and improved efficiency under load.

In real usage, the difference becomes apparent when switching between apps, loading high-resolution photos, or playing graphics-intensive games. The S22 supports higher RAM configurations (up to 8GB) versus the iPhone 11 Pro’s 4GB, giving it an edge in background app retention and responsiveness over time.

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps, gaming, or AR tools, the S22’s modern chipset will feel noticeably snappier.

Display and Design: Brighter, Smoother, More Adaptive

The iPhone 11 Pro features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a fixed 60Hz refresh rate. While color accuracy and contrast are excellent, it lacks the fluidity of high-refresh displays now standard on premium Android phones.

In contrast, the Galaxy S22 boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. This means smoother scrolling, quicker touch response during gaming, and power savings when viewing static content like e-books or lock screens.

Brightness is another major differentiator. The S22 peaks at around 1,750 nits, significantly brighter than the iPhone 11 Pro’s ~800-nit peak. This makes outdoor visibility far superior, especially under direct sunlight.

“High-refresh-rate displays have become a baseline expectation for flagship experiences. Once you go 120Hz, going back feels sluggish.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInsight Group

Camera Comparison: Evolution vs Innovation

The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Apple’s first triple-lens system: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. It excels in consistent color science, dynamic range, and video recording—especially in natural lighting. Its Night mode was groundbreaking at the time but has since been surpassed.

The Galaxy S22 improves on nearly every front. Its 50MP main sensor captures significantly more detail, especially in daylight. Combined with advanced pixel-binning and AI-powered processing, low-light photos show less noise and better shadow recovery. The 10MP periscope telephoto lens offers true 3x optical zoom (vs 2x on the 11 Pro), and digital zoom up to 30x with usable results at 10x.

Video capabilities also differ. While the iPhone 11 Pro records excellent 4K at 60fps, the S22 adds Super Steady mode, enhanced HDR10+ support, and better wind noise reduction. For social media creators or vloggers, these upgrades matter.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro	Galaxy S22
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8	50MP f/1.8
Ultra-Wide Aperture	f/2.4	f/2.2
Telephoto Zoom	2x optical	3x optical
Night Mode	Yes (decent)	Yes (superior with AI enhancement)
Front Camera	12MP f/2.2	10MP f/2.2 with autofocus

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Gains Matter

The iPhone 11 Pro offers all-day battery life for moderate users, typically lasting 12–14 hours with mixed use. However, after several years, battery degradation can reduce that significantly unless replaced.

The Galaxy S22 packs a smaller 3,700mAh battery but benefits from more efficient hardware and software optimization. In practice, it matches or slightly exceeds the 11 Pro’s endurance, particularly due to its adaptive refresh rate reducing power draw.

Where the S22 pulls ahead is charging flexibility. It supports 25W fast wired charging (reaching 50% in ~30 minutes) and 10W wireless charging. The iPhone 11 Pro maxes out at 18W fast charging (with adapter not included) and slower 7.5W wireless charging.

Real Example: Daily Commuter Workflow

Sarah, a marketing consultant using her iPhone 11 Pro since 2020, noticed declining battery life and sluggish app launches by late 2023. She upgraded to the Galaxy S22 primarily for better screen visibility during outdoor client meetings and faster photo editing on the go. After two months, she reported that the 120Hz display made email navigation “feel effortless,” and the improved low-light camera allowed her to capture presentation slides without flash—a frequent pain point before.

She also appreciated the faster charging: “I plug it in during my morning coffee and gain enough charge for half the day.”

Ecosystem and Software Longevity

Apple continues to support the iPhone 11 Pro with iOS updates, likely through 2025 or beyond. That’s a major advantage for users invested in iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch, or Mac integration.

Samsung promises four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the S22—making it supported until at least 2027. OneUI offers deep customization, split-screen multitasking, and DeX mode (desktop experience), which iOS still doesn’t match.

However, switching ecosystems means adjusting to new workflows: Google Photos instead of iCloud, different messaging behavior (RCS vs iMessage), and re-downloading apps. For some, this friction outweighs hardware gains.

Tip: Use Samsung Smart Switch to transfer contacts, messages, photos, and settings seamlessly from your iPhone.

Checklist: Is Upgrading to Galaxy S22 Right for You?

• ✅ Prioritize screen smoothness and outdoor visibility?
• ✅ Need better low-light or zoom photography?
• ✅ Want faster charging and longer software support?
• ✅ Open to learning new gestures and Android customization?
• ❌ Rely heavily on iMessage, FaceTime, or Apple-exclusive apps?
• ❌ Prefer minimal interface changes and consistent software design?

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone accessories work with the Galaxy S22?

No, Lightning cables and most docks won’t work. You’ll need USB-C alternatives. Wireless chargers and Bluetooth headphones are compatible.

Is the Galaxy S22 waterproof like the iPhone 11 Pro?

Yes. Both have IP68 ratings, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Real-world conditions may vary, so caution is advised.

Can I transfer data easily from iPhone to Galaxy S22?

Absolutely. Samsung Smart Switch allows migration of contacts, calendars, photos, videos, messages, and even app data wirelessly or via cable.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For iPhone 11 Pro owners still satisfied with their device’s performance, the upgrade to the Galaxy S22 may feel unnecessary unless specific pain points exist—like poor low-light photos, dim screen visibility, or slow charging.

But for those seeking a modern flagship experience with a high-refresh display, superior zoom, faster performance, and longer official software support, the Galaxy S22 represents a compelling leap. The switch requires adapting to Android’s ecosystem, but the tangible improvements in speed, camera versatility, and daily usability make it worthwhile—especially if you're ready to move beyond the limitations of a 2019-era device.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone to Galaxy? Share your experience and whether the upgrade lived up to expectations—we’d love to hear what mattered most to you.