The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is a premium smartphone that stands out for its blend of cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and high-performance features. As part of Samsung’s flagship S22 lineup, it offers a powerful experience, sitting between the base Galaxy S22 and the top-tier S22 Ultra. With a large 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, top-of-the-line processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200), and a versatile triple-camera system, the S22 Plus is built for users who demand excellence in both functionality and aesthetics.
This phone combines impressive performance for gaming and multitasking with advanced photography features, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It also boasts 5G support, long software update promises, and a solid battery life with fast charging options. In this review, we will explore the Galaxy S22 Plus’s performance, camera quality, and battery life in detail, offering insight into whether this device meets the expectations of a modern flagship.
Design and Build Quality
Before diving into the technical specifics, the first thing you’ll notice about the Galaxy S22 Plus is its sleek and sophisticated design. Samsung has always excelled in producing visually appealing devices, and the S22 Plus is no exception. The phone comes with a glass back, encased in an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The glass is Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, designed to protect against drops and scratches, offering durability in day-to-day use.
The Galaxy S22 Plus features an impressive 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This screen size, along with the slim bezels, ensures that the phone is large enough for immersive viewing experiences without being unwieldy. The phone’s symmetrical design and smooth curves make it comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.
One noticeable change in the design from the previous generation is the camera module. The S22 Plus sports a contour-cut camera housing that seamlessly integrates into the back of the device. The camera bump is less pronounced than in some previous models, adding to the sleek appearance.
Display Quality
Samsung has been a leader in display technology for years, and the S22 Plus continues this tradition. The 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels with a pixel density of around 393 ppi. This translates to sharp, crisp visuals, whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games.
The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness during everyday use. The refresh rate adapts dynamically, meaning it can adjust based on the content you’re viewing, helping to conserve battery life when the higher refresh rate isn’t necessary.
The display also excels in terms of brightness and color accuracy. Samsung claims the S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it one of the brightest displays available on a smartphone. This level of brightness is particularly useful when using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight. Colors are vibrant, and the HDR10+ support ensures that media content, especially videos, looks stunning.
Performance
The Galaxy S22 Plus is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset or the Exynos 2200 (depending on the region). In the U.S. and China, you’ll find the Snapdragon variant, while European markets typically receive the Exynos version. Both chipsets are built on a 4nm process, promising top-tier performance and efficiency.
CPU and GPU Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is an octa-core chipset featuring a high-performance Cortex-X2 core, three Cortex-A710 cores for balanced performance, and four Cortex-A510 cores for efficiency. The combination of these cores provides excellent multitasking capabilities and smooth performance across a variety of applications. Whether you’re gaming, streaming high-resolution videos, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the S22 Plus can handle it all without lag or stutter.
For graphics, the Snapdragon variant is paired with the Adreno 730 GPU, which delivers outstanding gaming performance. Whether you’re playing graphically intense titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, the S22 Plus provides a fluid, immersive gaming experience. The Exynos version, equipped with the Xclipse 920 GPU, also offers solid gaming performance, though historically, Qualcomm’s chips have been slightly better in this regard.
RAM and Storage
The Galaxy S22 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, which may seem modest compared to some other flagship devices with 12GB or even 16GB of RAM. However, the 8GB RAM is more than sufficient for most users. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and switching between demanding applications is seamless.
In terms of storage, the phone is available in 128GB and 256GB variants. Unfortunately, like other recent Samsung flagships, the Galaxy S22 Plus does not feature a microSD card slot, meaning you’re limited to the internal storage. If you’re someone who needs ample space for apps, photos, and videos, the 256GB variant might be a better choice.
Software and User Experience
The Galaxy S22 Plus runs on Samsung’s One UI 4.1, based on Android 12. One UI has come a long way in recent years, and the latest version is intuitive, user-friendly, and packed with features. Samsung’s software philosophy is all about providing a customizable experience, and One UI allows users to personalize almost every aspect of their phone, from the home screen layout to the always-on display.
Some standout features include Samsung DeX, which allows users to turn their phone into a desktop-like experience by connecting it to an external monitor. Edge Panels provide quick access to frequently used apps and tools, and Bixby Routines lets you automate tasks based on your habits. Samsung also integrates SmartThings, which is useful for those who have other Samsung devices or smart home products.
