Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$154.99

Versus $1,000.00 new

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Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$570.79

Versus $999.99 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in early 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a robust Android experience, the S25 Plus introduces significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and long-term software support, reflecting three years of technological evolution.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical durability and the duration of software support it receives. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in 2022, and the Galaxy S25 Plus, released in 2025, offer different timelines for updates and expected practical lifespans.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was promised four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates. This means its major OS updates concluded with Android 16, and security patches are expected to continue until early 2027, with a shift to quarterly updates as of February 2026. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus, following Samsung's updated policy, is expected to receive seven years of both operating system and security updates, extending its support well into the next decade.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The S22 Plus 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back, while the S25 Plus likely incorporates newer, more resilient glass technology, such as Gorilla Glass Victus 2 or a subsequent iteration, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 series received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the use of strong adhesive for the battery and screen, making repairs challenging. The Galaxy S25 Plus, similar to the S24 Plus, is expected to have a significantly higher repairability score, potentially around 8 out of 10, with features like easily removable back covers and battery pull tabs, though screen replacement can still be difficult.

Release Year

2022

2025

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator between these two generations of Samsung smartphones, impacting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is powered by a processor from early 2022, which capably handles everyday applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a significantly newer and more advanced processor, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy or a comparable Exynos chip, which is designed for superior speed and efficiency. This newer chip provides a noticeable boost in performance, particularly for intensive applications, advanced AI features, and graphically demanding games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The S22 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S25 Plus is expected to offer 12GB of RAM as standard, providing more headroom for seamless multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background. Storage options for the S25 Plus are likely to start at 256GB and extend to 512GB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage for quicker app loading and data transfer.
  • Battery Performance: The S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides solid all-day usage for most users. The S25 Plus is expected to feature a 4900 mAh battery, combined with the efficiency of its newer processor, leading to extended battery life, especially during video playback and gaming.

Memory

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant display experiences, but the newer Galaxy S25 Plus brings enhancements in resolution and brightness for a more refined visual output.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the S22 Plus 5G and S25 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. However, the S22 Plus 5G has a 6.6-inch display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). The S25 Plus steps up to a 6.7-inch display with Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering significantly sharper images and finer detail.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The S22 Plus 5G provides a peak brightness of 1750 nits, which is sufficient for clear visibility in most outdoor conditions. The S25 Plus elevates this to an impressive 2600 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent readability even under direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S25 Plus, combined with its enhanced brightness, delivers a more immersive and detailed viewing experience for media consumption, productivity, and gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S25 Plus are designed for versatile photography, but the newer model benefits from advanced processing and potential sensor refinements.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The S22 Plus 5G includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S25 Plus maintains a similar hardware configuration with a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.
  • Image Processing and Features: While the sensor specifications appear similar, the S25 Plus benefits from a newer image processing engine, such as the ProVisual Engine, integrated with its more powerful processor. This allows for more sophisticated computational photography, potentially leading to improved detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The S25 Plus also introduces advanced AI features for photo editing and virtual aperture for RAW shooting.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. The front-facing camera on the S22 Plus 5G is 10MP, while the S25 Plus is expected to feature a 12MP front camera, offering slightly higher resolution for selfies and video calls.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and connectivity of these devices.

  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports 5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Galaxy S25 Plus offers more advanced connectivity, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, providing faster wireless speeds and more stable connections.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both smartphones feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both devices utilize an in-display fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking.
  • Design and Handling: The S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The S25 Plus is noted to be slightly thinner and lighter, with dimensions around 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm and a weight of approximately 190g, potentially offering a more comfortable in-hand feel despite its slightly larger screen.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and Galaxy S25 Plus cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting the advancements made over three generations of smartphone development.

Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often praise its vibrant display, solid performance for everyday tasks, and reliable battery life. Its camera system is generally considered good for most situations, though some users note it can trail competitors in challenging low-light scenarios or with fast-moving subjects. A common point of concern for the S22 Plus 5G is its shorter software support timeline compared to newer models, which means it will receive fewer major Android updates going forward.

The Galaxy S25 Plus, on the other hand, is lauded for its significantly extended software support, ensuring a longer period of up-to-date features and security. Its enhanced processing power delivers a smoother and more responsive experience, particularly for demanding applications and gaming. The brighter, higher-resolution display and improved battery efficiency are also frequently highlighted as key advantages. While its camera hardware might appear similar to its predecessor, the advanced AI processing is expected to yield superior photographic results. Some users might find the design changes to be subtle, but the overall package represents a polished and future-proof device.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, cutting-edge performance, and the latest display technology will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. It is an ideal choice for those who keep their devices for several years and want access to the newest features and security updates. Conversely, users who require a capable smartphone for general use, media consumption, and casual photography, and who are comfortable with a device nearing the end of its major software update cycle, may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G still meets their requirements. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these electronics and offering a sustainable choice.

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