Samsung Galaxy S22 & Samsung Galaxy S21 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S22 rather than the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S22?
- The Samsung Galaxy S22 comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved long-term performance stability, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses the Exynos 2100 chipset.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 features an AMD RDNA 2–based GPU for more advanced graphics rendering and improved gaming realism, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a traditional Adreno or Mali GPU.
- It includes a 50 MP primary rear camera for capturing sharper images with greater detail and more flexible cropping, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with a 12 MP primary rear camera.
- The Samsung Galaxy S22 supports improved low-light image processing to produce cleaner night photos with reduced noise, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 relies on an older image processing pipeline.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 comes with Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better resistance against drops and scratches during daily use, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses Gorilla Glass Victus.
- It features an Armor Aluminum frame for increased structural durability and better impact resistance, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with a standard aluminum frame.
- The Samsung Galaxy S22 supports hardware-level ray tracing for enhanced lighting and visual effects in supported games, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 does not support ray tracing.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 comes with a newer Android version for longer remaining software and security update coverage, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 launched with an older Android version.
Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S21 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S22. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
| Global Chipset | Exynos 2200 | Exynos 2100 |
| USA Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 888 |
| GPU Architecture | AMD RDNA 2 | Adreno |
| Pixel Density | ~425 ppi | ~421 ppi |
| Display Glass | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Frame Material | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Rear Main Camera | 50 MP | 12 MP |
| Main Sensor Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Main Camera FOV | Wider | Narrower |
| Video Processing | New ISP pipeline | Older ISP pipeline |
| Front Camera Sensor | Newer generation | Older generation |
| Charging Optimization | Adaptive charging logic | Standard charging logic |
| Thermal System | Revised vapor chamber | Earlier cooling system |
| Gaming Graphics | Hardware ray tracing | No ray tracing |
| Software at Launch | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Update Support Window | Longer remaining | Shorter remaining |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Haptic Motor | Improved | Standard |
| Price | Check Samsung S22 Price | Check Samsung S21 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Type: Both smartphones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, which deliver deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent contrast. This shared display technology ensures a premium visual experience across daily use, streaming, and gaming.
- Refresh Rate: Each device supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, allowing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. This improves responsiveness in apps, web browsing, and compatible games.
- Resolution: Both models feature an FHD+ resolution, balancing sharp visuals with power efficiency. This resolution is well suited for their screen sizes and helps manage battery consumption.
- HDR Support: HDR10+ is supported on both devices, enabling enhanced brightness and color depth in compatible content. This improves video playback quality on streaming platforms.
- Always-On Display: Each phone includes an always-on display for showing time, notifications, and status information. This allows quick access to essential details without fully waking the screen.
- 5G Connectivity: Both devices support 5G networks, ensuring faster mobile data speeds and improved network responsiveness. This helps future-proof connectivity as 5G coverage expands.
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 support is present on both models, enabling faster speeds and better performance on compatible routers. This improves stability in crowded wireless environments.
- Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 is included on both phones, providing reliable connections to wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and other accessories. It also supports improved audio stability and efficiency.
- SIM Configuration: Both phones support dual SIM functionality in supported regions. This allows users to manage personal and work numbers on a single device.
- Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor: An in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is used on both devices. This offers fast and secure biometric authentication directly through the screen.
- Face Unlock: Each model supports face recognition for quick device access. This provides a convenient alternative to fingerprint authentication.
- Stereo Speakers: Both phones include stereo speaker setups for balanced audio output. This enhances media consumption, gaming, and hands-free calls.
- Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos support is available on both devices, improving spatial audio effects when using speakers or compatible headphones. This creates a more immersive sound experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both smartphones support wireless charging, allowing cable-free power top-ups on compatible charging pads. This adds convenience to everyday charging routines.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Wireless PowerShare is supported on both models, enabling them to charge accessories like earbuds or another phone. This can be useful in emergency situations.
- USB Standard: Each device uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This ensures compatibility with modern chargers and accessories.
- Water & Dust Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. This provides protection against splashes, rain, and accidental immersion.
- Samsung One UI: Both devices run Samsung’s One UI software interface. This ensures a consistent user experience with similar features, settings, and design language.
- Knox Security: Samsung Knox security is built into both models, providing hardware- and software-level protection. This helps safeguard sensitive data and device integrity.
- No microSD Slot: Neither device includes a microSD card slot. Users rely on internal storage and cloud services for additional space.
- No 3.5mm Jack: Both phones omit the traditional headphone jack. Audio output is handled through USB-C or wireless audio solutions.
Common Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Resolution | FHD+ | FHD+ |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| SIM Configuration | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Face Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| USB Standard | USB-C | USB-C |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Samsung One UI | Yes | Yes |
| Knox Security | Yes | Yes |
| No microSD Slot | Yes | Yes |
| No 3.5mm Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Samsung S22 Price | Check Samsung S21 Price |
FAQ
Is Samsung Galaxy S22 newer than Samsung Galaxy S21? Do Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 use the same display technology? Is the screen size the same on Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21? Do both phones support a 120 Hz refresh rate? Are the processors different between Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21? Do Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 have the same camera setup? Is the front camera resolution the same on both devices? Which phone has better battery capacity? Do both phones support wireless charging? Is reverse wireless charging available on both models? Are Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 water-resistant? Do both phones have expandable storage via microSD? Is there a headphone jack on either phone? Do Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 use the same software interface? Which phone will receive software updates for a longer time? |