Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$145.99

Versus $867.99 new

See options
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$231.10

Versus $959.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, both released in February 2022, are part of the same flagship smartphone series. While they share a common foundation in terms of core technology and operating system, they primarily differ in physical size, display brightness, and battery capacity. Both devices launched with Android 12 and are designed to receive several years of software support, ensuring a consistent user experience across the models.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S22+ 5G were launched in February 2022, meaning they share the same starting point for software support and expected longevity. Samsung typically provides several years of Android operating system updates and security patches for its flagship devices, extending their usable life.

  • Software Support: Both models are expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches from their release date, offering a comparable duration of official software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, providing robust protection against everyday wear and tear. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability Considerations: Independent assessments indicate that both the Galaxy S22 and S22+ have a low repairability score, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, particularly for the battery, which can make component replacement challenging.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S22+ 5G are largely identical, as both models are equipped with the same generation of processing hardware. This ensures a consistent experience for daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: Both phones handle typical daily activities such as web browsing, social media, and app switching with smooth and fluid responsiveness. Users can expect quick app loading times and efficient multitasking.
  • Demanding Applications: For more intensive tasks like graphic-heavy gaming or video editing, both devices deliver strong performance, though some users have noted that sustained heavy use, particularly gaming, can lead to increased device temperature and potential performance throttling.
  • Storage and Memory: Both models come with 8GB of RAM and offer internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card, so users should consider their storage needs at the time of purchase.

Memory

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S22+ 5G feature high-quality displays, but there are notable differences in their size and peak brightness that impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing sharp images and vibrant colors. They also support HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color depth in compatible content.
  • Size and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 features a 6.1-inch display with a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S22+, however, offers a larger 6.6-inch display and a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, which can provide better visibility in bright sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate: Both screens offer an adaptive refresh rate that can scale between 48Hz and 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations while optimizing power consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S22+ 5G are identical, offering a versatile setup for various photography and videography needs.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones are equipped with a triple-camera array consisting of a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed photos across different focal lengths.
  • Photography Performance: Users can expect strong performance in various lighting conditions, with features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main and telephoto lenses contributing to sharper images. Both models are capable of capturing vibrant photos with good detail.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices support video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The front-facing camera on both is a 10MP wide-angle lens, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S22+ 5G, primarily related to their physical form and connectivity.

  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 is the more compact option, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The Galaxy S22+ is larger at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and heavier at 195g, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a larger grip.
  • Battery Capacity and Charging: The Galaxy S22 has a 3700 mAh battery and supports 25W fast wired charging. The Galaxy S22+ features a larger 4500 mAh battery and supports faster 45W wired charging, potentially reducing charging times. Both support 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
  • Connectivity and Sensors: Both models offer 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (or 6E for S22+ in some regions), Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. They also include an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack or a microSD card slot.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S22+ 5G, both released in early 2022, offer a similar high-end smartphone experience with shared processing power and camera capabilities. User feedback often praises the compact size and premium feel of the standard S22, making it a preferred choice for those who value portability and one-handed usability. However, a frequent criticism of the S22 is its battery life, which many users find to be a significant limitation for heavy or extended use.

Conversely, the Galaxy S22+ is generally lauded for its larger, brighter display and improved battery longevity compared to its smaller sibling. While its battery life is better, some heavy users still report it may not consistently last a full day without needing a charge, and some instances of heating during intensive tasks like gaming have been noted.

Users prioritizing a more compact device that is easy to handle and pocket will likely find the Galaxy S22 well-suited to their needs, provided their usage patterns do not heavily tax the battery. Those who prefer a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or productivity, and who benefit from a more substantial battery, may lean towards the Galaxy S22+. The faster charging speed of the S22+ is also a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device. Both models represent solid choices within the Android ecosystem, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either device.

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