Samsung S22 Review: Worth It In 2025?

Alright, tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into whether the Samsung S22 still holds its own in 2025. We’re going to break down everything from its performance and camera capabilities to its design and overall value. Is it a blast from the past or a budget-friendly gem? Stick around, and you'll find out!

Design and Display: Still a Looker?

When the Samsung S22 first hit the scene, its design was a major head-turner, and honestly, it still looks pretty sleek. The phone boasts a premium build with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back. This combo gives it a solid, high-end feel in your hand. Durability-wise, it can definitely withstand a few accidental drops, but let's be real, you’ll still want a case to keep it pristine.

The display is where the S22 really shines, even in 2025. It features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. What does all that jargon mean? Simply put, the screen is vibrant, colorful, and incredibly smooth. Scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games feels buttery smooth, thanks to that high refresh rate. The colors pop without being overly saturated, making everything look natural and appealing.

Another key feature is the display's brightness. It can get incredibly bright, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight. This is a huge plus if you're often outdoors. The compact size of the S22 also makes it pocket-friendly and easy to handle with one hand, something that's becoming increasingly rare in today's world of massive smartphones. For those who appreciate a smaller, more manageable device, the S22 is a winner.

However, it’s not all perfect. The bezels, while minimal, are slightly thicker compared to the latest flagships. Also, the resolution, while sharp, isn't the highest on the market. But honestly, these are minor gripes. For most users, the display is more than adequate and provides an excellent viewing experience. So, if you're after a phone that’s easy on the eyes and comfortable to hold, the S22 definitely scores high marks in the design and display department.

Performance: How Does it Hold Up?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: performance. The Samsung S22 comes with either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200 chipset, depending on your region. Both are powerful processors, but they have their quirks. Generally, the Snapdragon variant is considered to be slightly more efficient and offers better sustained performance, while the Exynos version can sometimes suffer from thermal throttling under heavy loads.

In 2025, these chipsets are still quite capable. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming videos, the S22 feels snappy and responsive. Multitasking is a breeze, and you won't experience any noticeable lag. Even demanding games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at high settings, although you might need to dial down the graphics a bit to maintain consistent frame rates over extended gaming sessions.

However, it’s worth noting that these chipsets are not the most power-efficient. Battery life can be a concern, especially if you're a heavy user. You might find yourself needing to top up the battery before the end of the day. This is one area where newer phones have a clear advantage, as they often feature more efficient processors and larger batteries.

Another thing to consider is software updates. Samsung has a good track record of providing timely updates, but the S22 is getting older, so it may not receive as many future updates as newer devices. This means you might miss out on some of the latest features and security patches. Despite these drawbacks, the S22 still delivers a solid performance that's more than adequate for most users. It might not be the fastest phone on the market, but it’s certainly no slouch.

Camera: Still a Top Shooter?

The camera system on the Samsung S22 was a standout feature when it was released, and it remains impressive even in 2025. It features a versatile setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This combination allows you to capture stunning photos in a variety of scenarios.

The main camera excels in daylight, producing images with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and a wide dynamic range. Samsung's image processing is top-notch, and the photos are generally pleasing to the eye without being overly processed. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing landscapes and group shots, although it doesn't perform as well in low light. The telephoto lens provides a useful zoom range for getting closer to your subjects without sacrificing too much quality.

In low light, the S22's camera still holds its own. The night mode does a great job of brightening up the images and reducing noise, although it can sometimes make the photos look a bit artificial. Overall, the low-light performance is commendable, but it's not quite as good as some of the newer flagships that have more advanced night mode algorithms.

The S22 also shoots excellent videos, with support for up to 8K resolution at 24fps. The video quality is sharp and detailed, and the stabilization is very effective. The front-facing camera is also quite good, producing clear and well-exposed selfies.

While the S22's camera system is still capable, it's worth noting that newer phones have made significant advancements in camera technology. Features like improved computational photography, better zoom capabilities, and more advanced night modes are now common on flagship devices. However, for most users, the S22's camera will still deliver excellent results, making it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life: The Achilles Heel?

Battery life is arguably the weakest aspect of the Samsung S22. It packs a 3,700mAh battery, which is relatively small compared to other smartphones on the market. In 2025, with battery technology having advanced, this is even more noticeable.

On average, you can expect to get through a day of moderate use, but heavy users will likely need to top up the battery before the day is over. Activities like gaming, streaming videos, and using GPS can drain the battery quickly. If you're a power user, you might want to consider carrying a portable charger or investing in a battery case.

The S22 supports 25W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which allows you to charge other devices using your phone. While 25W charging is decent, it's not as fast as some of the newer phones that support 45W or even 65W charging.

In 2025, battery life is a crucial factor for many smartphone users. With more efficient processors and larger batteries becoming the norm, the S22's battery life can feel a bit underwhelming. If battery life is a top priority for you, you might want to consider other options. However, if you're willing to manage your usage and top up the battery when needed, the S22 can still be a viable choice.

Software and Updates: How's the Support?

The Samsung S22 launched with Android 12 and One UI 4.1, Samsung's custom skin. One UI is known for its clean and intuitive interface, as well as its wealth of features and customization options. In 2025, the S22 has likely been updated to newer versions of Android and One UI, bringing even more features and improvements.

Samsung has a good track record of providing timely software updates, but the S22 is getting older, so it may not receive as many future updates as newer devices. This means you might miss out on some of the latest features and security patches. However, Samsung typically provides several years of software support for its flagship phones, so the S22 should still receive updates for the foreseeable future.

One UI is packed with features, including Samsung's Knox security platform, which provides enhanced security and privacy. It also includes features like Edge Panels, which allow you to quickly access your favorite apps and contacts, and SmartThings, which allows you to control your smart home devices. Overall, the software experience on the S22 is polished and feature-rich, making it a pleasure to use.

Value: Is It Worth Buying in 2025?

So, the big question: is the Samsung S22 worth buying in 2025? The answer depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a compact phone with a great display, a versatile camera system, and solid performance, the S22 is still a viable option.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The battery life is not the best, and the phone may not receive as many future software updates as newer devices. Additionally, newer phones have made significant advancements in areas like camera technology and processing power.

In 2025, the price of the Samsung S22 has likely dropped significantly, making it a more affordable option compared to newer flagships. If you can find it at a good price, it can be a great value for the money. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your own needs before making a decision.

Ultimately, the Samsung S22 remains a capable and stylish phone in 2025. Its strengths in design, display, and camera still shine, but its battery life and update prospects are areas to consider. Happy shopping, folks!