Samsung Galaxy S22 SM-S901UIDAXAA Review

The Samsung Galaxy S22 delivers elite camera and connectivity, both in the 97th percentile. Its compact, premium build is a joy to hold. Just know you're paying $800 for a phone whose processor performance is merely good, not great.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a compact powerhouse that scores in the 97th percentile for both connectivity and camera performance. That means it's basically top of the class for network speeds and photo quality. For a 6.1-inch phone, it packs a serious punch with its 50MP main sensor and 8K video recording. Its overall score of 73.3/100 is solid, but it really shines in specific areas like its 90th percentile battery life and 87th percentile build quality. It's a phone that knows its strengths and plays to them exceptionally well.

Performance is a bit of a mixed bag, landing in the 69th percentile. That's not bad, but it's not the headline act here. The octa-core processor with a peak speed of 2.99GHz handles everyday tasks and most apps without a sweat. Where this phone truly flexes is in its camera system, sitting in the 97th percentile. The triple-camera setup, led by that 50MP sensor, delivers detail and versatility that most phones can't touch. Pair that with 8GB of RAM, and you've got a smooth experience for multitasking and photography, even if raw processing power isn't chart-topping.

At $800, the S22 asks for a premium price. You're paying a lot for that elite camera and connectivity, which are genuinely best-in-class features. The build and display are also excellent. However, you have to accept that the core processor performance is just 'good' for this price bracket. Compared to some competitors, you're trading some raw speed for a more polished, compact experience with a standout camera. It's a value proposition centered on specific strengths, not brute force.

Stacked against its peers, the S22 carves out a niche. The Google Pixel often challenges on camera software and value, but the S22's hardware and 97th percentile connectivity give it an edge for network reliability. The OnePlus 15 likely beats it in raw performance for the money, but can't match its compact, premium build or camera versatility. Even compared to the newer S25 FE, the standard S22 holds its own with a more premium feel and that fantastic camera system, though the FE might offer better battery or a newer chip. It's a game of trade-offs.

Skip the Galaxy S22 if raw processing power is your top priority. Its performance sits at the 69th percentile, which is good but not exceptional for $800. Gamers or users who run heavily intensive apps might find better value elsewhere. Also, avoid it if you need a rugged phone—it scores a low 48.4/100 in that category. And if you need tons of storage, the fixed 128GB might be a constraint.

We recommend the Samsung Galaxy S22 if you prioritize a top-tier camera, excellent connectivity, and a premium, compact design above all else. Its 97th percentile scores in those areas are legit. Just go in knowing that its overall processing power is very good, not class-leading, and the $800 price tag is steep for that performance tier. If camera quality and feeling a premium device in your hand are your main goals, this is a fantastic choice.