Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ worth buying in 2023?

Exploring the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus: Are these basic flagship models worth buying in 2023? (Image via Samsung)
Exploring the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus: Are these basic flagship models worth buying in 2023? (Image via Samsung)

In 2022, Samsung launched the Galaxy S22 series featuring three models: the S22, the S22 Plus, and the S22 Ultra. All the variants performed well in the market, and the revenue collected through their sales was significantly higher compared to S21's market performance in 2021.

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The Samsung Galaxy S series is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, flagship lines for an Android fan. The South Korean giant launches yearly iterations in the series, offering tech savvies a taste of modern and powerful mobile technology regularly.

With 2022 closing its curtains and a new year already underway, the popular consumer electronics company is now ready to launch a new series in the Galaxy S segment. This brings up the important question of whether last year's Galaxy S models, especially the S22 and S22 Plus, are still worth buying.

Let's take a look at how the Samsung Galaxy S22 and its Plus variant fare against existing and upcoming flagships, and discuss their relevance in 2023.


Exploring the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus: Are the basic flagship models worth buying in 2023?

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Despite these devices maintaining the company's flagship standards, multiple fans have noted the S22 and its Plus variant's disappointingly subtle distinguishing features from their predecessors. The same isn't true for the S22 Ultra, the lineup's premium flagship model that has won many hearts because of its resemblance to the Galaxy Note, powerful features, and true successor qualities.

That said, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ will be good picks for someone who hasn't tried a Galaxy S device before. These are also excellent alternatives for S20 or S20+ owners, primarily due to their performance quotients and camera capabilities.


Features

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The Galaxy S22 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (Exynos 2200 in some markets) and 8GB LPDDR5 RAM. There are two storage variants - 128GB and 256GB - and they have fast UFS storage specifications.

It is equipped with a brilliant 6.1-inch AMOLED display and features a robust build and stunning body design. One can also choose from multiple color options.

The rear cameras on this one comprise a 50MP primary, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide, which ensures high-quality mobile photography in both daylight and low-lit situations. The battery life, however, is pretty disappointing, with only 3700 mAh to bank on.

The Galaxy S22 ensures an up-to-date software experience, with the company promising four years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates.

Buy the Galaxy S22 from Amazon

In comparison, the Galaxy S22+ features a bigger and brighter display, a stronger battery, and better quick charging standards.

The 6.6-inch AMOLED display on the S22+ promises 1750 nits of brightness. It features a 4500 mAh battery capacity, which is a major upgrade over the base model. It also supports fast charging at 45W, whereas the S22 supports the same at 25W.

Buy the Galaxy S22+ from Amazon

When compared to the S22, the S22+ may seem to be the better pick due to its battery features. However, many fans are likely to find the difference extremely subtle and skip picking the pricier variant.

CategorySamsung Galaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S22+
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Exynos 2200)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Exynos 2200)
CPUOcta-core (3 GHz, Single core, Cortex X2 + 2.4 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A710 + 1.7 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510)Octa-core (3 GHz, Single core, Cortex X2 + 2.4 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A710 + 1.7 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510)
RAM8 GB LPDDR58 GB LPDDR5
Display6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Brightness1300 nits1750 nits
Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz
Weight167 grams195 grams
Main Camera Resolution50 MP f/1.8, Wide Angle (85° field-of-view), Primary Camera(24 mm focal length, 1.56" sensor size, 1µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera(13 mm focal length, 2.55" sensor size, 1.4µm pixel size)10 MP f/2.4, Telephoto Camera(70 mm focal length, 3.9" sensor size, 1µm pixel size)50 MP f/1.8, Wide Angle (85° field-of-view), Primary Camera(24 mm focal length, 1.56" sensor size, 1µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera(13 mm focal length, 2.55" sensor size, 1.4µm pixel size)10 MP f/2.4, Telephoto Camera(70 mm focal length, 3.9" sensor size, 1µm pixel size)
Front Camera Resolution10 MP f/2.2, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(26 mm focal length, 3.2" sensor size, 1.22µm pixel size)10 MP f/2.2, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(26 mm focal length, 3.2" sensor size, 1.22µm pixel size)
Battery Capacity3700 mAh4500 mAh
Quick Charging25W
45W
Storage TypeUFS 3.1UFS 3.1

Is buying the S22 or the S22+ worthwhile in 2023?

To sum it up, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ are excellent flagship smartphones. However, with the company's Galaxy Unpacked event possibly scheduled for February, it may be futile to purchase these models if you are someone who likes to own the latest offerings in the market.

The S22 and S22+ feature very few upgrades from the S21 and S21+, which is a dealbreaker for many. The upcoming S23 series will feature a base and a plus model too, which will most probably serve as better picks over the S22 series in 2023.

That said, the S22 and S22+ will have a lower price tag this year, which is bound to appeal to a section of economical smartphone buyers. Ultimately, the choice boils down to the user's priority - budget price or advanced specifications.

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Edited by Ritoban "Veloxi" Paul
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