Design Features

One of the standout aspects of the Galaxy S22 is its design. The device has a slightly more angular shape compared to its predecessor, making it comfortable to hold. I appreciate that Samsung has moved away from the "glastic" material used previously; the S22 now boasts a matte glass back that feels premium.

The display quality? Well, it's a Samsung display—superb as always. The flat design eliminates any curves, and the symmetry around the screen is visually pleasing. However, I found the speaker performance lacking; although it has dual speakers, they don't deliver strong volume.

I hope Samsung maintains this software aesthetic because the device exudes a premium vibe!

Software Experience

Samsung has significantly refined its software and user interface over the last few years. Kudos to them! One UI 4.1 is impressively smooth and clean. Coupled with Android 12 and a commitment to four years of software updates, it provides an excellent user experience.

Gaming and streaming YouTube are delightful, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which handles everything without noticeable lag. The addition of a 120Hz refresh rate enhances the experience, and the display remains usable even in bright sunlight due to its peak brightness of 1350 nits.

Samsung has done a commendable job with One UI. While it's not stock Android, it feels less cluttered than before, avoiding the overwhelm of excessive features.

Camera Performance

While I’m not an avid camera enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Galaxy S22 captures stunning photos in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Moreover, the video stabilization is impressive! If you're considering starting a YouTube channel, the Galaxy S22 could be your ideal companion.

Battery Life Challenges

The battery life, however, is arguably the weakest aspect of the Galaxy S22. With a 3700mAh battery, it falls short of expectations, especially by 2022 standards. Many competing devices feature at least a 4000mAh battery.

As a heavy user, I typically engage in texting, emailing, watching videos, and gaming. The device offers around four hours of screen-on time, requiring a recharge by the afternoon. The charging speed, capped at 25W, is decent but not exceptional, especially compared to competitors like the OnePlus.

Pricing Insights

Retailing at $799, the price is competitive, especially against the iPhone 13. However, I believe $699 would have been a more fitting price point. Fortunately, Samsung phones often go on sale; I recently spotted a brand new Galaxy S22 for just $650, a substantial saving!

I recommend waiting a few months after launch to take advantage of discounts. If you’re looking to save even more, consider Amazon Renewed devices, which offer near-new conditions at lower prices.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Samsung Galaxy S22 strikes the perfect balance in size—not too large, yet not as tiny as the iPhone 13 mini, which also has its merits. Aside from the less-than-ideal battery life, Samsung has crafted a fantastic device. With its stylish design, impressive camera, and streamlined software, the S22 is a solid choice.

Remember to monitor pricing, as Samsung devices frequently go on sale. The more you save, the better the deal!

The Galaxy S22 feels like the quintessential Android experience. I hope Samsung continues on this path—if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. A little more attention to battery life, and we could have one of the best smartphones available today.

This first video provides a comprehensive overview of the Galaxy S22's performance after three months of use, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

In this second video, the discussion focuses on the Galaxy S22's capabilities and whether it can maintain its strong performance as time goes on.