iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Refurbished UK (2026): Which Is Better Value?

TECH MARKET BUYING GUIDE  ·  OCTOBER 2026

Two compact former flagships. One smarter buy for you.

If you're comparing a refurbished iPhone 13 with a Samsung Galaxy S22 in the UK, you're looking at two compact former flagship phones with very different strengths. Both have 6.1-inch OLED screens, 5G, capable cameras and wireless charging. But the Samsung offers a smoother 120Hz display, a dedicated 3x zoom camera and USB-C, while the iPhone brings Apple's iOS experience, Face ID, MagSafe and high-quality video features.

The smarter purchase in 2026 isn't necessarily the phone that cost more when new. It's the one that fits your daily habits, has a suitable battery and costs less in the storage and cosmetic condition you actually want.

Quick verdict: which should you buy?

Choose the iPhone 13 if you already use Apple devices, prefer iOS and Face ID, want MagSafe accessories, or film lots of everyday video.

Choose the Galaxy S22 if you want smoother 120Hz scrolling, a real 3x telephoto camera, USB-C charging, or a flexible Android experience.

Best value overall: neither wins automatically. Compare the live price of equivalent 128GB models, then check battery information, condition and the software support you need.

Compare refurbished iPhone 13 models | Browse refurbished Samsung phones

iPhone 13 vs Galaxy S22: specifications at a glance

Specifications describe the standard iPhone 13 and standard Galaxy S22, not the iPhone 13 Pro or Galaxy S22 Ultra. Exact Samsung configurations can vary by region and model number.

1. Display: the Galaxy S22 feels smoother

Both phones use OLED technology, which can produce deep blacks, rich contrast and attractive colours. For streaming, photographs, messages and everyday browsing, both screens remain excellent.

The most noticeable specification difference is refresh rate. Galaxy S22 supports adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, making scrolling and compatible animations appear smoother. iPhone 13 operates at 60Hz. That does not make the iPhone screen poor, but anyone moving from a 120Hz phone may notice the difference.

The iPhone 13 has a slightly higher pixel resolution. In normal everyday use, however, your preference for 120Hz smoothness, screen brightness and colour processing is likely to matter more than the raw pixel count.

Display winner: Galaxy S22 for smoothness. Both are strong for OLED picture quality.

2. Cameras: do you need optical zoom?

The iPhone 13 uses a dual rear-camera system: a 12MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide. Apple also provides Night mode, Photographic Styles and Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 4K/60fps.

The standard Galaxy S22 adds a third rear camera: a 10MP 3x optical telephoto alongside its 50MP main and 12MP ultra-wide cameras. That dedicated zoom lens can be useful for portraits, travel and distant subjects without relying entirely on digital cropping.

For family photos and social media: both phones are capable. Camera processing and personal preference matter as much as megapixel counts.

For zoom photography: choose the Galaxy S22. A proper 3x telephoto lens gives it a hardware advantage over the standard iPhone 13.

For everyday video: the iPhone 13 is a strong choice thanks to Apple's HDR video tools and familiar recording workflow. The Galaxy S22 also shoots excellent video and supports modes including 8K recording, but the highest possible resolution is not automatically the best-looking or most practical setting.

Camera verdict: Galaxy S22 for zoom flexibility; iPhone 13 is especially appealing for iOS video users. Neither should be described as universally better at every type of photo.

3. Performance: both remain capable for everyday use

Apple's A15 Bionic and the Galaxy S22's UK-market Exynos 2200 are older flagship-class processors. For messaging, browsing, maps, banking apps, streaming and ordinary photo editing, a properly working refurbished example of either phone can still feel responsive.

Chip performance comparisons depend on the application, software version and workload. Don't assume that an older Apple or Samsung badge tells you everything about how the phone will perform in your favourite apps.

If you're switching between operating systems, the adjustment to iOS or Samsung One UI will usually affect your experience more than a small difference in benchmarks.

4. Software updates: pay particular attention in 2026

This is an important consideration if you want to keep the phone for several more years.

The iPhone 13 launched in 2021 and remains part of Apple's supported iPhone range in 2026. Apple doesn't provide a fixed end date for major iOS updates for every individual iPhone model. Also, compatibility with an iOS release does not guarantee access to every new feature.

Samsung announced four generations of Android/One UI upgrades and up to five years of security updates for the Galaxy S22 family when it launched in 2022. That means the S22 is further through its original stated update commitment in 2026. Security patch schedules and the exact software version on a refurbished handset can change, so check Samsung's current support information before buying for long-term use.

Long-term buying advice: if software lifespan is your overriding concern, compare the iPhone 13 and S22 with newer refurbished iPhones and Galaxy S23/S24 models too. A slightly higher upfront cost may give you a better long-term fit.

5. Battery life: buy on condition, not headline claims

Battery life is one of the hardest areas to judge from a model name alone. Both phones are several years old, and actual refurbished battery endurance varies with age, previous charging habits, software and usage.

An iPhone 13 has an accessible Battery Health section in Settings, which can help you understand maximum capacity. Samsung Galaxy phones offer device diagnostics, including battery checks on supported software versions, but the information shown may differ from Apple's percentage display.

Before ordering, compare the battery information stated on the individual listing. Cosmetic grades such as Pristine or Good do not automatically tell you the battery's capacity.

Battery verdict: don't declare a winner without information about the actual refurbished units. Screen brightness, 120Hz use, 5G signal and gaming all affect runtime.

For more guidance, see our refurbished iPhone battery health guide.

6. Charging: Lightning vs USB-C

The iPhone 13 has a Lightning port and supports MagSafe magnetic wireless charging accessories. If you already own MagSafe chargers, mounts or cases, this may be a useful reason to stay with Apple.

