Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S25+

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

Refurbished price:£166.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

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Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£549.00

Versus £958.39 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a large display and a versatile camera system, the Galaxy S25 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, display technology, and extended software support, reflecting three years of technological evolution. Both operate on the Android platform, with the S25 Plus benefiting from a more recent version and a longer update commitment.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in 2022, was initially promised four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS updates concluded around Android 16/One UI 8, with security patches extending until 2027. As of early 2026, it has transitioned to quarterly security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in 2025 with Android 15 and One UI 7.0, benefits from Samsung's extended policy of seven years of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, with support projected until 2032.
  • Expected Longevity: Users prioritizing the longest possible software and security support will find the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a significantly extended period of updates, ensuring access to new features and continued security for several more years than its predecessor. The S22 Plus 5G is nearing the end of its major software support cycle, though it remains a functional device.
  • Repairability: Both devices feature premium builds with glass and metal, and their repairability scores are generally in line with modern flagship smartphones, often requiring specialized tools and expertise for component replacement.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where generational advancements typically bring notable improvements, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor from its release year, capable of handling everyday applications and multitasking with ease. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a newer, more advanced processor, which translates to faster app loading, smoother transitions, and enhanced capabilities for intensive tasks like advanced gaming and complex AI features.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, sufficient for most multitasking scenarios. The Galaxy S25 Plus generally offers 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running numerous applications simultaneously and managing larger datasets without slowdowns. Both devices offer various internal storage options, but neither supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
  • Battery Efficiency: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, providing a full day of moderate use for many users. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, combined with a more power-efficient processor and adaptive display technology, which contributes to extended usage times between charges.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer high-quality displays, though with distinct differences in their underlying technology and capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). The Galaxy S25 Plus upgrades to a 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering a noticeably sharper image with more detail.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. However, the S22 Plus 5G's adaptive refresh rate ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz, and it achieves a peak brightness of 1750 nits. The S25 Plus offers a more dynamic adaptive refresh rate, scaling from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to better power efficiency, and boasts a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection. The Galaxy S25 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photos and videos, but the newer model benefits from advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Plus also comes with a triple rear camera system, maintaining similar megapixel counts (50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom) but incorporating newer sensor technology and improved image processing capabilities.
  • Photography Features: The S22 Plus 5G introduced features like Nightography for improved low-light performance and enhanced portrait modes. The S25 Plus further refines these capabilities with its 'Pro Visual Engine' and integrated Galaxy AI imaging system, which enhances object recognition, color reproduction, and low-light photography and video. The S25 Plus also features a 12MP front-facing camera with autofocus, an upgrade from the S22 Plus 5G's 10MP front camera.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The Galaxy S25 Plus enhances this by offering 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, providing smoother high-resolution video capture.

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core components, several practical features and design elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G includes Wi-Fi 6E, while the Galaxy S25 Plus features the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both smartphones incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S25 Plus also integrates advanced AI features, including enhanced security protocols and user experience improvements.
  • Design and Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g. The Galaxy S25 Plus is slightly larger and thinner at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm and weighs 190g, suggesting a refined design. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against immersion in water.

Weight

195 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G often praises its robust build, capable camera system for its time, and vibrant display. Common criticisms sometimes pointed to its battery life not always lasting a full day for heavy users and the initial software update policy being shorter compared to some competitors. Users generally appreciated its balanced size and overall performance for daily tasks.

For the Galaxy S25 Plus, early user sentiment highlights its significantly extended software support, the brighter and sharper QHD+ display, and the enhanced performance from its newer processor. The improved battery capacity and advanced camera features, particularly the AI-driven enhancements, are also frequently noted as strong points. Some discussions suggest that while the camera hardware might seem similar in megapixel count to its predecessor, the software optimizations make a noticeable difference in image quality.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, a more vibrant and higher-resolution display, and cutting-edge performance for demanding applications and AI features will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its larger battery and refined camera processing also cater to those who value extended usage and advanced photography. Conversely, users seeking a reliable device for everyday tasks, who may not require the absolute latest in processing power or the longest software commitment, might find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G still offers a solid experience. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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