Is the S9 still a good phone to buy?
A refurbished Android phone like the S9 is still a good value for the money, but you sacrifice key software updates and recent technology improvements. Here's what you need to know!
Published Apr 25, 2023 - See what the Samsung Galaxy S22 has to offer - powerful performance, stunning display, and premium features.
*Prices as of April 2023 (from samsung.com and backmarket.com)
Model | Price Of A New Product * | Price of Refurbished Starting From: * | Difference |
Samsung Galaxy S22 128 GB | $699.99 | $230.00 | $469.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S22 256 GB | $759.99 | $385.00 | $374.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 128 GB | $899.99 | $350.00 | $549.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 256GB | $1049.99 | $425.00 | $624.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 128 GB | $1199.99 | $520.00 | $679.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 256 GB | $1099.99 | $595.00 | $504.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 512 GB | $1399.99 | $630.00 | $769.99 |
The different Samsung S22 models prices vary as you get a few extra features and increased storage capacity on every model upgrade. If you are looking for the most economical phone, you may opt for the Galaxy S22 128 GB which retails on the Samsung website for $699.99 or starts at $230 for refurbished model on Back Market. A refurbished Galaxy S22 is a great option to help save you money since it has been professionally reconditioned to perform the same as a new phone. Depending on which S22 model you want to buy, you can save up to $769.99 on a refurbished phone compared to the price of new.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series was announced on February 9, 2022. Pre-orders for the devices started on the same day and general sales for the Samsung S22 series began on February 25, 2022.
The S22 series includes three models: The S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra. The S22 and S22+ are considered business as usual, while the S22 Ultra has some unique features. For example, the S22 Ultra has a built-in S Pen and advanced 'nightography', as well as expanded battery life and a 1 TB option.
The Samsung S22 series was released during a time when the smartphone market was highly competitive. However, Samsung managed to make its mark by introducing a new line of smartphones with various features and capabilities. The release of the Samsung S22 series was highly anticipated, and its release was met with a lot of excitement from tech enthusiasts and Samsung fans. Let's take a deeper look into how the S22 models compare: S22 vs S22 Plus vs S22 Ultra.
Performance
Samsung S22 Models | Processor | CPU | OS Version | RAM | Unlocking Technology |
Galaxy S22 5G | Exynos 2200 | Octa-core | Android 12 | 8 GB | In-display fingerprint sensor |
Galaxy S22+ 5G | Exynos 2200 | Octa-core | Android 12 | 8 GB | In-display fingerprint sensor |
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Exynos 2200 | Octa-core | Android 12 | 12 GB | In-display fingerprint sensor |
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series is available in three models: S22 5G, S22+ 5G, and S22 Ultra 5G. All three models are powered by the Exynos 2200 octa-core processor, run on the Android 12 operating system, and have an in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking. The S22 5G and S22+ 5G come with 8 GB of RAM, while the S22 Ultra 5G has 12 GB of RAM. FaceID technology is not available on the Samsung S22 models, as they use an in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking.
Battery and Autonomy
Specification | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Samsung Galaxy S22+ | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
Battery capacity (mAh) | 3700 | 4500 | 5000 |
Autonomy (hours) | 13 hours | 15 hours | 13.1 hours |
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fast charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Removable battery | No | No | No |
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus has a 4,500 mAh battery which is 300 mAh less than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon version of the Samsung Galaxy S22 has a smaller battery than its predecessor, with a capacity of 3,700 mAh compared to the previous model's 4,000 mAh.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, on the other hand, has a 5,000 mAh battery, which is 500+ mAh larger than the battery of the other models. As always, real-time battery performance may vary depending on usage and network conditions.
Camera
Camera Specification | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy S22+ | Galaxy S22 Ultra |
Number of Rear Cameras | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Rear Camera Pixel Count | 50MP + 12MP + 12MP | 50MP + 12MP + 12MP | 108MP + 12MP + 12MP + 10MP |
Front Camera Pixel Count | 10MP | 10MP | 40MP |
Number of Front Cameras | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Video Recording Quality | 8K | 8K | 8K |
Optical Stabilizer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lens Aperture Rear Cameras | f/1.8 + f/2.2 + f/2.2 | f/1.8 + f/2.2 + f/2.2 | f/1.8 + f/2.2 + f/2.4 + f/4.9 |
Lens Aperture Front Camera | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | f/2.2 |
Maximum Digital Zoom | 30x | 30x | 100x |
Maximum Optical Zoom | 3x | 3x | 10x |
Ultra-Wide Angle Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
Ultra-Wide Angle Camera FOV | 120° | 120° | 120° |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 10MP |
Telephoto Camera FOV | N/A | N/A | 35° |
The Samsung S22 models, including the S22 and S22 Plus, feature a new 50MP ISOCELL GN5 main camera sensor that offers fast focusing speeds, thanks to the Dual Pixel Pro technology. The S22 also has a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with an F2.2 apertures and 1/2.55-inch sensor, in addition to the main camera. You can easily compare the camera specs of the S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra models, including the camera and storage. The S22 Ultra model also features a 108MP primary camera, 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, 10MP telephoto camera, and a 10MP periscope telephoto camera.
