Samsung S21 vs S22 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S21
Global ChipsetExynos 2200Exynos 2100
USA ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 1Snapdragon 888
GPU ArchitectureAMD RDNA 2Adreno
Pixel Density~425 ppi~421 ppi
Display GlassGorilla Glass Victus+Gorilla Glass Victus
Frame MaterialArmor AluminumAluminum
Rear Main Camera50 MP12 MP
Main Sensor SizeLargerSmaller
Main Camera FOVWiderNarrower
Video ProcessingNew ISP pipelineOlder ISP pipeline
Front Camera SensorNewer generationOlder generation
Charging OptimizationAdaptive charging logicStandard charging logic
Thermal SystemRevised vapor chamberEarlier cooling system
Gaming GraphicsHardware ray tracingNo ray tracing
Software at LaunchAndroid 12Android 11
Update Support WindowLonger remainingShorter remaining
WeightHeavierLighter
ThicknessThickerThinner
Haptic MotorImprovedStandard
PriceCheck Samsung S22 PriceCheck 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

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S21
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic AMOLED 2X
Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz
ResolutionFHD+FHD+
HDR SupportHDR10+HDR10+
Always-On DisplayYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
SIM ConfigurationDual SIMDual SIM
Ultrasonic Fingerprint SensorYesYes
Face UnlockYesYes
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Dolby AtmosYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
USB StandardUSB-CUSB-C
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68IP68
Samsung One UIYesYes
Knox SecurityYesYes
No microSD SlotYesYes
No 3.5mm JackYesYes
Price Check Samsung S22 Price
Check Samsung S21 Price

FAQ

Is Samsung Galaxy S22 newer than Samsung Galaxy S21?
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S22 is a newer model released one year after Samsung Galaxy S21, making it part of a later generation with updated hardware and longer future software support.

Do Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 use the same display technology?
Both devices use Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with similar color accuracy, contrast, and smoothness, providing a consistent flagship viewing experience on each model.

Is the screen size the same on Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21?
No, Samsung Galaxy S22 has a slightly smaller display, while Samsung Galaxy S21 has a marginally larger screen, though the difference is minimal in daily use.

Do both phones support a 120 Hz refresh rate?
Yes, both Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 support a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations.

Are the processors different between Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21?
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S22 uses newer-generation chipsets, while Samsung Galaxy S21 relies on older flagship processors, resulting in performance and efficiency differences.

Do Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 have the same camera setup?
No, while both have triple rear cameras, Samsung Galaxy S22 uses a higher-resolution main sensor compared to Samsung Galaxy S21.

Is the front camera resolution the same on both devices?
Yes, both models feature a 10 MP front-facing camera, although the sensor generation and processing differ slightly.

Which phone has better battery capacity?
Samsung Galaxy S21 has a larger battery capacity, while Samsung Galaxy S22 uses a smaller battery combined with newer efficiency optimizations.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 support wireless charging using compatible Qi chargers.

Is reverse wireless charging available on both models?
Yes, both devices support reverse wireless charging, allowing them to charge accessories such as wireless earbuds.

Are Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 water-resistant?
Yes, both phones carry an IP68 rating, providing resistance to dust and water under specified conditions.

Do both phones have expandable storage via microSD?
No, neither Samsung Galaxy S22 nor Samsung Galaxy S21 includes a microSD card slot, relying solely on internal storage.

Is there a headphone jack on either phone?
No, both models lack a 3.5 mm headphone jack, requiring USB-C or wireless audio solutions.

Do Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S21 use the same software interface?
Both run Samsung One UI, offering a similar layout, features, and user experience, though Samsung Galaxy S22 launched with a newer Android version.

Which phone will receive software updates for a longer time?
Samsung Galaxy S22 has a longer remaining software and security update window because it was released later than Samsung Galaxy S21.