The S22 Plus is also expected to receive at least four years of Android updates, which ensures that it will remain secure and up-to-date with the latest software features for years to come.
Camera System
Samsung has always placed a strong emphasis on camera performance, and the Galaxy S22 Plus does not disappoint. The phone features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of:
- 50 MP wide camera (f/1.8 aperture, 1/1.56″ sensor, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS)
- 12 MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree field of view)
- 10 MP telephoto camera (f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, OIS)
Main Camera Performance
The 50 MP main sensor delivers excellent photo quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Colors are vibrant without being overly saturated, a balance that Samsung has improved in recent years. Details are crisp, and the dynamic range is impressive, ensuring that both shadows and highlights are well-preserved. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) means that even in low-light conditions, the camera can produce sharp, clear images.
Samsung’s Night Mode also performs admirably, brightening up scenes without introducing too much noise. Low-light photos retain good color accuracy and detail, making the S22 Plus one of the better performers in this category compared to other flagship devices.
Ultra-wide Camera
The 12 MP ultra-wide camera offers a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes, large group shots, or architectural photos. While the resolution is lower than the main sensor, the ultra-wide camera still produces good-quality images with minimal distortion. In lower light conditions, though, the quality does take a bit of a hit, with less sharpness and more noise compared to the main sensor.
Telephoto Lens
The 10 MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality. The addition of OIS on the telephoto lens helps to keep zoomed-in shots steady and blur-free. Samsung’s software also allows for digital zoom beyond 3x, but the quality degrades as you zoom further.
Front Camera
On the front, the Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10 MP selfie camera. The front-facing camera does a fantastic job with selfies, producing sharp, well-lit photos with accurate skin tones. Samsung’s AI-based Portrait Mode adds a pleasing bokeh effect to selfies, and you can adjust the blur intensity after taking the photo.
Video Recording
When it comes to video recording, the Galaxy S22 Plus is highly capable. It can record 8K video at 24fps with the main camera and 4K at 60fps with both the front and rear cameras. The inclusion of Super Steady mode helps to reduce shake in videos, especially when recording in 1080p.
The camera also supports HDR10+ video recording, which enhances dynamic range and produces more vivid colors in compatible displays. Samsung’s Pro Video Mode gives users greater control over settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and focus, making the S22 Plus an excellent tool for aspiring videographers.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S22 Plus comes equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than last year’s Galaxy S21 Plus. However, thanks to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chipsets, the battery life on the S22 Plus holds up well in real-world usage.
With regular usage that includes web browsing, social media, taking photos, streaming video, and a bit of gaming, the phone can comfortably last a full day on a single charge. Heavy users who engage in prolonged gaming or video recording might need a top-up in the evening, but for the average user, the battery life should be more than sufficient.
Charging Speeds
Samsung has increased the charging speed for the Galaxy S22 Plus, offering 45W wired charging compared to the 25W on the standard S22 model. While the 45W charger isn’t included in the box, you can purchase it separately to take full advantage of the faster charging speeds. The phone can go from 0% to about 65% in 30 minutes, which is a noticeable improvement over the previous generation.
The S22 Plus also supports 15W wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, which allows you to charge other devices like Galaxy Buds or another smartphone using the back of your Galaxy S22 Plus. Wireless charging is convenient, though not as fast as the wired option. Still, it’s a handy feature, especially if you have a wireless charging pad or a compatible Samsung charger.
The battery efficiency is further enhanced by the phone’s adaptive refresh rate, which helps to conserve power by lowering the screen’s refresh rate during less demanding tasks.
Connectivity and 5G Support
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus comes equipped with all the latest connectivity options, making it a future-proof device for the next several years. It supports 5G, both in its sub-6GHz and mmWave variants, depending on your region. This ensures that you can take advantage of ultra-fast internet speeds where 5G networks are available.
Additionally, the phone features Wi-Fi 6E, which is the latest standard in wireless technology, offering faster speeds and better performance in congested networks. This is a huge benefit for users who stream high-definition content, game online, or transfer large files over a local network. Bluetooth 5.2 is also present, providing a stable connection for wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
The Galaxy S22 Plus includes NFC for contactless payments, GPS for location tracking, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which is becoming more common in high-end smartphones. UWB is used for tasks such as precise location tracking, digital car keys, and enhanced connectivity with other smart devices.
