The Samsung Galaxy S22, a flagship smartphone that captured the attention of many during Flipkart and Amazon sales with its attractive price point of rupees 50,000. As an owner of the Galaxy S22 for the past six months, I’ve had the opportunity to delve deep into its performance, design, and overall user experience. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore how this smartphone has aged over time, focusing on various aspects like design, display, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and software updates.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Review
Design and Build Quality
One of the immediate highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S22 is its premium design and build quality. With a glass back, aluminum sides, and flat edges, the phone feels both luxurious and comfortable in hand. Even the white color variant, which I was initially skeptical about, has proven resilient to fingerprints and smudges over the past six months. It’s clear that Samsung has invested in crafting a device that maintains its aesthetic appeal with prolonged use, even without a protective case.
Display Excellence
The Galaxy S22’s display continues to impress six months down the line. Sporting vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility, the AMOLED screen remains a treat for the eyes. In fact, the display’s quality truly shines when compared side by side with other AMOLED displays, like the one on the Asus Zenfone 9. Despite occasional jitters and frame drops, which were largely addressed by the Android 13 beta updates, the Galaxy S22’s display remains a standout feature.
Performance and Software
In terms of performance, the Galaxy S22 still maintains its snappy responsiveness, although it has shown signs of wear and tear over time. While day-to-day usage remains smooth, occasional issues like skipped animations and unresponsiveness when connecting to Android Auto or toggling work profiles have surfaced. This brings into question whether the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the One UI software is to blame for the inconsistencies. Although One UI offers additional features, it has shown signs of aging, making it less appealing for long-term use.
Battery Life Concerns
Battery life has been a notable pain point with the Galaxy S22, especially for users who heavily rely on mobile data or engage in extensive camera usage. While it may suffice for those with access to chargers throughout the day, it falls short during trips or situations where charging is limited. In my experience, the phone’s battery percentage significantly depleted within hours of using mobile data and GPS simultaneously. Given its launch price of rupees 73,000, this battery performance is far from acceptable.
Camera Performance
On the camera front, the Galaxy S22 offers a compelling experience. The primary camera is top-notch, and the telephoto lens also proves to be useful in various scenarios. Samsung has clearly focused on delivering a camera system that caters to users’ preferences when capturing photos and videos. Some users might even find the Galaxy S22’s camera versatility more appealing than the consistency of the iPhone 13 or 14’s camera system. However, when it comes to video recording, the iPhone still reigns supreme, although the Galaxy S22 excels among Android competitors.
Notable Software Features
The Galaxy S22 shines in several software aspects. Bixby routines, an integral part of the One UI, enhance user experience by automating tasks and making daily activities more convenient. Additionally, Samsung Dex, a unique feature, offers a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor, a feature that remains unrivaled among other phone manufacturers. Furthermore, Samsung’s commitment to software updates is commendable, as the Galaxy S22 receives regular security patches and is already on Android 13 beta, promising a lengthy four-year support period.
Ultimately, if you prioritize battery life and seamless long-term performance, it might be worth considering alternatives like the Galaxy S22 Plus. As for the Galaxy S22, it remains a compelling choice for those who prioritize a premium design, exceptional display, and versatile camera capabilities. Samsung’s commitment to software updates adds to its appeal, making it a worthy option for users who can overlook its drawbacks. Nonetheless, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific usage needs and priorities before investing in the Samsung Galaxy S22.