Galaxy S22+ 5G vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$389.00

Versus A$1,690.00 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 Plus 5G, released in early 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in early 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. While both offer a large display and a versatile camera system, the S25 Plus introduces significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and long-term software support. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, benefits from being a much newer model.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was initially promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS support would extend to Android 16, with security patches concluding around early 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus is part of Samsung's newer policy, offering seven years of both OS and security updates, extending its support well into 2032. This difference provides the S25 Plus with a significantly longer period of receiving the latest features and security enhancements. [8, 10, 18]
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature robust construction with Gorilla Glass protection on the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S25 Plus utilizes a newer generation of Gorilla Glass, potentially offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. [1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 25]

Release year

2022

2025

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where a generational gap becomes apparent, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a significantly more advanced processor compared to the S22 Plus 5G. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and more efficient handling of complex tasks like high-fidelity gaming or advanced photo and video editing. [1, 8, 13, 15, 28]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The S25 Plus typically comes with a higher amount of RAM, often 12GB, compared to the 8GB found in the S22 Plus 5G. This additional RAM allows the S25 Plus to keep more applications open in the background without needing to reload them, enhancing the multitasking experience. Both devices offer ample internal storage options, with the S25 Plus starting at a higher base storage of 256GB. [1, 2, 12, 15, 16]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a larger battery capacity (4900 mAh) compared to the S22 Plus 5G (4500 mAh). Coupled with a more power-efficient processor, the S25 Plus generally offers extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and sometimes longer for moderate users. The S22 Plus 5G provides solid battery life for a day of typical use. [2, 3, 4, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer a high-quality visual experience, though with notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a higher resolution display (1440 x 3120 pixels, QHD+) on its 6.7-inch screen, offering a sharper and more detailed image compared to the 6.6-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) display of the S22 Plus 5G. [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 12, 15, 28]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S25 Plus achieves a significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits, which improves outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing compared to the S22 Plus 5G's 1750 nits peak brightness. Both models feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 12, 15, 28]
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S25 Plus provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and detailed work, while the S22 Plus 5G still offers a bright and fluid display suitable for everyday tasks.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S25 Plus offer capable camera systems, but the newer model benefits from advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a triple camera setup with a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S25 Plus maintains a similar hardware configuration with a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 15]
  • Photography Performance: While the S25 Plus shares similar camera hardware with its predecessor, it leverages improved image processing and integrated AI features to deliver enhanced photo quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Users report superb low-light photos and solid detail and dynamic range from the S25 Plus. The S22 Plus 5G also captures good photos in various conditions, with improvements in low-light over its own predecessor, though some users noted it wasn't always class-leading at its release. [14, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28]
  • Video and Front Camera: The S25 Plus offers improved video recording capabilities, including 8K at 30 frames per second, and features fantastic video stabilization. Its front-facing camera is a 12MP sensor, an upgrade from the 10MP sensor on the S22 Plus 5G, providing sharper selfies and better video calls. The S22 Plus 5G records 8K video at 24 frames per second. [1, 4, 7, 23, 28]

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these devices.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports newer wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable connections compared to the Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 found in the S22 Plus 5G. Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity. [2, 4, 7, 25]
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both models feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both utilize an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. [2, 5, 6, 12]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S25 Plus has slightly refined dimensions, being marginally taller, narrower, and thinner (158.4 x 75.7 x 7.3 mm) and lighter (190g) than the S22 Plus 5G (157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm, 195g). These subtle changes can contribute to a slightly more comfortable in-hand feel for the newer model. [1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 25]
  • Additional Features: The S25 Plus integrates Samsung's Galaxy AI features, offering advanced functionalities for tasks like photo editing, live translation, and intelligent search, which are not present on the S22 Plus 5G. [8, 13, 25, 28]

Weight

227 oz

190 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and Galaxy S25 Plus both deliver a premium Android smartphone experience, but they cater to slightly different user priorities due to their generational differences.

Users frequently praise the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G for its solid performance, vibrant display, and reliable camera system for everyday photography. Criticisms often centered on its battery life not always being class-leading compared to some rivals at its release, and its camera, while good, not always matching the absolute best in certain scenarios. [14, 24, 27, 29]

The Galaxy S25 Plus, being a newer device, receives acclaim for its significantly enhanced processing power, leading to a very fluid user experience. Its display is noted for being exceptionally bright and sharp, and its battery life is frequently highlighted as excellent, often exceeding a full day of heavy use. While its camera hardware is similar to previous generations, the improved computational photography and integrated AI features are praised for delivering high-quality images, especially in low light, and superior video stabilization. Some user feedback suggests that while the camera is very capable, it might not offer a revolutionary leap in hardware over its immediate predecessors, with the Ultra model still holding the edge for advanced photography. [19, 21, 23, 25, 28]

Users prioritizing the latest performance, a brighter and sharper display, and significantly longer software support will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced battery life and integrated AI features also make it a compelling choice for those who demand cutting-edge capabilities and longevity from their device. Conversely, users seeking a dependable and still highly capable smartphone for general use, who may not require the absolute latest in processing power or the longest software update window, might find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G to be a practical option. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these devices and supporting sustainable consumption.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons