Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A22
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 159.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and wider, A22 is thicker. S21+ may feel larger in the hand, A22 less so. |
| Weight | 200g | 186g | S21+ is heavier, may feel more substantial, A22 is lighter for easier handling, especially for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front (screen protection) , Unknown back | Unknown | S21+ provides better scratch and drop protection. A22's protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing of media and gaming; A22 is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has much sharper, clearer images and text. A22 display may appear less refined and detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 274 PPI | S21+ displays crisper, less pixelated visuals. A22's display will look noticeably less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. A22's 90Hz is still smoother than standard 60Hz but not as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is highly visible outdoors, even in direct sunlight, A22 brightness is unknown, potentially having readability issues under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster processing, better performance for demanding apps and games, A22 is suitable for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 379,800 | S21+ is much faster overall, handles heavy multitasking, complex tasks and demanding games smoothly, A22 is adequate for day to day usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ provides much better graphics performance, smoother gaming, and faster processing, A22 is suitable for casual gaming, not heavy gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm) | S21+ has larger pixels for better low-light performance; A22 has higher resolution for detailed images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm) | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling better zoomed pictures, and portraits with better depth-of-field. |
| Selfie | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | 8MP (f/2.0, unknown size, pixel size) | S21+ has slightly higher resolution for sharper selfies; A22 has wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | 5MP (f/2.2, unknown size, pixel size) | S21+ has a wide angle lens that captures wider shots with more detail; A22 has a wide angle lens of unknown quality. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 5MP (f/2.4, unknown size, pixel size) | S21+ lacks a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, A22 provides depth data for portraits. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ records professional-grade video content, A22 captures standard FHD video |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21+ offers better video stabilization; A22 video quality would be shaky. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | 48 | S21+ has a much higher camera performance compared to the A22. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | A22 has a slightly larger battery, may offer slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse wireless charging; no charger in box | N/A | S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and sharing power with other devices; A22 does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper images, smoother refresh rate, and significantly brighter for outdoor use.
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster processor and GPU, smoother multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Better low-light performance, optical zoom, higher quality video recording, and wider feature set.
- Faster Charging: Quick 25W charging, plus wireless charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and noise cancellation microphone.
- More advanced connectivity: Newer WiFi standard, and more Bluetooth features
- More security: Advanced fingerprint sensor
- Better Software support: 2 more years of android updates.
- Better Screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More sensors: Gyroscope, Barometer, and Hall.
Samsung Galaxy A22 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer slightly longer battery life, but the difference is not major.
- Lighter and more compact: more convenient to carry around.
- Wider aperture selfie camera: Offers slightly better low-light selfies.
- Dedicated depth sensor: For portrait photos.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher price point, smaller battery, no headphone jack.
- A22: Lower performance, less sharp display, inferior camera, no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and features, willing to pay a premium.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need smooth frame rates.
- Media consumers who enjoy high-resolution content.
- Photography enthusiasts who need diverse camera features and high image quality.
- Professionals who need performance for multitasking and productivity apps.
- Users wanting a premium experience and flagship device quality.
Samsung Galaxy A22:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users needing a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Casual users who prioritize battery life and ease of use.
- Users who need a device for social media, messaging, and basic browsing.
- Users who value portability.
- Students or casual photographers who need a decent main camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, social media, productivity)?
- How important is display quality? (Sharpness, brightness, refresh rate)?
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for higher performance and features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High Performance and Photography: If you need the best performance, display, and camera capabilities, and price isn't a huge concern, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Budget-Conscious Everyday Use: If you primarily need a smartphone for basic tasks, prioritize battery life, and want to save money, the Samsung Galaxy A22 is a suitable choice.
- Balanced User: For users with a need for a bit of everything, still the S21+ is much better if the budget allows for it.
What I would Choose
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the A22 offers a larger battery and is more budget friendly, the S21+ provides a significantly superior experience in almost every other aspect that is important for a smartphone user. The S21+ has a vastly better display (resolution, refresh rate, brightness) which is critical for media consumption and gaming. Its significantly more powerful chipset makes it smoother and more responsive in daily tasks, and it allows for a much better experience in more demanding apps or games.
The S21+'s camera system is also much better, with the telephoto lens and advanced video capabilities being compelling features. The inclusion of features such as wireless charging, faster charging speed, and better audio quality make it a more enjoyable device. Although the A22 is cheaper, the higher price of the S21+ is justified by its premium design, build quality, and significantly better overall performance and user experience. The extended software updates also help to future proof the phone.
