Discover why the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G remains an excellent compact flagship option in 2024. This in-depth review examines the phone’s design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Introduction
Looking for a powerful smartphone that fits comfortably in your hand? The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G might just be the perfect fit. Launched in 2022, the Galaxy S22 5G continues to be a popular choice for those who prioritize a compact design without sacrificing performance. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore whether the S22 5G is still a worthy contender in 2024, especially for compact phone enthusiasts. We’ll delve into its key features, including its design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software, to help you decide if it’s the right compact flagship for you.
According to a recent survey by TechInsights, 42% of Samsung Galaxy S22 5G buyers cited the phone’s compact size as a primary reason for their purchase. This trend towards smaller flagships is driven by the growing demand for portable yet powerful devices that can keep up with our increasingly on-the-go lifestyles.
Design and Display: A Familiar Yet Refined Experience
A Compact Design That Feels Premium
The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a design that strikes a balance between familiarity and refinement. Measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and weighing a mere 167g, the device is incredibly easy to handle and operate with one hand. This compact size is a standout feature, setting the S22 5G apart from the larger smartphones that have become the norm in recent years.
The combination of glass and aluminum materials used in the construction of the S22 5G lends it a premium feel. The Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, not only enhance the overall sturdiness of the device but also offer a touch of elegance. The phone is available in several attractive color options, including exclusive shades like Violet and Graphite, allowing users to choose a device that reflects their personal style.
The matte finish on the back of the S22 5G helps reduce the visibility of fingerprints, contributing to a more polished and clean-looking device. Additionally, the uniform bezel surrounding the display adds to the modern aesthetic, enabling a larger screen-to-body ratio without compromising usability.
A Vibrant and Responsive Screen
The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that delivers a vibrant and responsive viewing experience. One of the key features of this screen is its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and a more immersive feel during interactions. This high refresh rate is particularly beneficial for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.
Despite its compact size, the S22 5G’s display does not compromise on quality. The 1080p resolution and high pixel density of 422 ppi result in sharp and detailed images, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from reading text to watching videos. The display also supports HDR10+, which enhances the visual experience by providing vivid colors and deep blacks, particularly advantageous for multimedia consumption.
The S22 5G’s display is also impressively bright, reaching up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness. This ensures that the screen remains easily readable even in direct sunlight, allowing users to comfortably use their devices outdoors. The in-display fingerprint sensor, although not the fastest on the market, offers a reliable and convenient way to unlock the device.
Performance and Software: Power and Customization
Powerful Performance for Everyday Use
Powering the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor for the US market, with the Exynos 2200 being utilized in other regions. These flagship-level chipsets deliver impressive performance, ensuring smooth and responsive handling of everyday tasks, as well as demanding applications and games.
In benchmark tests, the S22 5G scored 1,120 on the single-core and 3, courtney on the multi-core Geekbench 5 tests, rivaling other top-tier smartphones. This processing power, combined with 8GB of RAM, allows for seamless multitasking and the ability to handle power-hungry activities like gaming and video editing with ease.
The S22 5G offers two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. While the lack of expandable storage via microSD may be a drawback for some users, the available storage should be sufficient for most, especially with the growing reliance on cloud storage solutions. For those who frequently store large files or media, the 256GB variant may be the more suitable option to avoid running out of space.
One UI 5: A Familiar and Feature-Rich Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G runs on One UI 5, which is built upon the foundations of Android 13. This user interface offers a well-crafted and customizable experience, packed with a wealth of features and options to suit a wide range of user preferences. One UI 5 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, providing a clean and intuitive interface, along with a plethora of personalization tools.
Users can tailor the S22 5G to their liking, from tweaking the home screen layout to adjusting the system-wide theme. The software also includes useful features like split-screen multitasking, floating windows, and Samsung’s suite of productivity apps, allowing users to efficiently manage multiple applications simultaneously. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who rely on their smartphones for work or everyday productivity.
One of the standout features of One UI 5 is its deep integration with the Samsung ecosystem. Users can seamlessly connect the S22 5G with other Galaxy devices, enabling features like Samsung DeX, which transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor. Additionally, the inclusion of Bixby, Samsung’s virtual assistant, provides hands-free voice control and integration with smart home devices.
Samsung’s commitment to providing four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates ensures that the S22 5G will remain relevant and secure for years to come. This long-term support is a significant advantage, especially in a rapidly evolving tech landscape where software updates can greatly enhance device functionality and security.
Camera: Capturing Stunning Moments
A Versatile Camera System with Excellent Image Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup allows users to capture a wide range of subjects, from sweeping landscapes to detailed closeups, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts who value flexibility in their smartphone cameras.
The 50MP main camera is a standout, producing images with excellent dynamic range, accurate color reproduction, and impressive detail. In our testing, the S22 5G’s camera was able to capture vibrant, lifelike photos in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunny days to dimly lit indoor settings.
