Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£544.00

Versus £958.39 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in early 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. While both run on the Android operating system and offer a high-end experience, the S25 Plus introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera technology, and overall user experience, reflecting three years of technological evolution.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, the release timeline and Samsung's update policies are key differentiators.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 16 and security updates until early 2027. The Galaxy S25 Plus, launching with Android 15, benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, offering major OS updates up to Android 22 and security patches until early 2032.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security will find the S25 Plus offers a significantly longer practical lifespan. Both devices feature robust builds with IP68 water and dust resistance and durable glass, contributing to their physical longevity.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both models are designed with premium components, and professional repair is generally recommended for complex issues. Refurbished options for both models ensure quality-assured devices with extended usability.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models are substantial, driven by generational improvements in internal components.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G handles daily tasks, multitasking, and most applications smoothly. However, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a noticeably snappier experience, with faster app loading times and more fluid transitions, especially when running demanding applications or multiple apps simultaneously.
  • Gaming & Heavy Use: For mobile gaming and intensive tasks like video editing, the S25 Plus provides a significant advantage. Its current-generation processor delivers superior graphics performance and sustained power, resulting in higher frame rates and less thermal throttling compared to the S22 5G.
  • Storage & Multitasking: Both devices offer ample storage options, but the S25 Plus typically comes with more base RAM, enhancing its ability to keep more applications open in the background without needing to reload them.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the S25 Plus brings notable enhancements to the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology: Both the S22 5G and S25 Plus utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, known for their deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The S25 Plus, however, features a larger display, offering a more expansive viewing area.
  • Brightness & Clarity: The S25 Plus achieves significantly higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view content outdoors in direct sunlight. Both offer sharp resolutions, ensuring text and images appear crisp and detailed.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S25 Plus may offer a more advanced adaptive refresh rate system, potentially improving battery efficiency while maintaining smoothness.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities see considerable upgrades from the S22 5G to the S25 Plus, particularly in computational photography and sensor technology.

  • Everyday Photography: The Galaxy S22 5G captures excellent photos in good lighting conditions with its versatile triple camera system. The S25 Plus builds on this with improved main sensors, delivering more detailed images, better dynamic range, and more accurate color reproduction across various lighting scenarios.
  • Low-Light Performance: The S25 Plus excels in low-light environments, producing brighter, clearer, and less noisy images compared to the S22 5G, thanks to larger sensors and advanced image processing.
  • Video Recording: Both devices offer high-resolution video recording, but the S25 Plus provides enhanced stabilization, improved audio capture, and more advanced video features, making it a stronger choice for content creators.
  • Zoom & Ultrawide: While both have ultrawide and telephoto lenses, the S25 Plus typically offers improved optical zoom capabilities and higher resolution ultrawide shots.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S25 Plus incorporates newer Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth versions (e.g., Bluetooth 5.4), offering faster and more reliable wireless connections compared to the S22 5G's Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Port & Biometrics: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, though the S25 Plus may support faster data transfer speeds. Both rely on ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking, with the S25 Plus potentially offering a larger or more responsive sensor area.
  • Design & Handling: The S25 Plus is generally larger and heavier than the S22 5G, which has a more compact form factor. Both feature premium glass and aluminum builds, offering a robust feel in hand.

Weight

167 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G often praises its compact size, vibrant display, and capable camera for its time. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life for heavy users and the performance gap compared to its Ultra sibling. The Galaxy S25 Plus, being a more recent release, is generally lauded for its exceptional performance, significantly improved battery endurance, and advanced camera system, particularly in challenging conditions. Some users might find its larger size less convenient for one-handed use.

Users prioritizing a more compact device for everyday use and who don't require the absolute latest in performance or camera technology may find the Galaxy S22 5G still meets their needs. However, those who demand cutting-edge performance for gaming, extensive multitasking, superior low-light photography, and a longer software support window will find the Galaxy S25 Plus to be the more suitable option. For consumers looking for an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice without compromising on functionality.

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