The Galaxy S22 has USB-C, supporting a cable type shared with many modern tablets, laptops and accessories. It also supports wireless charging, but ordinary S22 hardware doesn't include Apple's built-in MagSafe magnet alignment system.

Neither phone includes every accessory you might expect from a new retail box when purchased refurbished. Always check the included cable and charging accessories on the product page.

Charging winner: Galaxy S22 for USB-C convenience; iPhone 13 for existing MagSafe setups.

7. Size, security and everyday experience

The two phones are unusually close in display size. Both offer 6.1-inch screens and fit the needs of buyers who don't want a particularly large handset.

The difference is how you interact with them. Face ID is central to the iPhone experience. Galaxy S22 provides an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition; many shoppers prefer fingerprint unlocking when their phone is on a desk.

Both models support 5G. At Tech Market®, phones are sold SIM-free and unlocked, so you can use a compatible UK network rather than choosing between locked and unlocked versions. Your tariff, location and network determine actual 5G service.

Both phones carried IP68 ratings when new, but water resistance can reduce with age, drops and repairs. Do not assume a refurbished phone is waterproof or deliberately submerge it.

8. Storage: is 128GB enough?

Both models are available with 128GB and 256GB storage. The iPhone 13 was also offered in 512GB. Neither device has a conventional microSD expansion slot, so choosing storage carefully matters.

128GB is a practical starting point for ordinary use, cloud photos, messaging, apps and streaming.

256GB is worth considering if you record lots of video, keep large games or store music and films offline.

Always compare like-for-like capacities. A 256GB Galaxy S22 can be a better deal than a 128GB iPhone 13 for somebody whose main problem is running out of storage, even if they otherwise like both phones equally.

9. Which refurbished condition should you choose?

Tech Market uses four cosmetic grades. All describe appearance, rather than making a promise about battery capacity or software longevity.

Pristine: closest to new in appearance, with an unmarked screen and very minor imperfections, if any.

Very Good: excellent appearance, with minor signs of previous use.

Good: fully working, with more noticeable normal wear such as scratches or scuffs.

Acceptable: fully working, with heavier visible wear and cosmetic marks.

If you use a protective case, choosing Good rather than Pristine can make financial sense when the saving is meaningful. But pay particular attention to visible screen wear, battery information and the description of the exact device.

Read our full refurbished condition grades comparison.

10. Refurbished iPhone 13 vs Galaxy S22: final verdict

Best for 120Hz smoothness — Galaxy S22. Its adaptive high-refresh OLED display is the more fluid option.

Best for 3x optical zoom — Galaxy S22. The separate telephoto camera is genuinely useful for photography.

Best for MagSafe and Face ID — iPhone 13. It makes particular sense for shoppers already using Apple's ecosystem.

Best for USB-C — Galaxy S22. One cable type may serve more of your devices.

Best for everyday iOS video — iPhone 13. Apple offers a polished video toolset with Dolby Vision HDR recording.

Best refurbished value — depends on the listing. Look at actual storage, cosmetic grade, battery details, software needs and the live UK price. A fair comparison is 128GB vs 128GB in similar condition, not an expensive Pristine phone against a heavily worn bargain.

If neither phone looks right, compare the latest iPhone 13 stock with other refurbished Samsung models. For a newer Samsung option, our Galaxy S23 vs S24 buying guide explains the upgrade trade-offs.

Why buy a refurbished phone from Tech Market?

At Tech Market, our refurbished devices are professionally checked by our in-house team before sale. UK customers can compare models in Pristine, Very Good, Good and Acceptable condition, subject to stock, with fast UK delivery and a 1-year warranty included.

All our phones are sold SIM-free and unlocked. Check the individual listing for storage, colour, condition, included cable and availability. No fixed promotional price is assumed in this guide.

Shop iPhone 13 | Shop Samsung phones

Frequently asked questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 better than the iPhone 13?

Not universally. The S22 has smoother 120Hz scrolling, a 3x telephoto camera and USB-C. The iPhone 13 has iOS, Face ID, MagSafe and strong HDR video capabilities. The better choice depends on your preferences and the refurbished price.

Which has the better camera, iPhone 13 or S22?

The Galaxy S22 is more versatile for distant subjects because it has a 3x optical telephoto lens. The iPhone 13 is a strong choice for everyday photography and video. Results vary by lighting, mode and processing.

Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying refurbished in 2026?

It can be, particularly if you want iOS and find a well-priced phone with suitable storage and battery condition. Check current software compatibility and compare its asking price with newer refurbished models before ordering.

Does the Samsung S22 have 120Hz?

Yes. The standard Galaxy S22 uses a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The standard iPhone 13 uses a 60Hz display.

Which charges with USB-C?

The Galaxy S22 uses USB-C. The iPhone 13 uses Lightning and also supports MagSafe and compatible Qi wireless charging.

Are Tech Market iPhone 13 and Samsung phones unlocked?

Yes. Tech Market phones are sold SIM-free and unlocked, allowing use with a compatible UK mobile network. Confirm your chosen network's service and SIM requirements separately.

Do refurbished iPhone 13 and Galaxy S22 phones have a warranty?

Tech Market includes a 1-year warranty with refurbished devices unless an individual product states otherwise. Product availability, cosmetic grade and box contents can vary by listing.

Sources and further reading

The hardware comparisons above are based on Apple's iPhone 13 technical specifications, Samsung UK's Galaxy S22 specifications and Samsung's original S22 software-update commitment. Refurbished condition and delivery information is based on Tech Market's own website. Product availability and manufacturer software policies can change.