Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Review Review

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is a flagship Android smartphone launched in early 2022 by Samsung Electronics. As a premium device within the Galaxy S22 series, it occupies the middle ground between the compact Galaxy S22 and the feature-packed Galaxy S22 Ultra. Designed for users who want a large, vibrant display and powerful performance without the heft or price of an Ultra, the S22 Plus combines style, power, and versatility in a refined package. This review highlights its key features, design improvements, and how it compares to its predecessors and competitors.

Compared to the previous Galaxy S21 Plus, the Galaxy S22 Plus brings several refinements, including a brighter AMOLED screen, a more durable build with Armor Aluminum frame, improved camera software, and enhanced overall performance thanks to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processors (depending on the region). These updates aim to deliver a more premium and responsive experience tailored for demanding users who value both productivity and entertainment.

Overview / Specifications

Specification	Details
Samsung	Samsung Electronics
Category	Smartphone / Android Flagship
Model	Galaxy S22 Plus
Release Date	February 2022
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US/Korea) Exynos 2200 (Global)
Display	6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2400×1080, HDR10+
Battery	4500mAh, Fast charging 45W, Wireless charging 15W
Operating System	Android 12, One UI 4.1
Memory & Storage	8GB RAM; 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C
Dimensions	157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm
Weight	195 g
Materials	Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, Armor Aluminum frame
Starting Price	From $999 USD (may vary by region)

Design & Build

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus continues Samsung’s commitment to sleek, premium design. Its polished Armor Aluminum frame improves durability without adding bulk, while Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back protects against scratches and drops. The matte finish on the back resists fingerprints and provides a pleasant grip.

At 195 grams and 7.6 mm thick, the phone strikes a balance between substantial and comfortable to hold, especially given its large 6.6-inch display. The curved edges on the screen are subtle, minimizing accidental touches and preserving usability. With IP68 water and dust resistance, the S22 Plus is built to withstand everyday hazards, supporting its premium feel.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S22 Plus offers top-tier performance powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the US and Exynos 2200 globally. Both chipsets enable fluid navigation, fast app launches, and smooth multitasking. The 8GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage provide ample bandwidth for gaming, streaming, and productivity.

The 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display not only boasts vibrant colors and deep blacks but also adjusts refresh rates dynamically to conserve battery life. Day-to-day tasks feel responsive and the phone handles demanding games and multitasking with ease. Battery life is solid with the 4500mAh cell, supporting all-day usage with moderate to heavy use. Fast charging and wireless charging add convenience, although the 45W wired charging is less rapid than some competitors.

Features

Camera System: Triple rear cameras – 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The camera software includes improved night and portrait modes, AI scene optimization, and 8K video recording.
Software: Ships with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI 4.1, offering robust customization, enhanced privacy controls, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem.
Connectivity: Comprehensive 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC for contactless payments, and USB-C port.
Security: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for biometric unlocking.
Audio: Stereo speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support enhance media consumption.

Price & Value

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus starts at approximately $999 USD for the base 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant, though prices vary by market and retailer. It lacks a microSD card slot but offers ample internal storage options for most users. Given Samsung’s brand reputation and the phone’s premium features, the price aligns with other flagship devices in 2022.

Samsung provides a standard warranty, typically one year, with optional extended plans available in some regions. Considering its performance and build quality, the S22 Plus offers good value for users who need a high-end smartphone but do not require the additional features and size of the Ultra model.

Main Competitors

Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Offers a polished iOS experience, superior video recording, and a powerful A15 Bionic chip. Best suited for users loyal to iOS and who prioritize ecosystem integration. The Galaxy S22 Plus wins on customization and faster charging.
Google Pixel 7 Pro: Known for stellar camera performance and timely software updates. Ideal for photography enthusiasts wanting clean Android. The Samsung S22 Plus offers a more versatile feature set and slightly better display technology.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Vibrant 6.6-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate	Battery life could be better under heavy use
Premium design with Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus+	45W charging slower compared to some flagships
Flagship-level performance with latest Snapdragon/Exynos processor	No microSD card expansion
Excellent camera versatility with improved software features	Priced closely to higher-end Ultra model, which offers more features
Comprehensive 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity	Exynos variant performance slightly behind Snapdragon in some benchmarks

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus stands out as a compelling flagship smartphone in 2022, targeting users who want a large, gorgeous AMOLED screen coupled with powerful hardware and refined design without the size and price premium of the Ultra variant. Its biggest strengths lie in its display quality, solid all-round performance, and upgraded build durability. Although battery life and charging speed could be better, these are minor trade-offs in a well-balanced device.

For those invested in the Samsung ecosystem or looking for an Android phone that blends style, speed, and camera versatility, the Galaxy S22 Plus is an excellent option. It competes strongly with leading phones from Apple and Google by offering unique Samsung software, customization, and a polished hardware experience.

Overall, we rate the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus an 8.5 out of 10 for its compelling mix of performance, design, and camera features. If you want a high-performing, stylish Android phone with a superb display and reliable daily performance, the S22 Plus deserves your serious consideration.