Galaxy A54 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy A54, released in March 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, represent different segments of Samsung's smartphone offerings. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the A54 is positioned as a mid-range device focusing on battery longevity and extended software support, whereas the S22 5G was a flagship model emphasizing raw processing power and a more premium build. These distinctions lead to practical differences in user experience.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience.

• Software Support: The Galaxy A54, released in March 2023, is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, potentially extending its software lifespan until Android 17. The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, launched with Android 12 and typically receives four OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning its update cycle will conclude earlier than the A54's.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A54 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes, and uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a slightly higher IP68 rating, protecting against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes, and incorporates the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced scratch and drop resistance, alongside an aluminum frame.
• Repairability: The Galaxy A54 generally shows a moderate repairability score, with some sources indicating scores around 6.25/10 to 8.4/10, suggesting it is reasonably accessible for certain repairs. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G has received lower repairability scores from some assessments, such as 3/10 from iFixit, primarily due to challenges in battery removal and screen repairs, though other sources provide higher scores around 7.5/10 to 8.2/10.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A54 is equipped with a processor that capably handles everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, and light gaming. While generally smooth, some users have noted occasional stutters in animations, particularly within Samsung's One UI. The Galaxy S22 5G, featuring a more advanced processor, delivers a higher level of performance, making it better suited for graphically intensive games and demanding applications, ensuring a consistently responsive experience.
• Battery Life: The Galaxy A54 includes a larger 5000mAh battery, which typically provides extended usage, with users often reporting 7 to 8 hours of screen-on time under heavy use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700mAh battery, which, while sufficient for many, generally results in shorter usage times, often around 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time for heavy users, necessitating more frequent charging.
• Storage and Memory: Both devices offer 128GB or 256GB internal storage options. The Galaxy A54 provides the flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB, which is beneficial for users with large media libraries or extensive app collections. The Galaxy S22 5G does not support expandable storage. Both typically come with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, influencing multitasking capabilities.

The display quality significantly impacts the visual experience, from daily browsing to media consumption.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 5G has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also provides excellent color reproduction and contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), resulting in sharp and clear visuals for typical viewing distances. The pixel density is around 403 ppi for the A54 and 425 ppi for the S22 5G, meaning both deliver a crisp image.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A54 can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits in high brightness mode, ensuring good outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, providing even better visibility in bright sunlight.

The camera systems on both devices cater to different photography needs, with distinct strengths in various scenarios.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A54 features a triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. The main camera produces vibrant and sharp photos, performing well in various lighting conditions, including low light. The ultrawide is competent, but the macro lens is generally considered less impactful. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens provides greater versatility for zoomed shots without significant loss of detail.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy A54 is equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second (fps) with both front and rear cameras. The Galaxy S22 5G features a 10-megapixel front camera. Its rear camera system can record up to 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, offering higher resolution video capabilities.
• Audio Experience: Both devices include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption and calls.