Samsung S22 vs S21: Which Samsung Phone Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the Samsung Galaxy S22 and its predecessor, the S21? You’re not alone. Both phones boast impressive features and performance, making the decision a tough one for potential buyers. This in-depth comparison will help you navigate the key differences and determine which device best suits your needs.
The Samsung S22 introduces some exciting upgrades, but the S21 remains a formidable contender. We’ll delve into the specifics of their displays, cameras, performance, and battery life. This analysis will cut through the tech jargon and present a clear picture of what each phone offers.
Whether you’re a long-time Samsung enthusiast or new to the Galaxy family, this comparison of the samsung s22 vs s21 is designed to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Get ready to explore the nuances and discover which phone deserves a place in your pocket.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | S22 | S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto | 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 64MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 3700 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 12, Upgradable | Android 11, Upgradable |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S22: Features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a variable 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. It also boasts improved peak brightness compared to its predecessor. However, some users find the bezels slightly thicker than expected.
- S21: Equipped with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing excellent picture quality. The display is bright and responsive. Some may find the brightness not quite as high as the S22.
- Winner: S22
Processor
- Samsung S22: Powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US/China) or Exynos 2200 (rest of the world), offering significant performance upgrades and improved power efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease. Exynos version can sometimes experience thermal throttling.
- S21: Utilizes the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, delivering excellent performance. It’s still a powerful phone capable of handling most tasks. The Snapdragon 888 had some thermal issues, potentially leading to performance drops under heavy load.
- Winner: S22
Camera
- Samsung S22: Features a revamped camera system with improved low-light performance, particularly in the main sensor. It offers enhanced image processing and a more refined user experience. Some may find the image processing over-sharpened at times.
- S21: Boasts a versatile camera system with excellent image quality in good lighting conditions. It offers a good balance of features and performance. Low-light performance isn’t quite as good as the S22.
- Winner: S22
Battery Life
- Samsung S22: Offers improved battery life compared to the S21, although it still depends on usage. It supports fast charging. The battery life isn’t as good as some competitors.
- S21: Battery life is decent, but can be a bit underwhelming for heavy users. Fast charging is supported. Battery life could be a limiting factor for some.
- Winner: S22
Design
- Samsung S22: Features a refreshed design with a more refined look and feel, often incorporating a glass back and a metal frame. The design is modern and premium. Some users may dislike the smaller size.
- S21: Presents a stylish design with a unique camera bump that blends into the frame. It feels premium. The plastic back on some models is less premium than the S22.
- Winner: S22
Software
- Samsung S22: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering a smooth and feature-rich experience. It comes with the latest software updates and security patches. Samsung’s UI can be overwhelming for some users.
- S21: Also runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, providing a similar experience, although it may not receive updates as quickly. The software experience is generally positive.
- Winner: S22
Price
- Samsung S22: Typically launched at a higher price point than the S21. Price may be a barrier for some consumers.
- S21: Available at a lower price, especially now that it’s an older model. Offers excellent value for money.
- Winner: S21
Video Recording
- Samsung S22: Offers improvements in video recording capabilities, including better stabilization and low-light performance. Provides excellent video quality.
- S21: Provides good video recording quality, but lacks some of the enhancements found in the S22. The video quality is still very good.
- Winner: S22
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Samsung S22 (Slight Edge) |
| Camera (Main) | Samsung S22 |
| Battery Life | Samsung S21 (Slight Edge) |
| Value | Samsung S21 |
| Display Quality | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S22 and S21 come with an IP68 rating, providing protection against dust and water submersion.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G, enabling users to enjoy fast download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without cables.
- RAM: Both models have 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
Samsung S22 vs S21 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung S22 boasts the latest generation of processors, typically the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, depending on the region. This leads to noticeable improvements in processing speed and graphical performance compared to the S21’s Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. The S22 handles demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing with greater ease and efficiency. The S21, while still powerful, may show slight lag or slower loading times in comparison, particularly when running the most resource-intensive applications. The S22’s updated architecture also contributes to improved power efficiency, leading to potentially longer battery life under similar usage conditions.
