Home > Smartphone

Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 worth buying in 2024?

A flagship phone that's over two years old - is it still worth it?
Last Updated on January 30, 2024
Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 worth buying in 2024? Image shows the Galaxy S22 with a blue question mark in front of it, on a pink blue gradient background.
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

While it’s no longer the leading Galaxy Flagship, it’s not curtains for the S22 lineup just yet – but is the Samsung Galaxy S22 worth buying in 2024? The Android landscape is ever-changing, yet the Galaxy S22 has been a constant frontrunner as a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that offers an exceptional user experience. Its premium design, impressive camera capabilities, and high-performance hardware still define it as a solid choice, but with the arrival of a new Galaxy S lineup, it’s only natural to wonder if the S22 is still worth considering.

In this article, we will explore the Galaxy S22 to help you determine if it is still worth buying in 2024. So without any further ado, let’s cut to the chase!

Samsung Galaxy S22 at a glance

SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy S22
Dimensions146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
Display6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 2340 x 1080 pixels
Refresh rate120 Hz
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SM8450 (4 nm) / Exynos 2200
Storage / RAM128 GB / 8 GB LPDDR5
CameraRear: 50 MP main, 10 MP telephoto, 12 MP ultra-wide
Selfie camera: 10MP
Battery / charging3700 mAh / 25W wired, 15W wireless charging
ColorsPhantom Black, White, Pink Gold, Green
Samsung Galaxy S22 specs table

Why should I consider buying the Samsung Galaxy S22?

Even though Samsung just recently released the Galaxy 24, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is still a phone worth keeping on your radar in 2024. Some of the reasons why you should consider buying the Galaxy S22 include:

Camera: Capturing moments with precision

Equipped with a triple-lens rear camera setup, the Samsung Galaxy S22 captures stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions. The 50MP primary lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 12MP telephoto lens work together to produce detailed and vibrant images. The Nightography technology enhances low-light photography, allowing you to capture clear and well-lit shots even in dimly lit environments – a feature that Samsung has become somewhat well-known for.

Performance: Powerhouse in your hands

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S22 packs a punch with its 4nm chip, which provides unmatched power and performance. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM, the device handles multitasking and resource-intensive applications with ease. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or using productivity apps, the S22 delivers a smooth and lag-free experience.

Battery life: A day’s worth of power

One of the key considerations for any smartphone user is battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S22 comes with a 3700mAh battery, which may not sound impressive on paper compared to its counterparts. However, thanks to its optimized power management and efficient hardware, the S22 offers a full day’s worth of use for most users. If you’re a heavy user, you may find that the battery struggles to last the entire day – in fact, this seems to be user’s most common qualm with the device.

Price: a more affordable option

In terms of price, the Galaxy S22 is a more affordable option compared to the Galaxy S23 and S24, and following the S24’s launch there’s no doubt that the S22’s price might drop even further. You might be able to find it for sale for around $300 to $400, putting it on equal footing with the Google Pixel 6 in terms of affordability: this is, of course, about half of its MSRP of $799, and the current price of the Galaxy S24 and the Apple iPhone 15.

Is Samsung S22 good for the long term?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is built to last and offers a solid performance that will keep up with your needs for years to come. Its powerful hardware, software optimizations, and regular updates ensure a smooth user experience over the long term. However, unlike the Galaxy S24 which was promised seven years of OS and security updates, the Galaxy S22 is only equipped with four years of updates – this means it’s got just two years left before it starts to get left behind from upcoming updates.

Should I upgrade to S22 or S23?

If you’re currently using an older Samsung device and looking for an upgrade, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is a worthwhile option, especially at its price point. It brings significant improvements in terms of design, performance, and camera capabilities than its predecessor, the S21. However, if you prefer a more advanced smartphone, you may want to consider the S23, which offers a wider range of features but isn’t really too much of a significant upgrade over the S22: the main advantage is its drastically improved battery life.

On the other hand, a recent drawback that’s come into the spotlight is the fact that the S22 lineup won’t be getting the Galaxy AI features coming to the Galaxy S24 and S23. If you’re set on your device being equipped with Samsung’s AI optimizations, then a Galaxy S23 should be your port of call over an S22.

How many years will the S22 last?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 has of course been built to withstand the test of time. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 still has impressive performance, and its camera hardware and software continue to improve with recent updates. Samsung’s tend to have a lifespan of about three to six years, and the S22 was promised four years of software updates and security patches: so, you’ll hopefully squeeze about four years of life out of your S22 before it’s lights out.

Is the S22 Ultra worth it?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra still keeps its status as a premium device, offering advanced features and high-level performance. For users who demand the best at a slightly more affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra takes things to another level. Its 6.8-inch edge quad HD+ display, 108MP primary lens, and 100x zoom capabilities make it a top-tier flagship device, despite no longer being the newest Galaxy. With its large 5000mAh battery and 45W Super Fast Charge support, the S22 Ultra offers extended usage time and quick charging capabilities.

Conclusion – is the Galaxy S22 worth buying in 2024?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is still up there as a formidable flagship device that offers a premium design, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities. Whether you opt for the S22, S22+, or S22 Ultra, you can expect a top-tier smartphone experience that will be a decent upgrade despite not being the latest Galaxy. With its blend of style, functionality, and innovation, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is undoubtedly still a worthy contender as one of the best Samsung phones.

So, to answer the question – is the Galaxy S22 worth buying in 2024? Well, I seem to think so. Samsung has a solid repertoire of flagship phones, and the S22 still has the performance and camera to keep it a phone worth considering. However, if you’re budget can stretch a little further, the S23 obviously has the step up in battery life and performance, as the su

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.