Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S25

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:482.00

Versus €910.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S25 introduces advancements in processing power, an extended software support policy, and refined design elements. This comparison will explore the practical differences between these two models to help users understand which device might better suit their needs.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in 2022, was initially promised four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with its last major OS update being Android 16 (One UI 8.0/8.5) and security support extending until the first quarter of 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25, launched in 2025, benefits from Samsung's updated policy, offering seven years of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, with support expected to continue until 2032.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection, while the Galaxy S25 incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced resilience against drops and scratches.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest Android features will find the Galaxy S25 more aligned with their needs due to its significantly extended update policy. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, while still receiving security patches, has reached its final major OS update.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with newer models typically offering more responsive experiences across various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S25 features a newer generation processor, designed to deliver notable performance improvements, resulting in smoother operation for demanding applications, better gaming performance, and reduced heat buildup during intensive use.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G generally report consistent performance for daily tasks, though some noted potential heating during prolonged camera use or with certain applications. The Galaxy S25 offers enhanced responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring a fluid user experience even with more complex operations and advanced AI features.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM and storage configurations suitable for most users. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and storage options up to 512GB. The Galaxy S25 typically starts with 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for extensive multitasking and future application demands.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S25 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S25 maintains a Full HD+ resolution on its 6.2-inch screen, while the S22 Plus 5G offers a 6.6-inch display with a similar resolution, resulting in sharp visuals on both.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S25 enhances this with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, providing even better outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a slightly larger screen, which some users might prefer for media consumption. The Galaxy S25, with its higher peak brightness, delivers a more impactful viewing experience, especially in bright environments, and its compact size may appeal to users prioritizing one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080x2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer versatile camera systems with generational improvements.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S25 also comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide, but integrates a 'Next Gen ProVisual Engine' and AI enhancements for improved image processing.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Plus 5G is praised for good daytime photos and improved low-light performance compared to its predecessors, though some users noted it could struggle with moving subjects. The S25 aims to refine image quality with its advanced processing, though some user reviews suggest the camera hardware itself hasn't seen substantial generational leaps, with the primary sensor performing strongly but secondary lenses showing less improvement compared to some competitors.
  • Video and Audio: Both models are capable of high-quality video recording. Microphone quality for calls and speaker output for media consumption are generally robust on both devices, providing clear audio experiences.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and convenience.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2. The newer Galaxy S25 upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both models utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. They also include essential sensors like an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and NFC for contactless payments.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has dimensions of 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm and weighs 195g. The Galaxy S25 is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.9mm x 70.5mm x 7.2mm and weighing 162g, which users often find makes it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying in pockets. Both feature premium build materials, with the S25 utilizing Armour Aluminium.

Weight

195 g

162 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.2

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and Galaxy S25 cater to slightly different user priorities, reflecting the advancements made over three generations of smartphones. Users have praised the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G for its vibrant display, solid performance for its time, and robust build quality. However, some criticisms included its battery life not being exceptional for heavy users and its camera performance occasionally trailing competitors.

The Galaxy S25, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its compact and comfortable design, powerful performance, and an excellent display with significantly higher peak brightness. Its extended software support policy is a major advantage for long-term usability. Common criticisms for the S25 revolve around its camera system, which, while capable, is perceived by some users as not having evolved substantially from previous generations, and its charging speeds remaining consistent with older models.

Users prioritizing a more compact and lightweight device with the longest possible software support and cutting-edge processing power will find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced display brightness and newer connectivity standards also offer a more future-proof experience. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly larger screen and are content with a still-capable device that has received its final major OS update might consider the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to make a sustainable choice.

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