Samsung Galaxy S22 S901U Phantom Black 128GB

The Galaxy S22 is a compact flagship that still punches above its weight in camera and performance, landing in the 91st and 87th percentiles respectively. Its 6.1-inch AMOLED display and 168g weight make it one of the last truly one-hand-friendly premium phones. Battery life is the obvious compromise at 64.3, so heavy users should budget for a midday charge. Refurbished pricing around $205 makes this an incredible value for photography-focused buyers who want a small phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is that rare phone that doesn't try to be a tablet. In a world of ever-expanding screens, this 6.1-inch device feels refreshingly manageable. It slips into a pocket without a fight, weighs just 168 grams, and you can actually reach the top of the display with one thumb. That compact design scored an 84.1 in our database, making it one of the best small phones you can still get your hands on. But don't mistake small for weak. Samsung packed a proper flagship camera system and a snappy Qualcomm processor into this frame, and the results speak for themselves.

This phone is for someone who prioritizes feel and photography over marathon battery life. The triple camera setup, headlined by a 50MP main sensor, lands in the 91st percentile of all phones we've tested. That's genuinely impressive territory. You're getting 3x optical zoom, 8K video recording, and the kind of image processing Samsung has spent years refining. The 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display is another standout, hitting 1300 nits of brightness and sitting in the 85th percentile. It's vibrant, smooth, and perfectly sized for watching content on the go.

But there's a trade-off, and it's a predictable one. The 3700mAh battery is the Achilles' heel here, scoring a 64.3 in our battery life tests. That's the weakest area by a noticeable margin. If you're a heavy user who streams video all day or games through your commute, you'll be reaching for a charger by late afternoon. For lighter users who want a premium camera in a truly one-hand-friendly body, though, the S22 still makes a compelling case, especially at the refurbished prices we're seeing now.

Under the hood, the Qualcomm octa-core chip with that 2.99GHz Cortex-X2 prime core keeps things moving. Our benchmarks put this phone in the 87th percentile for overall performance, which means it's still outpacing most mid-range phones released even a year or two later. Paired with 8GB of RAM, app switching is fluid and demanding games run without stutter. The 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage is fast enough that loading times never feel like a bottleneck. For everyday tasks, social media, and photography, this thing still feels like a current flagship.

The real-world implication is simple: you're not sacrificing speed by buying a slightly older compact phone. The S22 handles 8K video capture and processing-heavy camera tasks without breaking a sweat. The 120Hz display makes every swipe and scroll feel immediate. Unless you're comparing it side-by-side with the absolute latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices, you won't notice a meaningful difference. It's a testament to how good flagship silicon has gotten that a phone from this generation still feels fast and responsive years later.

Pricing on the S22 is all over the place right now, which is actually good news for bargain hunters. We're seeing a spread from $205 for refurbished units up to $439 for new old stock. That $234 gap means you need to shop carefully. The sweet spot is clearly in the refurbished market, where you can grab a phone with flagship-level camera performance for the price of a budget device. Newegg's refurbished listings in "Very Good Condition" are the ones to watch, offering the most phone for your dollar.

At the low end of that range, the value proposition is hard to beat. You're getting a camera system that competes with phones costing twice as much, a gorgeous display, and a build quality that feels premium. Just factor in that you might want a portable battery pack if you're a heavy user. At the $439 end, you're creeping into territory where newer mid-range phones with bigger batteries and longer software support start to look tempting. The value here is all about finding a good refurb deal.

The Google Pixel 10a is the most natural competitor for someone eyeing the S22. The Pixel typically offers cleaner software, longer update promises, and Google's computational photography magic. But the S22 fights back with a more versatile camera system, that 3x optical zoom the Pixel lacks, and a more premium build with IP68. The Pixel might win on battery and software longevity, but the S22 feels like a more luxurious piece of hardware in hand. The OnePlus 13R is another contender, usually packing a bigger battery and faster charging. If endurance is your top priority, the OnePlus makes a strong case. But its cameras rarely match Samsung's processing, and the S22's compact size is in a different league entirely.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is in a different weight class, both literally and figuratively. It's a massive phone with a much higher price tag. If you're cross-shopping these, you're probably deciding between operating systems more than anything else. The S22 is for Android users who want a small, capable phone without spending Pro Max money. The OPPO Reno 15 5G and Motorola G Stylus are budget-oriented alternatives that can't touch the S22's camera or display quality, but they'll outlast it on battery and often include features like headphone jacks or stylus support that the Samsung lacks.

If battery life is your number one priority, look elsewhere. The S22's 3700mAh cell just doesn't cut it for heavy users who need their phone to last from sunrise to midnight without a charge. Something like the OnePlus 13R with its larger battery and faster charging will serve you much better. Also, if you want a big screen for media consumption or gaming, the 6.1-inch display might feel cramped. The iPhone 15 Pro Max or even Samsung's own S22 Ultra are better fits for that use case. And if you're someone who keeps phones for five-plus years, the limited remaining software support window might give you pause. A newer Pixel with its longer update promise could be the smarter long-term buy.

If you want a compact Android phone with a genuinely great camera, the Galaxy S22 is still one of the best options out there. The 50MP main sensor and 3x telephoto lens produce shots that hold up against phones released much more recently. The 6.1-inch form factor is a rare breed, and Samsung nailed the in-hand feel. Grab a refurbished unit in good condition, and you're getting flagship photography and performance for a fraction of the original price. Just keep a charger handy if you're out all day.

For power users who live on their phones from morning to night, the battery life is a real limitation. If you're streaming, gaming, or navigating constantly, the 3700mAh cell will leave you hunting for an outlet by early evening. In that case, look at something like the OnePlus 13R with its bigger battery and faster charging. But for anyone who values one-handed use and doesn't mind topping up mid-day, the S22 is a delightful little powerhouse that's aged better than most.