Display and Visual Experience
Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the S22 often introduces refinements. Expect potentially brighter screens and improved adaptive refresh rates on the S22, which can dynamically adjust from 10Hz to 120Hz. The S21’s display is still excellent, offering crisp visuals and deep blacks, but the S22 may offer enhanced color accuracy and a more immersive viewing experience, especially in direct sunlight. The bezels might also be slightly thinner on the S22, providing a slightly larger screen-to-body ratio for a more modern look and feel. These differences contribute to a subtle but noticeable improvement in overall visual quality.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems of both phones are impressive, but the S22 often introduces advancements. The S22 series often has improved image processing algorithms, leading to better low-light performance and more detailed photos. While the S21 takes excellent photos, the S22 may offer enhancements in areas like dynamic range and color accuracy. It may also provide upgraded telephoto lenses or improved video stabilization. The specific camera specs may vary depending on the S22 model, but the overall trend is toward improved image quality, particularly in challenging shooting conditions like night photography or fast-moving subjects. The S22’s camera often delivers a more polished and versatile photography experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life can vary depending on usage, but the S22’s more efficient processor and potentially optimized software can sometimes translate into better endurance. However, the S22’s battery size might be slightly smaller in some models compared to the S21. Charging speeds are often similar, but the S22 may benefit from software optimizations that improve overall power management. The S21 still offers respectable battery life for a full day of use, but the S22 could potentially edge it out, especially with moderate usage. Both phones offer fast charging capabilities, though the exact charging speeds may differ based on the charger used.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature premium build materials, typically a glass back and an aluminum frame. However, the design language might differ slightly. The S22 often showcases refinements, with more refined curves, slightly different camera module designs, and potentially more durable materials like Gorilla Glass Victus+. The S21 maintains a sleek and modern design, but the S22 often builds upon it with subtle improvements. The S22’s build quality is generally excellent, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to premium design. The S21 still feels premium, with a sturdy construction and a comfortable in-hand feel, even if the S22 has slight enhancements.
Software and Features
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI skin on top of Android, offering a consistent user experience. The S22 typically launches with a newer version of Android and One UI, guaranteeing longer software support and more feature updates. The S21 will receive updates, but it might not be the first to get the latest Android versions. The S22 also might have exclusive software features or optimizations. Both phones offer a wealth of features, including Samsung’s ecosystem integration, advanced customization options, and a wide array of apps. The software experience is generally consistent, with the S22 having the edge in terms of the latest features and longer support.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung S22 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You prioritize a slightly more compact design.
- You want a better main camera with improved low-light performance.
- You want the latest software and longer software support.
Buy S21 If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You prefer a slightly larger display.
- You value the slightly larger battery capacity.
- You are satisfied with excellent performance and don’t need the absolute latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in processor performance?
The S22 typically has a more powerful processor, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, compared to the S21’s Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games and applications. The S22’s newer processor also often brings improvements in power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under similar usage scenarios. The S21 is still very capable, but the S22 offers a noticeable performance upgrade.
How does the camera quality compare between the S22 and S21?
The S22 often introduces improvements in image processing and camera hardware. While both phones take excellent photos, the S22 may have enhancements in low-light performance, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The S22 might also feature upgraded telephoto lenses or improved video stabilization. The specific differences depend on the S22 model, but generally, the S22 provides a more polished and versatile photography experience, producing slightly better images, especially in challenging situations.
Is the S22’s display significantly better than the S21’s?
Both phones boast vibrant AMOLED displays. The S22 frequently offers refinements such as increased brightness, improved adaptive refresh rates (potentially ranging from 10Hz to 120Hz), and possibly better color accuracy. While the S21’s display is still excellent, the S22 might deliver a slightly more immersive viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight. The bezels might also be marginally thinner on the S22, contributing to a slightly improved screen-to-body ratio.
What about battery life and charging speeds?
The S22’s battery life can be competitive, although it may depend on the specific model. The more efficient processor can help. Charging speeds are generally comparable between the two phones, with both offering fast charging capabilities. The S22 might benefit from software optimizations that improve power management. The S21 still offers a good battery life, but the S22 might have a slight advantage in some cases, particularly with moderate usage patterns.
How does the design of the S22 differ from the S21?
Both phones share premium build materials, typically glass backs and aluminum frames. The S22 often introduces refinements in design, with more refined curves, potentially different camera module designs, and sometimes more durable materials like Gorilla Glass Victus+. The S21 has a sleek, modern design, but the S22 builds upon it with subtle improvements. The overall design language is similar, but the S22 often feels like an evolution of the S21’s aesthetic.
What software features are different between the two phones?
The S22 typically launches with a newer version of Android and One UI, guaranteeing longer software support and more feature updates. While the S21 receives updates, it might not be the first to get the latest Android versions. The S22 also might have exclusive software features or optimizations. Both phones offer a wealth of Samsung features, advanced customization, and ecosystem integration. The S22 has the edge in terms of the latest features and longer software support.
Which phone is a better value for the money?
The S21 is often available at a lower price point, making it a good value. However, the S22 offers upgraded performance, camera capabilities, and potentially longer software support. The best value depends on your budget and priorities. If you prioritize the latest features and top-tier performance, the S22 is the better choice. If you’re on a tighter budget, the S21 is still an excellent phone with many of the same core features.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S22 generally offers improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and software compared to the S21. While the S21 remains a capable device, the S22’s updated processor, display enhancements, and refined features provide a more premium experience. The S22’s camera system, in particular, often sees significant upgrades, leading to better image quality, especially in challenging conditions. The S22 is the superior phone.
Winner: Samsung S22