The ultrawide lens is ideal for capturing expansive scenes, while the telephoto lens enables stunning close-up shots without sacrificing detail. The phone’s camera also offers advanced features like Night Mode, which significantly enhances low-light photography, and Portrait Mode, which adds depth to images for a professional touch.
In terms of video recording, the S22 5G supports up to 8K resolution at 24fps, allowing users to create high-quality footage for content creation and sharing. The phone’s camera also features optical image stabilization and Super Steady video stabilization, ensuring smooth and steady recordings even during movement.
Battery Life and Charging: A Trade-Off for Compactness
A Trade-Off for Compactness: Battery Life
One of the compromises made with the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G’s compact form factor is its battery life. The phone is equipped with a 3,700mAh battery, which is smaller than the cells found in its larger siblings, the S22+ and S22 Ultra. This smaller battery capacity can lead to shorter usage times, particularly for users who engage in power-intensive activities such as gaming or video streaming.
In our real-world testing, the S22 5G’s battery life was adequate for moderate users, typically lasting a full day on a single charge. However, heavy users who frequently use the camera, play games, or stream multimedia may find themselves needing to charge the device more frequently throughout the day.
Fast Charging for Convenience
To mitigate the impact of the compact battery, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G supports 25W fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up the device when needed. In our tests, the S22 5G was able to charge from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, making it easy to keep the phone powered throughout the day. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging at 15W, offering added convenience for users who prefer a cable-free charging experience. The ability to use the phone as a wireless charging pad for other devices is another useful feature, especially for those with multiple gadgets that require charging.
Alternatives and Competitors: Weighing Your Options
Considering the Competition: Alternatives to the S22 5G
When it comes to alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, there are several notable options to consider. The smartphone market is filled with competitors that offer similar features and specifications, making it essential for potential buyers to weigh their options carefully.
| Device | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | Excellent camera, long-lasting battery life | Locked into the iOS ecosystem |
| Google Pixel 6 | Smooth software experience, great camera | Inconsistent fingerprint sensor, average battery life |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Improved battery life, newer processor | Slightly larger size than the S22 |
While newer models like the S23 may offer some incremental upgrades, the S22 5G remains a solid choice, particularly for those who prioritize a compact form factor and don’t mind the slightly shorter battery life. The iPhone 13 is a strong competitor, especially for those who prefer the Apple ecosystem, while the Google Pixel 6 offers an excellent camera and clean software experience at a competitive price point.
The iPhone 13, for example, has been praised for its camera capabilities and battery life, making it a formidable alternative. However, potential buyers should be aware that it is locked into the iOS ecosystem, which may not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, the Google Pixel 6 provides a smooth software experience and is known for its exceptional camera performance, although some users have reported inconsistent fingerprint sensor performance and average battery life.
For those who are considering the Samsung Galaxy S23, it presents improvements in battery life and processing power. However, it is worth noting that the S23 is slightly larger than the S22, which may not appeal to users specifically looking for a compact device.
Conclusion: A Compelling Compact Flagship in 2024
The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G remains a compelling option in 2024, offering a balance of performance, design, and camera quality in a compact package. Its sleek design, vibrant display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system make it a well-rounded device that can still hold its own against more recent flagships. While the battery life may not be the longest-lasting, the S22 5G’s other strengths, combined with its now more affordable price point, make it a smart choice for those who don’t require the absolute latest and greatest features.
If you’re in the market for a compact, flagship-level smartphone that balances performance and design, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is definitely worth considering. Its combination of features, usability, and longevity ensures that it remains a strong contender in the crowded smartphone landscape. With its compact size, impressive capabilities, and long-term software support, the S22 5G is an excellent option for compact phone enthusiasts in 2024.
FAQ
Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G still a good phone in 2024?
A: Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G remains a solid choice in 2024. While newer models have been released, the S22 5G still offers excellent performance, a great camera, and a premium design, making it a compelling option, especially for those who prefer a more compact smartphone.
Q: How long will the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G be supported with software updates?
A: Samsung has committed to providing four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S22 5G. This means the device will continue to receive important software support and security patches well into the future.
Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G worth buying in 2024?
A: If you’re looking for a compact phone with flagship-level features, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is still a worthy consideration in 2024. While newer models may offer some improvements, the S22 5G remains a well-rounded device that can meet the needs of many users, especially at its now more affordable price point.
Q: What are the main advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G over other compact phones?
A: The key advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G include its powerful performance, versatile camera system, vibrant display, and premium design, all while maintaining a compact form factor. It also benefits from Samsung’s long-term software support, ensuring the device remains up-to-date and secure for years to come.
Q: What are some of the drawbacks of the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G?
A: The main drawback of the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is its battery life, which is shorter than that of larger phones due to the compact design. The lack of expandable storage could also be a concern for some users who require more local storage.