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      Is the Galaxy S22 Worth the Upgrade? We Compare 5 Older Samsung Phones

      The Samsung Galaxy S22
      Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

      The Galaxy S22 comes with a refreshed design and improved digicam that is a lot better at taking pictures at the hours of darkness. But is that sufficient to justify an improve?The reply depends upon which cellphone you’ve gotten. Most folks can be advantageous with hanging onto their Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20 for some time longer. But if in case you have a Galaxy S10 or earlier, you will see a extra dramatic distinction in digicam high quality and basic efficiency when upgrading. The newer your cellphone is, the longer you will get entry to the most recent model of Android and new Samsung software program options.If you are contemplating upgrading, needless to say Samsung additionally has extra inexpensive choices just like the Galaxy S21 FE and newly introduced Galaxy A53 5G. But for those who’re already eyeballing the Galaxy S22 and are questioning whether or not now’s the appropriate time to improve, take a look at the comparisons under. And do not forget to think about recycling or buying and selling in your previous smartphone for those who’re not giving it to a buddy or member of the family. Not solely is it much less wasteful, however many carriers and retailers will provide a heavy low cost for exchanging your previous cellphone. Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S21The Samsung Galaxy S21
      Sarah Tew/CNET
      The greatest distinction between the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 is of their cameras. Samsung upgraded the S22 and S22 Plus with a 50-megapixel sensor and higher low gentle pictures. Although the brand new digicam is a noticeable step up from the Galaxy S21’s 12-megapixel sensor — as you possibly can see in my opinions of each new telephones — it is not sufficient to justify an improve simply but. That’s very true since lots of the S22’s different modifications are incremental. There are additionally another variations to bear in mind apart from the digicam, a few of which are not essentially an enchancment. Both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus have smaller batteries than the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus, for instance. Samsung’s new telephones even have barely tinier screens than their predecessors, which is usually a professional or a con relying in your preferences. The Galaxy S22 has a 6.1-inch display in comparison with the S21’s 6.2-inch show, whereas the S22 Plus has a 6.6-inch display as a substitute of the S21 Plus’ 6.7-inch show. The Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus even have a contemporary design product of metallic and glass that appears extra elegant than the Galaxy S21’s look, though that may not matter a lot for those who plan to make use of a case. As is often the case with new telephones, the Galaxy S22 household runs on a more recent processor than the Galaxy S21. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powers the variations you will discover within the US, whereas Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chip could be present in different choose markets. Performance is comparable between the 2, so do not count on to see main modifications. Instead, the Galaxy S22’s new chip is most noticeable within the digicam, because it’s a part of the rationale these new telephones can take higher low-light pictures. The Galaxy S22 Plus additionally has 45-watt quick charging whereas the Galaxy S21 household solely helps 25-watt quick charging, however you will have to purchase the adapter individually.The backside line: If you’ve gotten the Galaxy S21, you needn’t improve but. The digicam is healthier, however lots of the S22’s different modifications are minor. Unless you actually need a greater digicam and might basically get the Galaxy S22 free of charge by means of a trade-in deal, you are higher off ready. The Galaxy S21 must also assist software program updates for the foreseeable future because it’s eligible for 4 years of updates. Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S20The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
      Angela Lang/CNET
      The Galaxy S20 has lots in widespread with the Galaxy S21, which implies you possibly can most likely hold onto it for a short time longer. Again, the most important advantages you will get by upgrading are the improved 50-megapixel important digicam, revamped design and newer processor. But of these three traits, it is the digicam that is going to really feel like the most important distinction.The Galaxy S20’s digicam is similar to the Galaxy S21’s. Both telephones have a 12-megapixel important digicam, 12-megapixel extremely large digicam and 64-megapixel telephoto lens. As such, the identical recommendation above typically applies for those who personal the Galaxy S20. You’ll discover a lift generally picture high quality (coloration, distinction, element and low gentle efficiency), however total digicam