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$919.00

Versus A$1,699.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S25 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, display technology, and extended software support, building upon the foundation set by its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

Comparing the longevity of these two devices reveals notable differences, primarily due to their respective release dates and Samsung's evolving software support policies.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, has been on the market for a few years, while the Galaxy S25 Plus is a much newer device, having been released in February 2025.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G was promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with support expected to conclude around 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from Samsung's more recent commitment to seven years of both OS and security updates, offering a significantly longer period of official support.
  • Repairability and Build: Both models feature a durable construction with glass fronts and backs, protected by Gorilla Glass, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S25 Plus utilizes newer generations of these materials, potentially offering incremental improvements in resilience.

Release year

2022

2025

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where the generational gap between these two smartphones becomes apparent, influencing how smoothly they handle demanding tasks and everyday operations.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a capable processor for its release year, allowing it to manage daily applications and moderate multitasking effectively. The Galaxy S25 Plus, featuring a significantly newer generation processor, delivers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in smoother performance for intensive applications, advanced gaming, and complex AI-driven tasks.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. The Galaxy S25 Plus typically includes 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running numerous applications simultaneously and switching between them without noticeable delays.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer internal storage options, with the Galaxy S22 5G available in 128GB and 256GB configurations. The Galaxy S25 Plus starts with 256GB and also offers a 512GB option, catering to users with larger storage requirements.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, which some users found required frequent charging with heavy use. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage times and better endurance throughout a typical day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though the newer model incorporates advancements for enhanced clarity and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a 6.1-inch display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a sharper Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), providing a more detailed and expansive viewing area.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S22 5G's display reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S25 Plus significantly increases this to a peak brightness of 2600 nits, which improves outdoor readability and HDR content viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S25 Plus's display utilizes LTPO technology, allowing for a more dynamic refresh rate range (down to 1Hz) for improved power efficiency.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S25 Plus are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and videographic content.

  • Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S25 Plus also comes with a triple camera system, maintaining a similar hardware configuration to its immediate predecessor (S24 Plus) with a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto lens, but with enhanced software processing and AI capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 5G delivers strong performance in good lighting and offers capable low-light photography. The S25 Plus, while having similar sensor specifications, benefits from newer image processing algorithms and AI enhancements, which contribute to improved detail, color accuracy, and noise reduction, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The S25 Plus may offer additional video stabilization features and improved dynamic range due to its newer processing capabilities.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 12MP front camera, which can provide slightly more detailed selfies and improved video call quality.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The newer Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to feature more advanced wireless standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4, offering faster and more stable connections.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g. The Galaxy S25 Plus is larger and slightly heavier, with dimensions of 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm and a weight of 190g, reflecting its larger display and battery. Both feature a premium build with an aluminum frame and glass panels, offering an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Biometric Security and Ports: Both phones utilize an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition. Both devices also feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, omitting a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Weight

195 oz

190 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S25 Plus cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting the advancements made over three generations of smartphone development. The Galaxy S22 5G is often praised for its compact form factor and capable camera system, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a smaller device that is easy to handle. However, some users have noted its battery life can be a concern for heavy usage, often requiring a mid-day charge.

The Galaxy S25 Plus, as a more recent release, generally receives acclaim for its significantly improved battery life, larger and brighter display with higher resolution, and enhanced overall performance due to its newer processor. Its extended software support policy is also a notable advantage for users planning to keep their device for many years. Criticisms, if any, often revolve around the iterative nature of some hardware upgrades compared to its immediate predecessor, though the overall user experience is consistently positive.

Users prioritizing a more compact device and who do not require the absolute latest in processing power or extended battery life may find the Galaxy S22 5G to be a practical option. For those who value a larger, more vibrant display, longer battery endurance, superior performance for demanding applications, and a longer period of software updates, the Galaxy S25 Plus presents a compelling choice. Both devices, whether new or as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a robust Android experience, allowing consumers to make an informed and sustainable choice based on their individual needs.

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