Samsung S21 vs S22: Which Samsung Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re deciding between two titans like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the newer S22. Both offer premium features, stunning displays, and powerful performance, but which one truly deserves your hard-earned cash?
This in-depth comparison dives into the core differences between these two popular Samsung devices. We’ll explore their designs, displays, cameras, performance capabilities, and battery life to help you make an informed decision. Understanding these key areas is crucial for selecting the perfect phone.
Get ready to discover which phone emerges as the winner in our ultimate Samsung S21 vs S22 showdown. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, ensuring you’re well-equipped to choose the smartphone that best suits your needs and budget. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | samsung s21 | s22 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 8K @ 24fps |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung S21: Features a plastic back on the standard model and a metal frame. Available in various colors. A potential drawback is the plastic back’s perceived lower-end feel compared to glass.
- S22: Upgrades to a glass back and Armor Aluminum frame, providing a premium look and feel. Offers a more refined design and improved durability.
- Winner: S22
Display
- Samsung S21: Features a vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and animations. Brightness can be good but not as good as the s22.
- S22: Boasts an even brighter Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a similar 120Hz refresh rate, and improved peak brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Winner: S22
Processor
- Samsung S21: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 (US) or Exynos 2100 (International) processor. Offers excellent performance for most tasks, but may experience some throttling under heavy loads.
- S22: Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US) or Exynos 2200 (International) processor, providing a performance boost and improved efficiency.
- Winner: S22
Camera System
- Samsung S21: Offers a versatile triple-camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. Delivers good image quality in various lighting conditions.
- S22: Upgrades the main camera sensor and offers improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos.
- Winner: S22
Battery Life
- Samsung S21: Battery life is decent, but can be a weak point depending on usage habits. Can struggle to last a full day for heavy users.
- S22: Battery life is slightly improved compared to the S21, but still may not be a strong point.
- Winner: S22 (Slightly)
Software and Updates
- Samsung S21: Comes with Android 11 or 12 (depending on the time of purchase) and Samsung’s One UI. Will receive software updates, but will eventually be phased out.
- S22: Ships with Android 12 and One UI 4, and is promised to receive more software updates and security patches, providing longer-term support.
- Winner: S22
Charging
- Samsung S21: Supports 25W wired charging. Wireless charging is also supported.
- S22: Also supports 25W wired charging, with wireless charging, offering a similar charging experience.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Samsung S21: Typically available at a lower price point now that it is older, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- S22: Initially launched at a higher price than the S21, but can be found at some discounts.
- Winner: S21
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | s22 |
| Camera | s22 |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Battery Life | s21 |
| Design | s22 |
| Value | s21 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S21 and S22 offer 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds and low latency when connected to a 5G network.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and submersion.
- Wireless Charging: Both support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phones without the need for cables.
- RAM: Both models come with 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance for various applications.
Samsung S21 vs S22 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S22 boasts a significant performance upgrade over the S21. The S22 typically features a newer generation processor, either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200, depending on the region. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance compared to the S21, which uses the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. The S22’s updated architecture allows for enhanced power efficiency, leading to better battery management even with demanding tasks. This results in a more responsive and fluid overall user experience.
Camera Capabilities and Image Quality
The camera systems of the S22 and S21 have notable differences. The S22 often includes enhanced sensors and image processing algorithms, particularly in low-light conditions. This leads to brighter, more detailed photos and videos. Improvements in features like Nightography and Portrait Mode are common upgrades in the S22. The S21 still takes excellent photos, but the S22 often provides a noticeable step up in terms of overall image quality, dynamic range, and video stabilization, especially in challenging lighting scenarios.
Display and Screen Technology
The display is another area where the S22 often offers improvements. While both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, the S22 may incorporate a brighter panel with a higher peak brightness. This makes the screen more visible in direct sunlight. Furthermore, the S22 might have a more advanced adaptive refresh rate technology (e.g., 10Hz-120Hz) compared to the S21, leading to smoother scrolling and improved battery efficiency. The screen’s overall visual experience on the S22 tends to be more refined.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature premium build materials, but there are subtle design differences. The S22 may have a slightly refined aesthetic, with potentially more durable materials or a more streamlined design. The S21 has a stylish design as well. The S22 might come with more durable glass and more scratch-resistant frames. The ergonomics of both phones are generally comfortable, but the specific design choices can influence user preference. Overall, the S22 tends to be more modern.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, but the S22 might have some advantages. The newer processor in the S22 often contributes to improved power efficiency. The S22 might also support faster wired charging speeds. The battery capacity itself can vary between the models, but the overall battery performance is closely related to the processor, display, and software optimization. The S22’s software is more optimized for battery efficiency.
Price and Value for Money
The price is a crucial factor to consider. The S21 will likely be available at a lower price point than the S22, especially as it ages. The value proposition depends on the user’s priorities. If budget is a primary concern, the S21 offers excellent value for its features. However, if the latest features, performance, and camera capabilities are paramount, and the budget allows, the S22 is a worthwhile investment. Evaluate your needs and budget before making a final decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung s21 If…
- You want a phone with a slightly larger display.
- You prefer a phone with a slightly longer battery life.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You are satisfied with the performance of the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor.
Buy s22 If…
- You prioritize the latest processor and improved performance.
- You want an updated main camera system with enhanced low-light capabilities.
- You desire a more compact design.
- You want the latest Android version out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Samsung S21 and S22?
The S22 generally offers a more powerful processor, improved camera capabilities (especially in low light), a potentially brighter display with adaptive refresh rate, and subtle design refinements. The S22 also may have enhanced battery efficiency and faster charging. The S21 is more affordable, but the S22 often provides a more refined overall experience due to these advancements.
Does the S22 have a better camera than the S21?
Yes, the S22 typically boasts improvements in its camera system. These improvements often include enhanced sensors, advanced image processing algorithms, and features like improved Nightography and Portrait Mode. These enhancements lead to brighter, more detailed photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The S22 generally provides a noticeable step up in overall image quality.
Is the S22 worth the extra money compared to the S21?
Whether the S22 is worth the extra money depends on your priorities and budget. If you value the latest performance, camera improvements, display enhancements, and are willing to pay a premium, the S22 is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a great phone at a more affordable price point, the S21 still offers excellent value and performance.
What processor does the S22 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 typically uses either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region. Both processors offer significant performance improvements over the S21’s Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. The processor contributes to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
How does the battery life compare between the S21 and S22?
The S22 may offer improved battery life due to its more efficient processor and software optimizations, but it also depends on usage. The S22 also incorporates adaptive refresh rate displays, which dynamically adjust the refresh rate to conserve power. However, real-world battery performance varies significantly based on individual usage patterns and settings.
Does the S22 have a better display than the S21?
Yes, the S22 often features a brighter display with potentially a higher peak brightness and a more advanced adaptive refresh rate (e.g., 10Hz-120Hz). This leads to better visibility in direct sunlight and smoother scrolling. The S22’s display generally offers a more refined and immersive viewing experience compared to the S21.
Is the S21 still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the S21 remains a capable smartphone in 2024. Despite being an older model, the S21 still offers excellent performance, a good camera, and a vibrant display. The S21’s value for money has improved, making it a viable option for users who don’t necessarily need the latest features and are on a budget.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S22 offers notable improvements over the S21, particularly in processing power, camera quality, and display technology. While the S21 remains a strong contender, the S22 provides a more refined user experience. The S22’s enhancements justify its higher price for those seeking the latest features and performance. However, the S21 represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
Winner: Samsung S22