Several phones, despite being released a few years ago, still offer amazing performance, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 is one of them. It is a compact flagship smartphone that offers a sleek design, powerful hardware, and a premium display. Our team spent several days testing the device across everyday tasks, photography, and performance benchmarks to give you a firsthand look at what it delivers.
While it impresses in many areas, we also noticed a few minor quirks worth noting. In this review, we’ll dive into the S22’s features, specifications, and overall performance. We aim to provide a proper overview of the phone to help you decide if it’s the right smartphone for you.
Key Takeaways:
- The Galaxy S22 offers a compact and premium design that is comfortable to hold.
- Its 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals.
- Performance is strong with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 8 GB RAM.
- The versatile triple-camera system captures sharp photos and high-quality videos.
- Battery life supports a full day of moderate use with fast wired and wireless charging.
An Overview of Samsung Galaxy S22:
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a compact flagship designed for users who want top-tier performance in a smaller, more manageable form factor. It features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals.
Under the hood, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (in most regions) paired with 8GB of RAM, ensuring fast multitasking and gaming performance.
The camera setup is versatile, with a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lens, capable of capturing detailed photos and videos in various conditions.
Unlike modern devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and iPhone 14 Pro, the S22 is slightly older but still highly capable, offering flagship features at a more affordable price point.
Technical Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 6.1″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2340 × 1080 pixels, 120 Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (in most markets) |
| RAM & Storage | 8 GB RAM with 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultra-wide) + 10 MP (telephoto, 3× optical) |
| Front Camera | 10 MP (wide) |
| Battery | 3,700 mAh (non-removable) |
| Charging | 25 W wired fast charging + 15 W wireless charging |
| Dimensions & Weight | 146 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm; approx. 167 g |
| Build & Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus+ front/back, aluminum frame, IP68 rating |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) |
Detailed Review of Samsung Galaxy S22 Features:
Here’s the detailed review of Samsung Galaxy S22’s features:
Design & Build
The Galaxy S22 continues Samsung’s tradition of premium design in a compact form. Measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing just 167 grams, it feels sturdy yet comfortable in hand.
The Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, give it a high-end feel while remaining durable.
The edges are slightly curved, enhancing ergonomics, and the matte back minimizes fingerprints.
Our team appreciated the sleek finish and lightweight nature, although some users with larger hands may find the smaller size less immersive for media consumption.
Display
Compared to previous Galaxy models, such as the Galaxy A55, the S22 offers a more premium design, higher-end performance, and a vibrant, smoother display. It has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Brightness levels are impressive, colors are vibrant, and contrast is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. HDR10+ support makes videos and streaming content look stunning.
During testing, we found sunlight visibility to be very good, though under extremely harsh sunlight, the content required slight tilting for optimal clarity. It’s just a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent display. Touch responsiveness is fluid, and scrolling feels exceptionally smooth thanks to the high refresh rate.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (4nm) in most regions and paired with 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S22 handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
Apps open quickly, animations are fluid, and switching between heavy apps is seamless. In gaming tests, titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile ran smoothly on high graphics settings, with frame drops rarely noticeable.
However, prolonged gaming sessions caused slight heating near the camera module, which is something to be aware of, though performance throttling remained minimal.
Daily tasks such as browsing, streaming, and social media were flawless throughout our testing.
Smart Features & User Experience
Running One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, the Galaxy S22 delivers a smooth and intuitive experience. Features like Edge Panels, Samsung DeX, and Quick Share enhance productivity and streamline everyday tasks.
The fingerprint sensor under the display is fast and reliable, and face unlock works seamlessly in all lighting conditions.
Bixby and AI-driven suggestions add further convenience, making navigation and device management effortless.
Overall, the software experience is polished, responsive, and enjoyable, providing a premium user experience that complements the phone’s hardware and design.
Camera System
The rear triple-camera setup consists of a 50MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Photos taken in daylight were sharp, detailed, and well-balanced. Night mode delivers impressive low-light results, though maximum zoom images showed minor noise and slight loss of detail.
Video recording supports 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, offering excellent stabilization and color reproduction. The 10MP front camera captures crisp selfies, performs well in varied lighting, and supports portrait mode with smooth edge detection.
Compared to mid-range devices like the OnePlus Nord 3, the S22’s camera system pulls noticeably ahead in low-light detail, zoom clarity, and video stabilization, reflecting the gap between a compact flagship and a budget-focused alternative.
Connectivity
The S22 supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and dual SIM (nano + eSIM) configurations. Call quality was clear, and network performance was stable throughout our testing.
GPS navigation was accurate, and the device connected reliably to smartwatches and earbuds. Samsung maintains strong ecosystem integration, making pairing with other Galaxy devices seamless.
Minor caveat: In areas with fluctuating 5G coverage, the device occasionally switched to 4G before reconnecting to 5G.
Battery & Charging
The 3,700 mAh battery offers a full day of moderate use, including browsing, calls, streaming, and social media. Heavy users may need to top up before the day ends, as battery drain can be faster under gaming or 120Hz refresh rate use. Although this battery life isn’t as amazing as that of other models like the OnePlus 13, it still handles a full day of regular use reliably and supports fast wired and wireless charging when needed.
Wired fast charging at 25W gets the phone to around 50% in roughly 30 minutes, while wireless charging at 15W works efficiently.
Reverse wireless charging is supported, though charging other devices is relatively slow.
Storage Options & Pricing:
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is available in two storage configurations, 128 GB and 256 GB, both with 8 GB RAM. In Finland, the 128 GB variant typically retails around €1,060–€1,100, while the 256 GB model can be found for approximately €620, depending on retailer and stock. Prices may vary slightly based on promotions, import status, or whether the device is new or refurbished.
Pros & Cons of Samsung Galaxy S22:
Pros
- Compact and premium design that feels sturdy and comfortable in hand
- Vibrant 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8 GB RAM
- Versatile triple-camera system capable of high-quality photos and videos
- Smooth software experience with One UI 5.1 and Android 13
- Strong connectivity options including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, and dual SIM
Cons
- Battery life is adequate but may require topping up for heavy users
- Maximum zoom on cameras can show minor detail loss
- Small form factor may feel less immersive for media consumption
Is it the Right Phone for you?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is ideal for users who want a compact flagship with a premium design, excellent performance, and a versatile camera system. It is perfect for daily use, photography, and multimedia on the go.
If you value a smaller, easy-to-handle phone without compromising on features, the S22 is a strong choice. However, those seeking longer battery life or a larger display may want to consider other models in Samsung’s lineup.
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy S22 delivers a well-rounded flagship experience in a compact and stylish package. Its vibrant display, powerful performance, versatile cameras, and polished software make it a strong contender for users who value premium features in a smaller form factor.
While battery life and maximum zoom have minor limitations, the overall experience remains impressive. For anyone seeking a capable, easy-to-handle smartphone that excels in daily use, multimedia, and photography, the Galaxy S22 stands out as a reliable and enjoyable choice.
