The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the compact flagship of Samsung's 2022 line, now very cheap on the clearance market. One of the smaller premium Androids made, it still keeps a full flagship camera set, though modest battery life is its main weak point.
Galaxy S22: Display
The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X runs at 120Hz with a 1080 x 2340 resolution and a 1,300-nit peak, with GSMArena measuring 982 nits of maximum brightness in its lab test, under Gorilla Glass Victus+.
The panel is sharp, smooth and flat, and at 6.1 inches this is one of the few high-end phones that suits smaller hands.
Galaxy S22: Camera
The triple camera pairs a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide, with a 10MP selfie camera and 8K video. A dedicated telephoto is a real advantage over cheaper phones.
The 10MP telephoto resolution is modest next to Ultra periscopes, so long-range detail is the clearest limit.
Galaxy S22: Battery
The 3,700mAh battery is small, earning only a modest endurance rating in GSMArena's test, the phone's clearest weak point, with 25W wired charging, 15W wireless and reverse wireless.
Heavier users will likely need a midday top-up, and charging is slow next to fast-charging rivals.
Galaxy S22: Size, Weight and Build
At 146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and 167g with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both faces, an aluminium frame and IP68 sealing, the S22 is compact and light while built to full flagship standard, in colours including Pink Gold and Bora Purple.
There is no microSD slot or headphone jack, the usual flagship trade-offs.
Galaxy S22: Performance
UK units use the Exynos 2200, while other markets get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, both with 8GB of RAM and Samsung DeX support. It launched on Android 12 and is still receiving One UI updates.
UK buyers cannot choose the Snapdragon version, and the Exynos 2200 can run warm under load, so out-of-region reviews may not fully reflect the phone sold here.
Galaxy S22: Who Should Buy
Buy the Galaxy S22 at a low price if you want a genuinely compact flagship with a telephoto camera and can accept modest battery life. Buyers who want longer battery life, a Snapdragon chip and a newer platform should compare the Galaxy S23. Buyers comparing contract terms will find current network pricing in the table above.