Galaxy S22 5G vs Galaxy S25

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$353.00

Versus A$1,189.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$852.00

Versus A$1,399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, represent different generations of Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the Galaxy S25 introduces significant advancements in processing power, software longevity, and display technology. Both run on the Android operating system, but the S25 benefits from a more recent version and an extended update commitment.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These two models show a notable difference in this regard.

  • Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, with support expected to conclude around 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, benefits from Samsung's extended policy, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring support well into 2032. This means the S25 will receive software enhancements and security patches for a significantly longer period.
  • Repairability and Durability: Both devices feature robust builds with glass fronts and backs, and aluminum frames, offering a similar level of physical durability. The S22 5G includes Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection. While specific repairability scores can vary, both are designed with modern smartphone construction in mind. Users seeking the longest possible software longevity from their device will find the Galaxy S25 more aligned with their needs.

Release year

2022

2025

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator between these two generations, impacting everything from daily tasks to demanding applications.

  • Processing Power and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a processor from 2022, which capably handles everyday applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S25, however, features a significantly newer generation processor, designed for enhanced speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and a more fluid experience, especially with graphically intensive games or complex productivity tools.
  • Battery Behavior and Efficiency: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery. Some users reported that its battery life could be a concern for heavy usage throughout a full day. The Galaxy S25 features a 4000 mAh battery. While the S25's battery capacity is larger, some user reports indicate that its real-world endurance might be similar to its immediate predecessor, the S24, suggesting that while it can last a full day with mixed usage, heavy AI-driven tasks or continuous screen-on time might still require careful management.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both models offer various storage options, typically starting from 128GB or 256GB, with the S25 potentially offering higher maximum configurations. The S25 also generally comes with more RAM (12GB compared to the S22's 8GB), which further aids in seamless multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background without performance degradation.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable advancements in the newer model.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S25 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The S22 5G offers a 6.1-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The Galaxy S25 has a slightly larger 6.2-inch FHD+ display, maintaining a similar resolution for sharp visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G achieves a peak brightness of 1300 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S25 significantly enhances this with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it considerably easier to view content clearly even in bright outdoor sunlight. Both phones feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations, which is beneficial for gaming and general navigation.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080x2340

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and while both phones offer versatile systems, the newer model benefits from generational improvements and software optimization.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 50 MP wide-angle main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S25 maintains a similar hardware configuration with a 50 MP main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide camera. Despite similar sensor counts, the S25 benefits from a newer generation of sensors and advanced image processing algorithms, often leading to improved detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance.
  • Photography and Video Features: Both devices are capable of capturing high-quality photos in various conditions, with features like optical image stabilization for sharper images and smoother videos. The S22 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The S25 enhances video capabilities, supporting 8K recording at 30 frames per second, offering slightly smoother high-resolution footage. The S25 also integrates more advanced AI-driven camera features for enhanced editing and scene optimization.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S22 5G has a 10 MP front camera. The Galaxy S25 upgrades this to a 12 MP front camera. Both phones offer clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their stereo speakers provide a good audio experience for media consumption.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S25 support 5G networks for fast mobile data. The S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Galaxy S25 features newer connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, especially in environments with compatible routers and accessories.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security and convenience, both phones incorporate under-display fingerprint sensors and face recognition technology. The S25's fingerprint sensor may offer improved speed and accuracy due to newer technology.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G measures 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, making it a compact and lightweight device. The Galaxy S25 maintains a similar compact form factor with a 6.2-inch display, designed for comfortable one-handed use. Both feature premium build materials, including glass and aluminum, contributing to a solid in-hand feel and a degree of water and dust resistance.

Weight

195 oz

162 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.2

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S25 cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting the evolution of smartphone technology over three years. The Galaxy S22 5G, while an older model, still offers a capable and premium experience, praised by users for its compact size and vibrant display. However, some users noted concerns regarding its battery life, particularly under heavy usage.

The Galaxy S25, as the newer iteration, brings substantial improvements in several key areas. Users frequently commend its significantly extended software support, ensuring long-term usability and access to the latest features and security updates. Its enhanced processing power provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, especially for demanding applications. The brighter display of the S25 also receives positive feedback for improved outdoor visibility. However, some initial user feedback for the S25 mentioned potential issues like occasional overheating, display flickering, and camera streak lines in specific conditions, though software updates often address such concerns. Additionally, some users expressed disappointment that the S25's battery life, despite a larger capacity, did not see a dramatic improvement over its predecessor for all usage patterns.

Users prioritizing the longest possible software support, cutting-edge performance for demanding tasks, and superior screen brightness will find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who appreciate a slightly more compact form factor and are content with a still-capable device for everyday use, and who may not require the absolute latest features, might consider the Galaxy S22 5G. For those looking for an eco-friendly and quality-assured alternative, both models are available as refurbished options, offering a sustainable choice for acquiring premium technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons