Samsung Samsung Galaxy S22 SM-S901UZKAXAA Review

The Galaxy S22 boasts 99th percentile build quality and 95th percentile performance in a compact, 168-gram body. Its main weakness is inconsistent camera results, scoring just 74.6. At around $200, it's a steal; near $400, look at newer models.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a compact powerhouse that punches way above its weight class. With a 95th percentile performance score and a 99th percentile build quality rating, this phone feels premium and flies through daily tasks. It's a 6.1-inch device that weighs just 168 grams, landing it in the 92nd percentile for compactness, which is a huge win if you're tired of giant slabs in your pocket.

You're looking at a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most people. The 50MP main camera sits in the 93rd percentile, and with an IP68 rating and 5G connectivity hitting the 96th percentile, this phone is built to last and stay connected. The catch? Its photography score, at 74.6, is its weakest link, hinting that the camera software might not live up to the hardware specs in all conditions.

Let's talk speed. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in here puts overall performance in the 95th percentile. That means it's faster than nearly every other phone in our database for general use, app launches, and multitasking with that 8GB of RAM. Gaming is smooth, and the 8K video recording is a nice spec to have, even if it's a bit of a battery hog.

The battery life, at a 91st percentile ranking, is solid for a phone this small with a 3700mAh cell. It'll get most users through a full day, but power users might need a top-up. The display, while bright and adaptive, lands in the 81st percentile. It's a good 1080p panel, but it's not the absolute top tier for sharpness or refresh rate compared to some newer models.

Here's where it gets interesting. This phone varies wildly in price, from $190 to $399 depending on the vendor and whether it's new or refurbished. At the lower end of that range, especially around $200, the value is incredible. You're getting near-flagship performance and build from a generation ago for budget phone money. At the $399 end, you're starting to bump into newer mid-range models, so shop carefully. We'd say the sweet spot is definitely under $250.

Stacked against its peers, the S22's compactness and build are its secret weapons. The Google Pixel 10 GA09899-US will likely beat it in pure camera consistency, but the S22 feels more premium and is significantly smaller. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a larger, more modern alternative with a better battery and likely a cooler-running chip, but it loses that one-handed charm. The OnePlus 15 offers faster charging and often a higher refresh rate screen for similar money, but its build quality and software update promise typically don't match Samsung's. If you prioritize a small, well-built phone with great core performance, the S22 is tough to beat in this price bracket.

Skip this phone if photography is your absolute top priority. With a photography score of 74.6, it's the weakest aspect of this device, meaning you might get frustrated with inconsistent shots, especially in low light or with moving subjects. Also, if you need the latest software and longest update support straight out of the box, this phone launched with Android 12 and is nearing the end of its update cycle. Look at a newer Pixel or a Galaxy S25 FE instead.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a compelling buy, but your budget dictates the recommendation. If you can find it for around $200-$250, it's an easy yes. You get a fantastically built, compact phone with speed that still embarrasses most current mid-rangers. At full price near $400, we'd hesitate and point you towards newer models like the S25 FE. The data shows its strengths are in build, connectivity, and snappy performance, while the camera can be a bit of a wild card. For the right price, it's a little powerhouse.