Samsung’s Galaxy lineup keeps moving forward, and the jump from the S22 to the S25 is one of the clearer upgrades you can make. If you own an S22 or are choosing a new phone right now, this comparison will help you pick the right one. I wrote this based on a hands-on review, so the points below follow what was found in real use: screen brightness, battery size, cameras, and long-term software support are the main differences.
Design and feel
From a distance the two phones look quite similar. Both keep Samsung’s clean design, frosted glass backs, and a familiar camera island. The S22 is slightly more curved at the sides, while the S25 is a touch boxier but still comfortable in the hand. Sizewise, the S22 has a 6.1-inch display and the S25 a 6.2-inch panel. The difference is small but the S25 feels a little more modern in hand. Materials feel close too: both use glass fronts, wireless charging, and a premium frame. In short, neither phone is awkward to hold, but the S25 gives a subtly fresher impression.
Quick Comparison (Samsung Galaxy s22 vs s25)
Specification
Galaxy S22
Galaxy S25
Display
6.1″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1300 nits
6.2″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits
Chipset
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
RAM
8GB
12GB
Storage
128GB / 256GB
256GB / 512GB
Main Camera
50MP (wide) + 10MP (tele) + 12MP (ultrawide)
50MP (new sensor) + 10MP (tele) + 12MP (ultrawide)
Front Camera
10MP
12MP
Video
8K @ 24fps
8K @ 30fps
Battery
3,700mAh, 25W fast charging
4,000mAh, 45W fast charging
Wireless Charging
Yes (15W)
Yes (15W)
Software Support
4 years OS / 5 years security
7 years OS & security
IP Rating
IP68
IP68
Launch Year
2022
2025
Launch Price
$799
$899
Disclaimer: Specs and prices may vary by region. Always confirm with official sources.
Display and brightness
Both phones offer 120Hz panels, good color, and smooth scrolling. Where the S25 clearly wins is peak brightness. In everyday indoor use you might not notice much, but outdoors on a sunny day the S25’s screen reads much better. The S22’s display is still fine, with solid contrast and accurate colors, but the newer panel on the S25 simply gets brighter and stays usable in harsher light. If you watch a lot of video outdoors or use your phone under strong sunlight, the S25’s screen is worth the upgrade.
Performance and memory
The S22 runs well with its Snapdragon chipset and 8GB of RAM, but the S25 pulls ahead with a newer flagship processor and 12GB RAM in its typical trims. That means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of heavy games or video editing. If you keep your phone for several years, the S25 will feel faster longer. For casual users who mainly browse, chat, and stream, the S22 still performs acceptably but power users will appreciate the extra headroom in the S25.
Cameras and video
Both phones use triple camera arrays and deliver strong results. The review notes both models with 50MP main, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide setups so day-to-day shots look very similar. Where the S25 edges forward is video: it can record 8K at 30fps, while the S22 is limited to 8K at 24fps. That gives the S25 a small advantage for creators who want higher frame rates at the highest resolution. In regular photos the gap is small. For most people, both phones produce excellent images; the S25 just adds a bit more flexibility for serious video work.
Battery and charging
Battery size matters, and the S25 has a larger pack of roughly 4,000mAh compared to about 3,700mAh on the S22. That gives the newer model better stamina on heavy days. Charging speeds and convenience remain similar, and both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. If battery life is a top factor for you, the S25 is a clear win. The S22 still reaches a day on moderate use, but the S25 reduces the worry of midday top-ups.
Software support and longevity
A key point many buyers forget: software updates. The S22, launched in 2022, is already closer to the end of its major update window. The S25 is just starting its update cycle, so it will likely get more years of security patches and feature updates. If you plan to keep a phone for three to four years, the newer model is the safer bet. That makes the S25 not only a better short-term phone but a wiser long-term purchase for people who dislike upgrading often.
Price and value
Price changes the decision. The S22 can often be found far cheaper; it is now a budget-friendly option if you want a solid Galaxy experience at a lower cost. The S25 is priced as a current flagship and carries that premium. If you want the best screen, longer support, faster performance, and slightly better video, the S25 is worth the extra money. But if you are watching your budget and don’t need the newest display or longest update window, the S22 still gives strong value.
Who should buy which phone?
Choose the S25 if you: want the brightest screen, longer battery life, better future-proofing, and stronger performance for games or heavy apps. Pick the S22 if you: want a compact Galaxy phone that still performs well and you can get at a discounted price today.
Final take
The S25 is a clear step up from the S22 in the small but meaningful ways that matter: brightness, battery, performance, and updated longevity. The S22 is not obsolete far from it but it no longer represents the best buy unless price is your primary driver. For most people looking for a phone that will feel modern for years, the S25 is the safer, more future-ready choice. If you find an S22 at a deep discount and don’t need top-tier performance, it remains a sensible, pocket-friendly option.
If you use your phone heavily, care about outdoor screen visibility, or want more future software updates, yes. For light users the upgrade is optional.
Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes. Both support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, so you can top up on a pad or charge other devices.
Which phone has better battery life?
The S25 has a larger battery and therefore better real-world endurance on heavy days.
Can the S22 still handle games and heavy apps?
Yes. The S22 performs well for most games and apps, though the S25 will run the latest heavy titles more smoothly and with less thermal strain.
Is video noticeably better on the S25?
The S25 allows 8K at 30fps, which offers smoother high-resolution capture. For most casual shooters, the difference is minor, but content creators may value it.
Should I wait for price drops on the S25?
If the budget is tight, waiting for promotions or choosing the S22 on sale is a smart move. Otherwise, the S25 is worth buying now for long-term use.
