Samsung S22 Review: A Balanced Flagship for Everyday Users

When a new smartphone arrives, people expect either a bold design or a futuristic feature that makes it stand out. The Samsung S22, however, takes a different route. It is not the kind of phone that shouts for attention with flashy tricks. Instead, it focuses on reliability, refinement, and consistent performance. In many ways, this is what makes it one of the most practical choices in the current Android lineup.

This article explores the design, display, performance, battery, cameras, and software experience of the device. It blends official information with real-world feedback from reviewers who used it daily.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the S22 looks familiar. Samsung did not reinvent the wheel, but it has refined the shape with squared-off edges and slimmer lines. The phone feels compact, especially compared to larger flagships, and the choice of glass on the back gives it a more premium feel than its predecessor, which used plastic.

This compact form is not just for looks. For many users, especially those who prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand, this design makes daily use more comfortable. It also makes the phone feel sturdy and reliable, something Samsung has consistently delivered in its high-end models.

Display Performance

Samsung has long been known for making some of the best displays in the smartphone world, and the S22 continues this tradition. The 6.1-inch screen is sharp, bright, and vibrant. With a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent, even under direct sunlight.

The refresh rate ranges between 48Hz and 120Hz. This means the screen is smooth while scrolling and gaming, though it does not drop all the way to 1Hz like the Ultra model. For most people, this difference is hardly noticeable in real-world use. Watching videos, browsing social media, or playing games feels fluid and engaging.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor in most regions, the phone is fast and responsive. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming runs at high settings without much struggle. The base model comes with 8GB RAM, which is enough for heavy daily usage.

One area where Samsung has made improvements is haptics. The company switched to a different vibration motor this year. It still feels good while typing or receiving alerts, though some reviewers noted it is a bit softer compared to older models.

Storage options range from 128GB to 256GB, and while there is no microSD slot, cloud storage and fast transfer options make up for it.

The performance scores of the Samsung S22 highlight its strength as a flagship device. On AnTuTu, it reaches 745,496 points on version 8 and an improved 881,428 points on version 9, showing how the updated software benchmark reflects the phone’s raw power more accurately. In GeekBench 5.1, the S22 scores 3682 points, which places it among the top-performing smartphones of its generation. These numbers translate to smooth multitasking, faster app launches, and reliable performance in demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and productivity work. While benchmarks don’t always tell the full story, they confirm that the Galaxy S22 is built to handle both everyday use and heavy workloads with ease.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life was a concern when Samsung announced that the S22 would ship with a slightly smaller battery than the previous model. In real-world use, however, it performs better than expected. With moderate usage, the phone comfortably lasts a full day, ending with around 10–20% left by bedtime. The larger S22+ stretches to about a day and a half.

Charging speeds are decent. The standard version supports 25W fast charging, while the S22+ goes up to 45W. Unfortunately, the faster charger is not included in the box and needs to be purchased separately. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also supported, which add to the convenience.

Camera System

Photography is one of the highlights of this phone. The main camera has been upgraded to a 50MP sensor, joined by a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens. This trio delivers sharp, well-balanced photos across different lighting conditions.

Colors are vibrant without looking oversaturated, and the new sensor captures more detail compared to older models. Low-light performance is stronger too, thanks to Samsung’s “Nightography” improvements.

The telephoto lens allows for solid zoom shots, while the ultra-wide camera is great for landscapes and group photos. Video recording supports 8K at 24fps and improved stabilization, making it more reliable for casual filmmakers.

One neat addition is support for Samsung’s Expert RAW app. This feature allows users who enjoy editing to capture more flexible files for post-processing. For everyday users, the default camera app is simple and delivers consistent results.

Software and Updates

The S22 ships with One UI 4.1 based on Android 12. Samsung’s interface has come a long way from its earlier versions. It now feels polished, feature-rich, and smooth. Small touches like better animations and cleaner menus make the experience enjoyable.

Samsung has also promised four years of software updates and five years of security patches. This commitment means the phone will remain secure and up to date for a long time, outpacing many competitors, including Google’s own Pixel devices.

Another interesting note is how Samsung has integrated Google’s apps. For example, the default messaging app is a skinned version of Google Messages, and Google Duo features arrived on Samsung phones before others. This shows how Samsung balances its own software with Google’s ecosystem.

Everyday Experience

Using the S22 daily feels straightforward. There are no major surprises or disappointments. The phone may not have the wild features of some rivals, like extreme zoom or foldable displays, but it nails the basics. The design is comfortable, the display is beautiful, the cameras are versatile, and the performance is smooth.

In a way, it is a “boring flagship,” but that is not an insult. It means the phone avoids drama, offering consistency instead of gimmicks. For users who want a reliable device that simply works, this is a big advantage.

Compare to Latest Flagships

When placed against the newest models like the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16, the Samsung S22 naturally shows its age, but it still stands out as a dependable option. The latest flagships bring more advanced processors, improved efficiency, and cutting-edge camera features, which give them an edge in raw power and future-proofing. However, the S22 continues to hold value with its strong performance, sharp display, and refined design. For many users, the difference between these newer models and the S22 will feel incremental in day-to-day tasks. This makes the Galaxy S22 an attractive choice for those who want a flagship-like experience without paying the premium price of the very latest phones.

Should You Buy It?

The decision comes down to what you value most in a smartphone. If you want the absolute cutting-edge technology, you might lean toward the Ultra model. But if you prefer a compact, reliable phone that delivers solid performance across the board, the S22 is a great pick.

It is priced lower than many of its competitors, yet it offers similar flagship-level experiences. The only real drawbacks are the lack of microSD support, the charger not being included in the box, and slightly reduced haptic strength. For most people, these are minor issues compared to the overall package.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung S22 is a refined flagship that focuses on balance rather than bold experiments. It delivers where it matters most: display, cameras, performance, and software support. It may not grab headlines for flashy innovations, but in everyday use, it feels dependable and polished.

For anyone looking for an Android phone that combines premium design with long-term software support, the S22 stands out as one of the most sensible choices in 2022 and beyond.

FAQs