Screen
Screen Specs | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy S22+ | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Screen Size | 6.1 inches (full rectangle) | 6.6 inches (full rectangle) | 6.8 inches (full rectangle) |
5.9 inches (with rounded corners) | 6.4 inches (with rounded corners) | 6.6 inches (with rounded corners) | |
Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
Pixel Density | 441 ppi | 524 ppi | 516 ppi |
Display Frequency | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
HDR Certification | HDR10+ | HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
The Samsung S22 models have different screen sizes, resolutions, and pixel densities. The S22 and S22 Plus have a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, while the S22 Ultra has a larger 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels.
Pixel density refers to the number of pixels packed into a certain area of a screen, typically measured in pixels-per-inch (PPI). The S22 has a pixel density of 441 PPI, while the S22 Plus has a pixel density of 524 PPI and the S22 Ultra has a pixel density of 516 PPI. A higher pixel density means that images and text appear sharper and more detailed, especially when an image is enlarged.
In terms of display frequency, the S22 and S22 Plus both have a 120Hz refresh rate, while the S22 Ultra has a dynamic refresh rate that ranges from 10Hz to 120Hz depending on the content being displayed. A higher refresh rate allows for smoother and more fluid motion on the screen.
Size and Weight
Model | Display Size (Full Rectangle) | Display Size (Rounded Corners) | Weight (mmW) |
Galaxy S22 | 6.1" | 5.9" | 196g |
Galaxy S22+ | 6.6" | 6.4" | 196g |
Galaxy S22 Ultra | 6.8" | 6.8" | 229g |
The Samsung S22 models have different screen sizes. The Galaxy S22 has a screen size of 6.1 inches measured diagonally and 5.9 inches when the rounded corners are accounted for. The Galaxy S22+ has a screen size of 6.6 inches in the full rectangle and 6.4 inches when the rounded corners are accounted for. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the largest screen size, that displays edge to edge measuring at 6.8 inches.
In terms of weight, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ models weigh 196g, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra mmWave model weighs 229g. It's worth noting that the weight may vary depending on the specific model and region.
Storage
Model | Internal Storage |
Galaxy S22 | 128GB/256GB |
Galaxy S22 Plus | 128GB/256GB |
Galaxy S22 Ultra | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
The Samsung S22 base model offers 128GB of storage, and there is also an option to upgrade to 256GB by paying an additional $60. Similarly, the Galaxy S22+ also offers the same storage options of 128GB and 256GB. However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra offers more storage options with choices of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
Network and Connectivity
Model | SIM card size | Double SIM | 4G | 5G | Bluetooth | NFC | USB version | Mini Jack |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | Nano-SIM | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.2 | Yes | USB 3.2 | Yes |
Samsung S22 Plus | Nano-SIM | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.2 | Yes | USB 3.2 | Yes |
Samsung S22 Ultra | Nano-SIM or eSIM | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.2 | Yes | USB 3.2 | Yes |
In terms of network connectivity, all the models of the Samsung Galaxy S22 series support 5G connectivity.
Available Colors
Model | Colors |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Phantom Green, and Phantom Gray |
Samsung Galaxy S22+ | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Phantom Green, and Phantom Titanium |
The Samsung S22 models are available in a variety of colors. All three models of the Samsung S22 - the S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra - come in Phantom Black and Phantom White. The Samsung Galaxy S22 also comes in the color "Violet," while the S22+ comes in "Graphite". In addition to these colors, the S22 models are also available in two new colors - "Sunset Pink" and "Glacier Green".
If you're in the market for a new smartphone, you might be wondering where to find a great deal on a Samsung S22. Fortunately, Back Market is one website that stands out from the rest.
Back Market is a marketplace for refurbished electronics, meaning you can find great deals on used products that have been thoroughly tested and refurbished to like-new conditions. This means you can get a high-quality Galaxy S22 at a fraction of the price you would pay for a new one.
So why choose Back Market over other online marketplaces? For starters, we are committed to sustainability and reducing e-waste. By buying a refurbished phone, you're helping to reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills.
But that's not the only reason to choose Back Market. We also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a full 1-year warranty on all purchases, in the rare case you run into any issues with your device. Our customer service team is also available to promptly answer any questions you might have about your purchase.
Back Market offers a wide selection of Samsung S22 models, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. And with prices that are often significantly lower than those of new phones, you can get a great deal on a high-quality smartphone.
Miguel is always looking for new ways to provide unique perspective on popular tech and has taken his writing to the refurbished industry to promote sustainability. Outside of creating content, you might find him travelling the globe, coaching a fitness class, or cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Dolphins!)