9. Durability and IP Rating
Samsung has designed the Galaxy S22 Plus to be durable, with IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. While you wouldn’t want to deliberately expose the phone to water, this level of protection is reassuring for accidental splashes or short drops into water.
The Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back panels adds extra protection against scratches and drops. This makes the phone more resilient to everyday wear and tear, though it’s still a good idea to use a case for added protection.
10. Audio and Multimedia Experience
While the Galaxy S22 Plus doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, a trend that continues across most flagship smartphones, it delivers excellent audio performance through its stereo speakers. The speakers, tuned by AKG, produce clear and loud sound, with a decent amount of bass for a smartphone. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or playing games, the audio experience is immersive.
For a more private listening experience, the phone supports Dolby Atmos for both wired and wireless headphones. This delivers a more three-dimensional sound, enhancing the experience, especially when watching movies or playing games.
11. Security and Biometrics
Samsung offers multiple layers of security on the Galaxy S22 Plus. The in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is quick and reliable, offering a seamless unlocking experience. Unlike some optical fingerprint sensors that rely on light, the ultrasonic scanner uses sound waves to map your fingerprint, making it more accurate and secure.
Face recognition is also available, though it relies on the front camera and is less secure than the fingerprint scanner. It’s convenient for quickly unlocking your phone, but it might struggle in low-light conditions.
On the software side, the Galaxy S22 Plus comes with Samsung Knox, the company’s security platform that protects your device at both the hardware and software levels. Knox safeguards your data from malware, phishing, and other malicious threats. There’s also Secure Folder, which allows you to store sensitive files, apps, and data in an encrypted space that can only be accessed with a separate PIN or biometric authentication.
12. Competitors
The Galaxy S22 Plus faces stiff competition from other flagship smartphones in its price range. Some of the key competitors include:
- iPhone 13 Pro: Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro offers a comparable camera system, excellent performance with its A15 Bionic chip, and the iOS ecosystem, which many users prefer for its simplicity and integration with other Apple products. The iPhone 13 Pro also offers a similarly priced alternative for those who prefer iOS over Android.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Google’s flagship offers one of the best software experiences with pure Android and exceptional AI-powered camera capabilities. The Pixel 6 Pro is priced similarly and excels in photography, especially in low-light conditions, with Google’s computational photography prowess.
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Another strong competitor, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a slightly lower price point, near-stock Android experience, and fast charging speeds that surpass the Galaxy S22 Plus. OnePlus phones are known for their smooth performance and clean software experience, which may appeal to users looking for an alternative to Samsung’s One UI.
13. Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy S22 Plus is positioned as a premium smartphone, and its price reflects that. As of its launch in 2022, the phone starts at around $999 for the 128GB variant, with the 256GB version priced slightly higher. While it’s not the most affordable flagship on the market, it offers a strong blend of performance, camera quality, and features that justify its price tag.
Samsung often provides trade-in offers, discounts, or bundle deals that can help lower the overall cost of the device. Additionally, the phone is available across most major carriers, and it supports various financing options.
14. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent display: The 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is bright, vibrant, and smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
- Strong performance: Powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, the Galaxy S22 Plus handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease.
- Versatile camera system: The triple-camera setup produces excellent photos and videos in a wide range of conditions.
- Solid battery life: The 4,500mAh battery can comfortably last a full day with regular use, and the faster 45W charging is a welcome addition.
- Durable design: IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and an aluminum frame make for a sturdy and premium-feeling device.
- Long software support: Samsung promises at least four years of Android updates and five years of security patches.
Cons:
- No microSD card slot: Lack of expandable storage may be a limitation for users who need more than 256GB.
- Price: The starting price of $999 may be steep for some users, especially when more affordable alternatives exist with similar performance.
- Smaller battery than last year’s model: While efficient, the 4,500mAh battery is slightly smaller than its predecessor, the Galaxy S21 Plus.
15. Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus strikes a great balance between performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and overall user experience. For users looking for a premium Android phone that excels in nearly every area without venturing into the extreme pricing of the Ultra model, the Galaxy S22 Plus is an excellent choice. It offers a near-perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, design, and durability.
While it faces competition from other flagship devices, the Galaxy S22 Plus holds its own with its superb display, solid battery life, and reliable performance. If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile smartphone with a stunning display and a camera system that can handle almost any situation, the Galaxy S22 Plus deserves serious consideration.
