Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S25

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:£435.00

Versus £766.13 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S25 introduces advancements in processing power, display technology, and extended software support. Both operate on the Android platform, with the S25 benefiting from a more recent version and a longer update commitment from Samsung.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, benefits from being a much newer model.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically received four major Android OS updates, extending its software support to around Android 16, with security updates expected until February 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 launched with Android 15 and is promised seven years of major OS updates, reaching up to Android 22, along with seven years of security updates, extending its support until 2032. This commitment provides a significantly longer period of up-to-date software and security for the S25.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum frame and glass construction with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S22 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back, while the S25 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced protection against drops and scratches.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect the generational gap in their internal hardware, impacting how they handle demanding tasks and everyday usage.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that handles daily applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S25 features a newer, more advanced processor designed for enhanced efficiency and speed. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother transitions, and more capable handling of intensive applications and mobile gaming on the S25.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S22 Plus 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, providing adequate capacity for typical multitasking. The Galaxy S25 offers 12GB of RAM as standard, which allows for more applications to run simultaneously in the background without slowdowns and contributes to a more fluid overall user experience, particularly for power users.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users. The Galaxy S25 has a 4000 mAh battery. Despite the smaller capacity, the S25's more efficient processor and display technology aim to deliver comparable or slightly improved battery longevity for typical daily tasks, though heavy users might find similar charging frequencies.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both devices offers vibrant visuals, but the newer Galaxy S25 incorporates advancements in panel technology.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S22 Plus 5G has a 6.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The Galaxy S25 features a slightly smaller 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with the same 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution, resulting in a slightly higher pixel density for sharper images.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both models offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S22 Plus 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1750 nits. The Galaxy S25 enhances this with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The S25's LTPO technology also allows for more dynamic adjustment of the refresh rate, potentially contributing to power efficiency.
  • Viewing Experience: The S22 Plus 5G provides a larger screen for media consumption and productivity. The S25, while slightly smaller, offers a more compact form factor that some users may find easier for one-handed use. Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color in compatible content.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080x2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems, but the Galaxy S25 introduces refinements and enhanced processing capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S25 maintains a similar hardware configuration with a 50 MP main, 10 MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and 12 MP ultrawide camera. However, the S25 benefits from a newer image processing engine, which can lead to improved image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Plus 5G delivers strong performance in various lighting scenarios, with its larger main sensor improving low-light shots compared to its predecessors. The Galaxy S25, with its Next Gen ProVisual Engine, aims to further minimize noise and enhance detail in photos, particularly in low-light situations, and offers features like 10-bit HDR for still images.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24fps, with the S25 also supporting 8K at 30fps and a new Galaxy Log format for more editable video. Microphone quality for calls and recording is generally clear on both. The S25 features improved stereo speakers, offering richer sound with more bass compared to its predecessor.

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S22 Plus 5G uses Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Galaxy S25 upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E/7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. They also offer face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195 g. The Galaxy S25 is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm and a weight of 162 g. This makes the S25 potentially more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry. Both feature an aluminum frame and glass back, with the S25 using the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability.

Weight

195 g

162 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.2

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often highlights its capable camera system and solid overall performance for its time. Some users noted its battery life as adequate but not exceptional, requiring daily charging for moderate to heavy use. The display was generally praised for its brightness and clarity. For the Galaxy S25, users frequently commend its lighter and more comfortable design, improved speaker quality, and the significant commitment to software updates. Criticisms sometimes point to the battery life, which, while improved by efficiency, may still require frequent charging for heavy users, and the charging speed remains at 25W. Some users also noted that while the camera is dependable, it might not always surpass competitors in vividness, though night photography and focus have seen improvements.

Users prioritizing a more compact and lighter device with the longest possible software support and the latest processing power will find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced display brightness and improved audio also cater to those who consume a lot of media. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly larger screen and are content with a still-capable device that offers good performance for everyday tasks might consider the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be a sustainable choice for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons