Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, both released in February 2022, represent Samsung's flagship offerings from that year. While they share a common foundation in terms of their operating system, Android with One UI, and core internal components, their primary distinctions lie in physical size, display brightness, and battery capacity. These differences cater to varying user preferences regarding portability and endurance.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timeline and software support are key factors. Both models were launched in February 2022.

  • Software Support: Samsung initially promised four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S22 series. As of February 2026, both the S22 and S22 Plus are in their final year of security updates, receiving quarterly patches. Android 16 is expected to be the last major OS upgrade, with security support concluding in 2027.
  • Repairability: Both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit. This is largely attributed to the extensive use of strong adhesive, which makes components like the battery and screen difficult to replace. While one assessment gave the S22 a higher score, it still noted challenges due to adhesive.
  • Build Quality: Both devices feature a durable construction with a glass back, an aluminum frame, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back for enhanced scratch and drop resistance. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus is largely consistent, as they share the same core processing power and memory configurations. However, differences in physical size lead to notable variations in battery performance.

  • Processing Power: Both models are equipped with a capable processor, allowing them to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. This ensures a responsive user experience for everyday tasks, from browsing and social media to more intensive gaming.
  • Memory and Storage: Each device comes with 8GB of RAM, providing sufficient capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. Storage options are available in 128GB and 256GB configurations for both models.
  • Battery Life: The Galaxy S22 is powered by a 3700mAh battery, while the larger Galaxy S22 Plus features a 4500mAh battery. In real-world usage, the S22 Plus generally offers significantly longer battery life, often lasting several additional hours for heavy users. The smaller S22's battery life can be a frequent concern for those with intensive usage patterns.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus is vibrant and clear, though they differ in size and peak brightness.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vivid colors. They both offer an FHD+ resolution, which provides sharp visuals for typical viewing distances. The S22 has a 6.1-inch display, while the S22 Plus has a larger 6.6-inch display. Due to its smaller size, the S22 has a slightly higher pixel density, though this difference is generally not perceptible to the human eye in daily use.
  • Brightness: The Galaxy S22 can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, while the Galaxy S22 Plus can achieve a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits. This increased brightness on the S22 Plus can make a noticeable difference in outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which contributes to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 48Hz to conserve battery life when static content is shown.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus are identical, offering a versatile setup for various photography and videography needs.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices feature a triple-camera array on the rear. This includes a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed wide shots, expansive landscapes, and clear zoomed-in images.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, both phones are equipped with a 10-megapixel front-facing camera. Both models are capable of recording video at resolutions up to 8K at 24 frames per second.
  • Photography Performance: The cameras offer improved nighttime photography capabilities. However, some users have reported challenges with capturing clear images of moving subjects in low-light conditions.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two Galaxy models.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Some users have reported occasional Wi-Fi connection drops, particularly when connected to Wi-Fi 6 routers.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 is more compact and lighter, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167 grams. The S22 Plus is larger at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195 grams. The smaller S22 is generally preferred for one-handed use and portability, while the S22 Plus offers a more expansive viewing area. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both models incorporate an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication, alongside face recognition capabilities.

Weight

195 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

User feedback for both the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus often highlights their excellent displays and capable camera systems as strong points. Many appreciate the premium build quality and the overall smooth performance for daily tasks.

However, common criticisms frequently revolve around battery life, particularly for the standard S22, which many heavy users find insufficient for a full day. Both models have also seen reports of overheating and performance throttling during extended demanding use, such as gaming. The repairability of both devices is noted as challenging due to the extensive use of adhesive. Some users have also experienced software bugs and occasional UI lag.

Users prioritizing a compact and lightweight device that is comfortable for one-handed operation and easy to carry may find the Galaxy S22 better suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a larger screen for media consumption, productivity, and require significantly better battery endurance will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus. The decision between these two largely comes down to the preferred balance between device size and battery longevity.

For those considering these models, exploring a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the lifecycle of these devices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons