The Samsung Galaxy S22+ was originally released in February 2022, bridging the gap between the compact S22 and the feature-packed S22 Ultra. While newer models have since succeeded it, the S22+ still remains a good phone by today’s standards as a budget-friendly device with premium features and 5G capability.
The S22+ delivers flagship-tier performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a vibrant 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Its triple-camera system performs well in daylight, though low-light photography falls short when compared with more modern competitors. The 4,500mAh battery and 45W fast charging provide a noticeable upgrade over the base S22’s endurance, though power users may still require recharging during intensive use.
For buyers in 2025, the Galaxy S22+ represents a cost-effective way to access core flagship features, particularly for those interested in display quality and processing power.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ review: The verdict
The Galaxy S22+ doesn't get much wrong, but it also doesn't feel like much of a step up over the S21. A phone for when you're ready to upgrade, rather than one to rush out and buy.
What we love
- Stunning screen
- Great build quality
- Solid battery
What could be improved
- Camera not as good as competitors
- Very iterative
The essentials
- Performance: Excellent.
- Battery: Solid. With moderate use, should comfortably last a day per charge with a buffer.
- Screen: Stunning. Samsung at its best.
- Camera: Good for the most part, but a step behind high-end competitors like Google, and Apple.
80/100
The Galaxy S22+ is fine. It's a perfectly acceptable phone that does the things you'd expect. There are no real red flags, but there's also nothing about it that feels truly new. Phones have been boring for a while, at least in terms of specs and splashy new features, but the Galaxy S22+ is a particularly iterative device. How much these improvements matter depends on what exactly it is you're looking for from a phone.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G 256GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.6" |
| Available On | 17 Plans from 2 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $17 per month + $1,199.99 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Samsung’s 2022 Galaxy series phone with upgraded cameras, new 4nm processor technology, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen along with a protective Armor Aluminum frame
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Samsung Galaxy S22+ specs
As is the norm, it's hard to fault Samsung on its industrial design. The Galaxy S22+ is a well-made slab of a phone, with almost no bezel on the front and a fingerprint-resistant matte glass back. Most phones may look the same these days, but Samsung does an impeccable job with how its high-end phones feel. The Galaxy S22+ is a premium device, at least as far as aesthetics are concerned.
The Galaxy S22+ isn't too different from its predecessor in terms of design and dimensions, but there are a few subtle changes. The screen size is 0.1 inches smaller, now measuring in at 6.6 inches. I'm a fan, as it makes one-handed use a touch more natural. In a similar vein, Samsung has plonked the volume rocker and power button further down the phone, making them easier to reach without readjusting your grip.
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
As with the previous year's models, the Galaxy S22+ features a flat display, eschewing the curved design Samsung became known for. Samsung also flattened out the back, making the Galaxy S22+ a little more like an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 in terms of look and feel. There's nothing pillowy about it, marking a clear departure from the design language Samsung has been using on phones as old as the Galaxy S7.
The Galaxy S22+ screen itself is gorgeous. It looks great from every angle, has a silky 120Hz refresh for smoother scrolling, and can get ridiculously bright.
In a similar vein, I've got no complaints about the Galaxy S22+'s performance. It's a fast and responsive phone.
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Samsung Galaxy S22+ camera quality
Photo quality is one area where I was hoping for more from the Galaxy S22+. It can certainly take a nice photo, but in some ways, it's playing catch-up to other, older competitor devices.
Improved low light photography is one of Samsung's key marketing claims for the Galaxy S22 family, and the results certainly aren't bad. While I'm sure many would be happy with the photos the Galaxy S22+ takes, it trails older phones like the iPhone 13 Pro and Google Pixel 6.
The iPhone 13 Pro takes more detailed images, has a faster shoot time, and a more natural look to low light photography that still preserves some shadows. The Pixel 6 is less prone to camera noise, while Galaxy S22+ photos can get somewhat blotchy.
Here's a shot from the Galaxy S22+:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Here's the same from the Pixel 6:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Here's the iPhone 13 Pro take:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
And here's a comparison of 100% crops:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Samsung's also made a big deal about how its new phones feature an improved portrait mode that even works on pets. It doesn't quite live up to the claim of being able to separate wispy hair from a background—whether animal or human—but it does do a very good job of isolating your subject for the most part. Check out this photo of Billie, for example:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
While the Galaxy S22+ can capture lovely photos of your pets, it relies on them staying relatively still. When shooting puppy pics, I found the faster lens of the iPhone 13 Pro much more reliable. Even the iPhone 13 Pro misfires and ends up blurry from time to time, but it was much harder getting a sharp shot with the Galaxy S22+. If Billie was even a little animated, I found myself taking a dozen photos in pursuit of a good one.
Here's one that didn't quite work out (although certainly not the result I got):
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
And here's a nicer one as a cleanser:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
The Galaxy S22+'s secondary lenses are fairly good for the most part. The ultra-wide takes reliable photos in most environments, but the 3x zoom lens is mostly useless at night. Photos are too prone to blur. While you can push as far as 30x digital zoom, quality starts dropping significantly at 5x on for busy subjects. If you’re just shooting architecture, you can comfortably push to around 10x digital zoom.
Here's a zoom comparison:
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Samsung Galaxy S22+ battery life
The Galaxy S22+ has solid battery life, but doesn't quite reach the glorious heights of the iPhone 13 Pro Max and even fall short of the standard iPhone 13. That said, it should still comfortably last a full day per charge with a solid buffer.
In my testing, I found I was comfortably able to hit five hours of screen time per charge, which exceeds what many of the Android predecessor devices were capable of. More importantly, I didn't have to disable the 120Hz display to do so. A 120Hz display tends to be one of the biggest culprits when it comes to an underperforming battery.
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Samsung Galaxy S22+: Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S22+ is a phone that plays it safe. Samsung has refined its phone formula, but it hasn't done much to push it further forward.
Nothing about the Galaxy S22+ is bad; The battery life is solid, performance is snappy, and the screen is gorgeous. I just would have loved to see Samsung do more with the camera, because as it stands, it doesn’t match other major smartphone cameras.
If you're a Samsung fan, the Galaxy S22+ is still a good upgrade if you're on an older model, especially if you don't want to spring for something more expensive like the S25. However, if you want the best camera you can get on a phone, it's worth considering a device from Google, or—heaven forbid—Apple.
Traverse the Galaxy
Snag the latest and greatest Samsung Galaxy devices with a top-notch cell phone plan. You can get a flagship Samsung phone for cheap with our top deals on Samsung devices too.
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 5G 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy Z Flip7 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S26 5G 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S22+: FAQs
Is the Galaxy S22+ a good phone?
Yes, the Galaxy S22+ is a good phone for most users. Its dynamic AMOLED 2X display, fast processor, and 12MP main camera still hold up well, but you might find the battery won’t last heavy users all day.
What is the difference between the Samsung S22 and S22+?
The main differences between the Samsung S22 and S22+ are screen size and battery life:
- The S22+ has a bigger screen than the S22 (6.6” vs. 6.1”).
- The S22+ battery (4,500mAh) lasts longer and charges faster than the S22 battery (3,700mAh).
When was the Samsung Galaxy S22 series released?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series was released in February 2022, including three models: the standard S22, larger S22+, and premium S22 Ultra.
Alex Choros
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "Best Cell Phone Deals for June 2026: Get the New iPhone 17 for Free")
