1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | S21+ is significantly larger, might be less comfortable for smaller hands. S22 is smaller and more pocketable |
| Weight | 200g | 167g | S22 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both phones are durable, S22 has a slightly newer version of the Gorilla glass for improved scratch and impact protection |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption. S22 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp, S22 has slightly higher pixel density, a bit sharper images. |
| PPI | 394 | 425 | S22 has a moderately sharper display. However, the difference is subtle. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical vibrant and high-contrast display technology, same quality and experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both offer great visibility even in bright outdoor conditions |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22 has a newer, more efficient chipset leading to faster performance and better battery life |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,022,200 | S22 offers noticeably faster app loading, smoother operation, and better gaming performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22 has a more powerful GPU, offering a better gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother visuals. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Main) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" Samsung GN5 | S22 has significantly higher resolution with a larger sensor, better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, great for portraits with natural bokeh. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 10MP, f/2.2, unknown | Both are similar, good for selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX772 | S22 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX713 | S22 offers a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563 | N/A | S21+ offers a dedicated macro lens for capturing close up detail. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both record excellent video, similar features |
| DxOMark - Mobile (Overall) | 111 | 120 | S22 has better overall camera performance |
| DxOMark - Photo | 118 | 119 | S22 slightly better performance for photo quality |
| DxOMark - Video | 89 | 116 | S22 is significantly better in terms of video quality |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3700mAh | S21+ has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same speed. |
| Features | Reverse, wireless charging, no charger in box | Bypass Charging, wireless charging | S21+ can reverse charge other devices, does not come with a charger, S22 supports bypass charging to prevent battery degradation during long gaming sessions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: 4800mAh battery offers longer usage times between charges.
- Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens with higher megapixel count for enhanced portrait capabilities and optical zoom.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Advantages:
- More Powerful Chipset: Exynos 2200 provides faster performance and better efficiency.
- Lighter and Smaller: More comfortable to hold and easier to pocket.
- Superior Camera System: Better main sensor with higher resolution, separate telephoto and wide angle lens options, and significantly improved video capabilities.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Supports Bluetooth 5.2 with enhanced audio codecs
- Bypass Charging: Can power the phone directly while plugged in during long gaming sessions, reducing battery stress.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ users gain a larger screen and better battery life, but sacrifice performance and camera quality.
- S22 users gain performance and camera quality but sacrifice battery life and a larger screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, movies, or play games and prefer a larger screen.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who need their phone to last all day without worrying about frequent charging.
- Casual Photographers: Those who appreciate having a telephoto and macro lens for more versatile shots but don't need the absolute best photo quality.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows on the go.
- Long days away from a charger without having to worry about battery life
- Taking portrait and macro shots.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is Ideal For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and fastest performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible camera quality for both photos and videos.
- Those Seeking a Compact Phone: Users who prefer a lighter, more pocketable device that is easy to handle.
Use Cases:
- Playing high-end games smoothly and at high frame rates.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for sharing or editing.
- Carrying a smaller and lighter phone in everyday life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize battery life and a larger screen or portability and performance?
- Is camera quality (especially video) a top priority for you?
- Do you prefer having a macro and portrait lens, or a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a power user who games a lot and takes photos and videos frequently. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is a better choice due to its superior chipset, better camera system, and bypass charging functionality, despite the smaller battery.
- Scenario 2: You mostly browse the web, watch videos, and need your phone to last all day. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better option with its larger screen and significantly longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: You want the best camera quality possible and don't mind sacrificing a slightly larger screen and battery life The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the superior choice.
Final Choice:
If I was making the decision for myself, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. While the larger display and battery of the S21+ are tempting, the improvements in performance (thanks to the newer chipset) and especially the camera quality of the S22 are too significant to ignore. I value the faster processing and the vastly superior camera capabilities much more for my personal usage. The smaller size is actually preferred by me as I appreciate a lighter and easier to handle device for daily usage.
