Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Galaxy S20
Samsung has always been at the forefront of smartphone innovation and the Galaxy S20 signified the company's renewed commitment to this vision. The Galaxy S22 is Samsung's latest flagship device and if you're currently using an S20, you might be wondering if it's worth upgrading. Let's take a closer look.
Design: S22 is a Stunner
The Galaxy S22 features a unique camera module and is available in up to eight different colors. Its design is sleek and stylish, and a definite upgrade from the S20's design. The S22 is slightly smaller than the S20, but slightly heavier. Additionally, the S22 features an in-display fingerprint sensor that is quicker and more accurate than the one on the S20. However, one downside is that the S20 supports expandable storage with its microSD card slot, which was removed from the S22 lineup.
Display: Both Displays are Excellent
The Galaxy S20 boasts a gorgeous 6.2-inch QHD (3200 x 1440) AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the best displays on the market. The S22, on the other hand, has a 6.1-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080) 120Hz display that we really like. It can get a little brighter than the S20 at 1300 nits and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, while the S20 is protected by Gorilla Glass 6. Both displays are excellent, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Software: S22 Takes the Lead
When it comes to software support, the S22 dominates. Samsung promises four years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates for the S22, which is a significant improvement over the S20. The S20 will get three Android updates and four years of security updates, with Android 13 being the last official update it will receive. The S22 has already received Android 13, so the S20 won't be too far behind. Additionally, the S22 runs One UI 5, while the S20 currently runs One UI 4.1. The S22 debuted Smart Calendar and other new software features that have been made available to the S20 through an update.
Price and Availability: S20 is Phased Out
The Galaxy S22 is still available for purchase through major carriers and smaller ones in the United States, and Samsung has knocked $100 off its original price tag, now retailing for $699. However, with the release of the S23, it's important to consider whether the S22 is still worth the investment. On the other hand, the S20 is now three years old and has been phased out, making it difficult to find new. You may be able to find refurbished or new units on third-party sites, but at this point in its life cycle, it's not worth the price.
Should You Upgrade from an S20 to an S22?
If you currently own an S20, the decision to upgrade to an S22 depends on your specific needs. The S22 doesn't offer significant upgrades compared to the S21, except for improved cameras. With two-and-a-half years of software support left, the S21 is still a viable option, and it may not be worth upgrading just yet. However, if you own a three-year-old S20, upgrading to the S22 may be a good idea, considering the improved software support, upgraded camera, and sleek design. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and budget.
Performance & Connectivity
The Galaxy S20 has held up well over time, thanks to its Snapdragon 865 (Exynos 990 for international models) processor. It's equipped with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The Galaxy S22, on the other hand, has the much more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. While the Snapdragon 865 can still handle most tasks today, it pales in comparison to the chipset used in the S22. If performance is a top priority, especially for gaming, the S22 is the hands-down winner here.
Battery Life & Charging
If you're unhappy with the S20's battery life, the S22 will not be a relief. It features a 3,700mAh battery that's slightly smaller than the 4,000mAh unit on the S20. However, this doesn't put the S20 at an advantage, since it also has more pixels to power when used in QHD mode. The S22 is technically powered by a more efficient chipset, but in practice, its battery life has been disappointing. If you're looking for a massive jump in battery life when upgrading from the S20, you're likely in for a disappointment. Both phones support 25W fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Cameras
The camera is an essential factor to consider when choosing between the S20 and S22. The S20 has a 12MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 64MP telephoto camera (1.1x optical zoom). The S22, on the other hand, boasts a 50MP primary camera, a 10MP telephoto camera (3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide camera (similar to the S20's). While it's easy to get lost in the megapixel count, the S22 will offer better shots with the telephoto sensor. Although the S22 boasts more pixels and has a more powerful chip for image processing, the S20 has a larger sensor size that captures more light. Results from both phones should be pretty similar in daylight. However, Samsung did tout better low-light performance and better edge detection in portraits for the S22.
Design & Display
In terms of design, the S22 has a more refined and modern look than the S20. It features a sleeker, more rounded design with a metal frame and glass back. The S20 has a more angular design with a more prominent camera bump. The S22 also has a slightly brighter display, with 1500 nits of peak brightness compared to the S20's 1200 nits.
Price & Value
The Galaxy S22 is an excellent option if you're looking for a flagship phone that doesn't breach the $1000 mark, especially as one of our favorite 5G phones. However, if you're holding an S20 in your hand and don't see anything wrong with it, it makes sense to stick with it. The S22 offers a better design, an upgraded camera setup, longer software support, and a slightly brighter display, but none of these upgrades