If you’re considering purchasing the Galaxy S22 , you should know Samsung’s latest phone sports a refreshed design and improved camera that’s much …
If you’re considering purchasing the Galaxy S22, you should know Samsung’s latest phone sports a refreshed design and improved camera that’s much better at taking photos in the dark. (The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s camera can compete with the iPhone 13 and Pixel 6 Pro.) But is that enough to justify an upgrade? The answer depends on which phone you have. Most people will be fine with hanging onto their Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20 for a while longer. But if you have a Galaxy S10 or earlier, you’ll see a more dramatic difference in camera quality and general performance when upgrading. The more recent your phone is, the longer you’ll get access to the latest version of Android and new Samsung software features. If you’re considering upgrading, keep in mind that Samsung also has more affordable options like the Galaxy S21 FE and newly announced Galaxy A53 5G. But if you’re already eyeballing the Galaxy S22 and are wondering whether now’s the right time to upgrade, check out the comparisons below. And don’t forget to consider recycling or trading in your old smartphone if you’re not giving it to a friend or family member. Not only is it less wasteful, but many carriers and retailers will offer a heavy discount for exchanging your old phone. Read more: Galaxy S22 Ultra: Go for the Upgrade, or Stick With Your Older Samsung? The biggest difference between the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 is in their cameras. Samsung upgraded the S22 and S22 Plus with a 50-megapixel sensor and better low light photography. Although the new camera is a noticeable step up from the Galaxy S21’s 12-megapixel sensor — as you can see in my reviews of both new phones — it’s not enough to justify an upgrade just yet. That’s especially true since many of the S22’s other changes are incremental. There are also some other differences to keep in mind aside from the camera, some of which aren’t necessarily an improvement. Both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus have smaller batteries than the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus, for example. Samsung’s new phones also have slightly tinier screens than their predecessors, which can be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. The Galaxy S22 has a 6.1-inch screen compared to the S21’s 6.2-inch display, while the S22 Plus has a 6.6-inch screen instead of the S21 Plus’ 6.7-inch display. The Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus also have a fresh design made of metal and glass that looks more elegant than the Galaxy S21’s look, although that might not matter much if you plan to use a case. As is typically the case with new phones, the Galaxy S22 family runs on a newer processor than the Galaxy S21. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powers the versions you’ll find in the US, while Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chip can be found in other select markets. Performance is comparable between the two, so don’t expect to see major changes. Instead, the Galaxy S22’s new chip is most noticeable in the camera, since it’s part of the reason these new phones can take better low-light photos. The Galaxy S22 Plus also has 45-watt fast charging while the Galaxy S21 family only supports 25-watt fast charging, but you’ll have to buy the adapter separately. The bottom line: If you have the Galaxy S21, you don’t need to upgrade yet. The camera is better, but many of the S22’s other changes are minor. Unless you really want a better camera and can essentially get the Galaxy S22 for free through a trade-in deal, you’re better off waiting. The Galaxy S21 should also support software updates for the foreseeable future since it’s eligible for four years of updates. The Galaxy S20 has a lot in common with the Galaxy S21, which means you can probably hang onto it for a little while longer. Again, the biggest benefits you’ll get by upgrading are the improved 50-megapixel main camera, revamped design and newer processor. But of those three characteristics, it’s the camera that’s going to feel like the biggest difference. The Galaxy S20’s camera is very similar to the Galaxy S21’s. Both phones have a 12-megapixel main camera,12-megapixel ultra wide camera and 64-megapixel telephoto lens. As such, the same advice above generally applies if you own the Galaxy S20. You’ll notice a boost in general image quality (color, contrast, detail and low light performance), but overall camera functionality is the same.