performance is similar.The Galaxy S20 additionally has some advantages that might make it value hanging onto if it is nonetheless in good situation. Like the Galaxy S21, the common S20 and S20 Plus have barely bigger screens than the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus. But maybe extra importantly, the Galaxy S20 lineup has a microSD card slot that helps as much as 1TB of expandable storage, in contrast to the Galaxy S22 household. The customary Galaxy S22 additionally has a smaller battery than the Galaxy S20 (the Plus fashions have the identical battery capability).The backside line: The Galaxy S20 continues to be comparatively new and has lots of the identical options and performance because the Galaxy S22, so that you needn’t improve but. The digicam is as soon as once more the most important change, however that alone is not sufficient for most individuals to improve. That stated, the Galaxy S20 is nearing the top of its software program assist cycle because it launched in 2020 and is eligible for 3 generations of Android OS upgrades. It’ll get safety updates for 4 years following its launch, however you would possibly wish to contemplate upgrading subsequent yr to proceed getting the most recent Android options. Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S10The Samsung Galaxy S10
      Angela Lang/CNET
      The Galaxy S10 is greater than three years previous, which places it in an ungainly place. It nonetheless has trendy options like a multi-lens digicam and a borderless display, however it’s additionally sufficiently old to make upgrading a smart choice. While you will recognize the Galaxy S22’s improved digicam, smoother display and contemporary design, the actual purpose to improve is to future-proof your system. The customary Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus do not assist 5G (to not be confused with the Galaxy S10 5G, which is a separate cellphone). And these telephones probably will not get new software program options within the close to future.Given the three-year hole between the Galaxy S10’s launch and the Galaxy S22’s debut, there are a good quantity of variations between the 2 gadgets. Aside from operating on a processor that is now about three years previous, the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus are lacking the Galaxy S22’s digicam enhancements. Not solely does the Galaxy S10’s important lens have a 12-megapixel sensor in comparison with the S22’s 50-megapixels, however its digicam can solely zoom in 10 occasions digitally and two occasions optically. The Galaxy S22, alternatively, has a 30x digital zoom and 3x optical zoom. And in fact, you will not get the Galaxy S22’s improved nighttime pictures on an older cellphone just like the S10 because it runs on an growing older processor. There’s additionally no assist for 8K video recording on the Galaxy S10.The Galaxy S22 and S10 each have a 6.1-inch display, however the S22’s dimensions are bodily smaller since its display takes up a bigger portion of the cellphone’s entrance. Upgrading to the Galaxy S22 Plus from the Galaxy S10 Plus will get you a bigger 6.6-inch show in comparison with the S10 Plus’ 6.4-inch show. But the S22 Plus’s dimensions are similar to the S10 Plus’, so you will not have to fret about adjusting to a bigger dimension cellphone. While show high quality is comparable, the Galaxy S10 lineup does not assist the flexibility to extend its refresh price as much as 120Hz for smoother scrolling just like the Galaxy S22. Both telephones even have smaller batteries than the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus, though that is smart contemplating Samsung’s older telephones have easier options that may not eat as a lot energy. But there may be one profit they’ve that the S22 lineup lacks: expandable storage. The Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus every have a microSD card slot that helps as much as 512GB of additional house, whereas the Galaxy S22 lineup should depend on its built-in storage. The Galaxy S10 additionally has a headphone jack in contrast to Samsung’s newer telephones. The backside line: If your funds permits, it is value upgrading from the Galaxy S10 to the Galaxy S22. The digicam, efficiency and battery life enhancements are more likely to really feel vital for the reason that S10 is now three years previous. But most significantly, the Galaxy S10 is reaching the top of Samsung’s promise to assist three generations of Android because it launched with Android 9. While it ought to nonetheless obtain security-related updates by means of 2023 in accordance with Samsung’s four-year pledge, you would possibly end up lacking out on new Android options quickly sufficient. That mixed with a scarcity of 5G and the opposite digicam enhancements you’d get with the S22 make a robust case for upgrading.Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S9The Samsung Galaxy S9Galaxy S9 house owners have lots to realize from upgrading. The four-year-old cellphone lacks trendy options like a multilens digicam (though the Plus mannequin has two rear cameras), 5G and an in-screen fingerprint reader. But as is the case with the Galaxy S10, one of many greatest causes to improve is to make sure your cellphone retains getting new Android options for years to return.One of the primary variations you would possibly discover when upgrading from the S9 to the S22 is the latter’s bigger display. Samsung’s common Galaxy S9 solely has a 5.8-inch display, whereas the Galaxy S22 has a 6.1-inch display. The case is similar for the Galaxy S9 Plus, which has a 6.2-inch show in comparison with the Galaxy S22 Plus’ 6.6-inch display. Neither of Samsung’s older telephones assist increased refresh charges for smoother scrolling both.Samsung has made a whole lot of progress in its digicam expertise during the last 4 years, too. The customary Galaxy S9 solely has one 12-megapixel digicam, whereas the Plus mannequin has each a 12-megapixel customary digicam and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. The Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, alternatively, every have three lenses for capturing large, zoomed-in and ultra-wide-angle photographs. The Galaxy S9 can solely zoom as much as 8x digitally, whereas the Galaxy S22 can zoom as much as 3x optically and 30x digitally. In different phrases, the digicam modifications transcend incremental updates. The Galaxy S22 has a extra versatile digicam with taking pictures modes that you just cannot get on the Galaxy S9 because of the S22’s further lenses. That’s together with the upgrades Samsung made to enhance total picture high quality with the Galaxy S22, like its 50-megapixel sensor that captures richer element and distinction and its potential to take higher pictures at the hours of darkness.Other perks you will get with the Galaxy S22 embody twice the storage on the base degree, an in-screen fingerprint scanner as a substitute of the S9’s rear-mounted sensor and a a lot newer and quicker processor. Since Samsung’s three-year software program replace coverage does not cowl the Galaxy S9, you will even be lacking out on the most recent Android options. (The Galaxy S9 continues to be eligible for quarterly safety updates in accordance with Samsung’s web site). But needless to say you will need to say goodbye to expandable storage and the headphone jack when upgrading. The backside line: If you’ve gotten the Galaxy S9, it is time to improve. The Galaxy S9 is 4 years previous, which implies it is most likely beginning to really feel gradual for those who bought it at launch, and it will not assist new variations of Android. It’s additionally lacking a whole lot of options which have turn into customary, even on right now’s cheaper telephones, like an ultrawide digicam lens, 5G and an in-screen fingerprint reader. Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S8The Samsung Galaxy S8
      Sarah Tew/CNET
      The Galaxy S8 has lots in widespread with the Galaxy S9, so the identical basic recommendation applies. By upgrading to the Galaxy S22, you will get 5G assist, a a lot better digicam with three lenses as a substitute of 1, a bigger display with a better refresh price and different advantages that make it nicely well worth the improve. And as soon as once more, software program assist is without doubt one of the greatest causes to think about buying Samsung’s new cellphone.The Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus’ screens are noticeably bigger than the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch S8 Plus. Older telephones just like the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 even have Samsung’s earlier design, which locations the digicam above the show. Samsung moved to a hole-punch-like cutout for the digicam with the Galaxy S10 era and later, making it attainable for Samsung to increase the scale of the display with out making the system bigger. You also can count on a giant increase in digicam efficiency and high quality, contemplating the Galaxy S8 solely has a single 12-megapixel rear digicam. That means you will get devoted lenses for capturing ultra-wide-angle photographs and higher zoomed-in pictures by shifting as much as the Galaxy S22. Other than including extra flexibility by way of taking pictures modes, the Galaxy S22 has a brand new 50-megapixel sensor that ought to ship drastically higher element, coloration, distinction and low-light efficiency in comparison with the Galaxy S8.You’ll additionally get twice the Galaxy S8’s storage capability on the base degree with the Galaxy S22, a a lot newer processor and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. But that every one comes at the price of the headphone jack and expandable storage, which for most individuals can be a worthwhile trade-off. Upgrading to the Galaxy S22 additionally ensures that you’re going to get the most recent model of Android and Samsung’s personal software program options for years to return. The backside line: The Galaxy S8 is now 5 years previous, that means it is time for an improve. Not solely will upgrading to the Galaxy S22 deliver core updates like 5G connectivity and compatibility with the most recent Android software program, however you will get meaningfully quicker efficiency and a a lot better digicam. 

      Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. Older Samsung Phones

      Galaxy S22

      Galaxy S21

      Galaxy S20

      Galaxy S10

      Galaxy S9

      Galaxy S8

      Display dimension, decision

      6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x; FHD+ (1,080×2,340); 120Hz

      6.2-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x, 2,400×1,080 pixels

      6.2-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; (3,200 x 1440)

      6.1-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED; 3,040×1,440-pixels

      5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED; 2,960×1,440 pixels

      5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED; 2,960×1,440

      Pixel density

      425 pixels per inch

      421 ppi

      563 ppi

      550 ppi

      570 ppi

      570 ppi

      Dimensions (Millimeters)

      70.6 x 146 x 7.6 mm

      71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9mm

      151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm

      149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm

      147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm

      148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm

      Weight (Ounces, Grams)

      167g (168g for mmWave mannequin)

      6.03 oz.; 171g

      5.75 oz.; 163g

      5.53 oz.; 157g

      5.75 oz.; 163g

      5.47 oz.; 155g

      Mobile software program (at launch)

      Android 12

      Android 11

      Android 10

      Android 9

      Android 8

      Android 7

      Camera

      50-megapixel (large), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)

      64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (large), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)

      12-megapixel (wide-angle), 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)

      12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultra-wide-angle), 12-megapixel (telephoto)

      12-megapixel

      12-megapixel

      Front-facing digicam

      10-megapixel

      10-megapixel

      10-megapixel

      10-megapixel

      8-megapixel

      8-megapixel

      Video seize

      8K

      8K

      8K

      4K

      4K

      4K

      Processor

      Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 1

      Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

      Qualcomm Snapdragon 865

      Qualcomm Snapdragon 855

      Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

      Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

      RAM/Storage

      8GB RAM + 128GB 8GB RAM + 256GB

      8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 256GB

      12GB RAM + 128GB

      8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 512GB

      4GB RAM + 64GB

      4GB RAM + 64GB

      Expandable storage

      None

      None

      Up to 1TB

      Up to 512GB

      Up to 512GB

      Up to 512GB

      Battery/Charger

      3,700 mAh

      4,000 mAh

      4,000 mAh

      3,400 mAh

      3,000 mAh

      3,000 mAh

      Fingerprint sensor

      In-display

      In-screen

      In-screen

      In-screen

      Back

      Back

      Connector

      USB-C

      USB-C

      USB-C

      USB-C

      USB-C

      USB-C

      Headphone jack

      No

      No

      No

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Special options

      5G (mmw/Sub6), 120Hz show, IP68 ranking, 25W wired charging, Wireless PowerShare

      IP68 ranking, 5G (mmw/Sub6), 25W wired charging, Wireless PowerShare, 120Hz show

      5G (mmw/Sub6); 120Hz refresh price; Wireless PowerShare; waterproof (IP68)

      Wireless PowerShare; hole-punch display notch; waterproof (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0

      Dual-aperture digicam, water resistant (IP68); tremendous slo-mo video; wi-fi charging; iris scanning

      Dual-aperture digicam, water resistant (IP68); wi-fi charging; iris scanning

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