Samsung Galaxy S22+: A Well-Balanced Flagship Android Phone
Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S22+, priced at $999.99, stands out as an impressive crowd-pleaser in the Android smartphone market. Offering a blend of exceptional performance, robust connectivity, and a suite of features at a competitive price point, the S22+ is a strong contender for the title of the best flagship Android phone available.
**Design and Display: ** The Galaxy S22+ boasts a more premium and durable design compared to its predecessor, the S21+. With a silky matte back that feels resistant to scratches, the phone exudes a premium feel. The 6.6-inch display, while slightly smaller than last year's model, features an improved 2,340-by-1,080-pixel resolution and a comfortable 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The display's peak brightness of 1,750 nits ensures easy visibility outdoors.
**Performance and Connectivity: ** Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the S22+ excels in performance benchmarks, offering a noticeable 9-13% increase in CPU performance and a 20% advantage in GPU performance over its predecessor, the S21. A standout feature is the Qualcomm X65 modem, the first to support AT&T's new 3.45GHz spectrum. This modem significantly enhances signal reception in challenging areas and contributes to better overall performance.
**Battery Life and Charging: ** While the S22+'s 4,500mAh battery provides good endurance, its battery life is not as exceptional as the S22 Ultra's larger 5,000mAh battery. Charging speed, offered through Samsung's 45W accessory charger, is consistent across the S22 lineup, reaching around 75 minutes for a full charge. However, charging speed noticeably tapers off beyond 80%, suggesting battery health preservation measures.
**Camera Performance: ** The S22+ features a capable camera system, including a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3x optical zoom sensor, and a 10MP front-facing camera. Although the camera system is a notable improvement over its predecessor, the S21+, it falls slightly behind competitors like the Google Pixel 6 Pro in terms of color vibrancy.
**Software and Future Updates:** The S22+ runs on Android 12 with Samsung's One UI overlay, offering seamless integration with Google and Microsoft services. Samsung's commitment to providing updates up to Android 16, along with security updates through Android 17, adds to the device's appeal.
**Verdict: ** With its well-rounded combination of impressive performance, top-notch connectivity, and a suite of features, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ strikes a balance that few competitors can match. While it may not introduce groundbreaking innovations, its ability to excel in core aspects makes it the ideal flagship Android phone for most users. Its slightly superior battery life, premium feel, and stronger camera system set it apart as a worthy recipient of our Editors' Choice award.
**Pros: **
- Impressive performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Robust cellular reception with Qualcomm X65 modem
- Enhanced battery life compared to previous models
- Premium and durable design with improved matte back
- Competitive camera system with improved zoom capabilities
**Cons:**
- Camera colors can appear washed out in comparison to competitors
- 45W charging offers limited speed improvements beyond 80% charge
**Bottom Line: ** The Samsung Galaxy S22+ emerges as the flagship Android phone to beat, offering an excellent balance of performance, connectivity, and features at a compelling price point.
