Galaxy A34 Vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

Galaxy A34
Galaxy A34
Starting at

Refurbished price:£105.00

Versus £399.00 new

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Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, released in March 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the Galaxy A34 is positioned in the mid-range segment, the Galaxy S22 Plus was a flagship device at its release. Key differences lie in their processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build quality, reflecting their distinct market segments.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A34 5G was released in March 2023, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, which launched in February 2022. This difference in release date means the A34 has a slightly longer remaining support window.
  • OS Support and Longevity: Both devices benefit from Samsung's commitment to software updates. The Galaxy A34 5G is promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, starting from its Android 13 launch, potentially receiving updates up to Android 17. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched with Android 12, also receives four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support up to Android 16.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A34 5G generally exhibits a higher repairability score, often rated around 8.0 to 8.3 out of 10, indicating it is relatively straightforward to disassemble and reassemble for common repairs. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for components like the battery and a design that makes screen repairs more challenging.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two smartphones varies significantly, largely due to their different internal components and target markets.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A34 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for general use and casual gaming. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, featuring a more advanced processor, delivers a higher level of performance, allowing for very demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphically rich games to run with greater fluidity and speed.
  • System Responsiveness and RAM: Both devices offer configurations with ample RAM for typical smartphone usage. The Galaxy A34 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users to switch between apps without noticeable delays. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically includes 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to maintain numerous applications in memory and offer a consistently snappy user experience, even under heavy load.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy A34 5G offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, providing flexibility for users who need more space for media and files. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage but does not support expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, but there are distinctions in their technology and capabilities that affect the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A34 5G features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and clear visuals suitable for media consumption and daily tasks. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also has a 6.6-inch display, but it uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a similar Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), known for its exceptional color accuracy and contrast.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A34 5G's display can reach up to 1000 nits in High Brightness Mode and up to 1544 nits peak brightness, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible in direct sunlight, and offers an adaptive refresh rate that scales between 48Hz and 120Hz to optimize power consumption while maintaining smooth visuals.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy A34 5G is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced durability against scratches and drops.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two devices cater to different photography needs, with the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offering a more versatile setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A34 5G is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. It performs well for everyday photography, capturing images with good detail and color, and its OIS helps in low-light conditions. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a more advanced triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom (OIS), providing greater flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including distant subjects.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A34 5G delivers reliable photos for social sharing, with users noting good color reproduction. Its video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps with good stabilization. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers improved low-light performance and more detailed images, though some users note it can struggle with fast-moving subjects or people compared to some competitors. It supports higher video recording resolutions, including 8K at 24fps.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both phones feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A34 5G has a 13MP front camera. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera. Both devices include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy A34 5G supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features the newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, and Bluetooth 5.2. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, the Galaxy A34 5G includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, though some users have noted it can be slow. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also features an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is generally considered fast and reliable.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy A34 5G features a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) with a plastic frame and back, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G presents a more premium build with a Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, an aluminum frame, and a higher IP68 rating for enhanced dust and water protection.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy A34 5G measures 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm and weighs 199g. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 196g, potentially offering a more comfortable in-hand feel for some users.

Weight

199 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A34 5G often highlights its excellent Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, long battery life, and reliable main camera with OIS as significant advantages. Users also appreciate Samsung's multi-year software update commitment for this mid-range device. Common criticisms include a slower fingerprint reader and charging speeds.

For the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, common praise points include its stunning and exceptionally bright display, premium build quality, and strong overall performance for demanding tasks. Its camera system, particularly the main sensor and telephoto lens, is also well-regarded. However, some users have noted that its battery life, while solid, was a step back from its predecessor, and its camera performance for moving subjects or in very low light on secondary lenses could be improved compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a vibrant, smooth display, extended battery life, and long-term software support in a more accessible package may find the Galaxy A34 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a balanced experience for everyday use and media consumption. Conversely, those who require top-tier processing power for intensive applications, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, a brighter display, and a premium build will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. This device is geared towards users seeking flagship-level performance and features.

Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers looking to make an informed purchasing decision.

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