Samsung Galaxy S22 Vs Galaxy S21: Key Differences & Upgrade Guide

Samsung’s Galaxy S series has long been a benchmark in the smartphone industry, consistently delivering cutting-edge technology and design. With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S22, many are curious about how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy S21. This comprehensive comparison delves into various aspects of both devices to help you make an informed decision.

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Galaxy S21

Key Specifications:

Feature	Galaxy S22	Galaxy S21
Display	6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100
RAM & Storage	8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB	8GB RAM, 128GB / 256GB
Rear Camera	50MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (telephoto)	12MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 64MP (telephoto)
Front Camera	10MP	10MP
Battery	3,700mAh, 25W fast charging	4,000mAh, 25W fast charging
Software	Android 12 (One UI 4.1)	Android 11 (Upgradable to Android 12)
Build Quality	Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+	Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus
Weight	167g	169g
Price	Starts at $799	Originally $799, now available at lower prices

Design and Build

At first glance, the Galaxy S22 and S21 share a similar aesthetic, both featuring Samsung’s signature sleek design. However, subtle differences set them apart.

Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy S22 is slightly more compact, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167 grams, compared to the S21’s 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm dimensions and 169 grams weight. This reduction in size makes the S22 more pocket-friendly and comfortable for one-handed use.
Materials: Both models boast a premium build quality. The S22 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, enhancing durability. The S21, while also sturdy, uses a plastic back with a Gorilla Glass front and an aluminum frame.
Color Options: Samsung offers a variety of colors for both models. The S22 comes in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and Pink Gold, while the S21 is available in Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink.

Display

The display is a crucial aspect of any smartphone experience, and both models offer impressive screens.

Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 425 ppi. In contrast, the S21 features a slightly larger 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with the same resolution, yielding around 421 ppi.
Refresh Rate: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions.
Brightness: The S22’s display offers improved brightness levels, enhancing visibility under direct sunlight and providing a more vibrant viewing experience.

Performance

Performance enhancements are a significant consideration for users contemplating an upgrade.

Processor: The Galaxy S22 is equipped with the Exynos 2200 chipset in international markets and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the U.S., delivering enhanced performance and efficiency over the S21’s Exynos 2100 and Snapdragon 888 variants.
RAM and Storage: Both models come with 8GB of RAM and offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB. Notably, neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
Software: The S22 launches with Android 12, layered with Samsung’s One UI 4.1, offering a more refined user experience compared to the S21’s Android 11 with One UI 3.1. However, the S21 is upgradable to Android 12, bridging the software gap between the two.

Camera

Samsung has introduced notable camera improvements in the Galaxy S22.

Rear Camera Setup: The S22 features a triple-camera system: a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. In comparison, the S21’s setup includes a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom.
Front Camera: Both devices house a 10MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls.
Photography Features: The S22 introduces enhanced low-light photography capabilities, thanks to its larger sensor and improved image processing. Both models support 8K video recording at 24fps.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a critical factor for many users.

Capacity: The Galaxy S22 is equipped with a 3,700mAh battery, slightly smaller than the S21’s 4,000mAh battery.
Charging: Both devices support 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. However, the S22 benefits from improved power efficiency due to its advanced chipset, potentially offsetting the reduced battery capacity.

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Connectivity

Both smartphones offer comprehensive connectivity options.

5G Support: Both the S22 and S21 support 5G connectivity, ensuring faster data speeds where available.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both models feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable wireless connections.
Ports: Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, aligning with the industry trend towards wireless audio solutions.

Additional Features

Both devices come with several noteworthy features.

IP Rating: Both the S22 and S21 are IP68 certified, indicating resistance to dust and water.
Security: Both models feature an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.

Price and Availability

Pricing plays a pivotal role when considering a smartphone upgrade.

Launch Price: Samsung maintained its pricing strategy with the Galaxy S22, mirroring the launch prices of the S21. The base model of the S22 starts at $799, identical to the S21’s initial pricing.
Current Market Prices: Over time, the Galaxy S21 has experienced price reductions, making it a more budget-friendly option. As of now, the S21 can be found at prices lower than its original launch price, depending on the retailer and ongoing promotions.
Availability: Both models are widely available through Samsung’s official channels, major carriers, and third-party retailers. However, with the introduction of the S22, the S21 may see limited stock in the future as retailers make way for newer inventory.

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Which One is Perfect for Your Daily Life?

If you want the latest and fastest performance, the Galaxy S22 is a great choice with its upgraded processor and improved camera system, making it ideal for gaming, photography, and long-term use. However, if battery life and affordability matter more, the Galaxy S21 is still a solid option, offering a slightly larger battery and a lower price since it has been on the market longer. For everyday use, both phones provide a smooth 120Hz display, premium design, and similar software experience, so if you already own an S21, upgrading may not be necessary unless you really want the latest features.

Deciding between the Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy S21 hinges on individual priorities and requirements.

Reasons to Choose the Galaxy S22:
- Enhanced Performance: The S22’s upgraded processor offers improved speed and efficiency, catering to users seeking top-tier performance.
- Camera Improvements: With a higher-resolution main sensor and advanced image processing, the S22 delivers superior photography experiences, especially in low-light conditions.
- Compact Design: The slightly smaller and lighter build of the S22 enhances portability and one-handed usability.
Reasons to Stick with or Choose the Galaxy S21:
- Cost-Effectiveness: With reduced prices, the S21 offers flagship features at a more accessible price point.
- Comparable Features: The S21 still boasts a robust performance, impressive display, and reliable camera system, making it a viable option for many users.

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Galaxy S21: Key Differences & Upgrade Guide