Android telephone producers have stopped making compact smartphones and sadly so. But after I just lately began utilizing the Galaxy S22, I heaved a sigh of reduction. Here was a tool that might comfortably slot in my monitor pant pocket and nonetheless provide the expertise anticipated of a plus-size smartphone. Does that imply I’ve lastly discovered a small Android flagship that I might take to my subsequent vacation, or is it a telephone with a compromise? Here is my expertise of utilizing this new compact flagship and who ought to actually purchase the Galaxy S22 in 2022.
Samsung Galaxy S22 overview: Design and aesthetics
After a very long time, I’ve seen a compact telephone from Samsung and it is an ideal feeling. The Galaxy S22 is way smaller than final yr’s Galaxy S21, and you’re feeling it the second you maintain the telephone in your hand. The system nonetheless has a 6.1-inch display, and which may nonetheless look giant sufficient for many individuals, however if you add the 19:3:9 facet ratio, the telephone turns into slim and simple to carry in a single hand. I’m refraining from calling the Galaxy S22 a real rival to the iPhone 13 mini, the latter is tiny in comparison with Samsung’s telephone however the idea, of creating a smartphone that delivers one-handed utilization, appears widespread.
Even although the Galaxy S22 is sort of equivalent to the Galaxy S22 Plus, I tailored to the compact kind issue in another way. For occasion, I did not really feel the necessity to maintain the telephone in my pocket each time I met somebody. I wish to maintain the telephone in my hand, whether or not I’m having a dialog with one other individual or after I come to the park within the morning. You would simply know from the gap that I’m utilizing a telephone that matches exceptionally effectively in my palms, and the white overview unit is eye-catching.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is pitched as a premium, compact Android smartphone. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The Galaxy S22 feels well-built and has a flattened look. The again materials is glass with a matte end. Not to neglect, that is as premium and high-end because the Galaxy S22 Plus however squeezed right into a physique that has a a lot smaller kind issue however with out slicing again on capabilities or options.
The smartphone is more durable than ever, because of Samsung’s Armor Aluminum which makes the telephone’s sides all shiny. I additionally preferred its digital camera module that wraps across the telephone’s aspect. Like the opposite fashions within the Galaxy S22 lineup, the S22 carries the IP68 score for mud and water resistance. The in-screen fingerprint scanner continued to work flawlessly in my testing throughout Delhi’s summers. The bodily buttons, which embody a quantity button and an influence button, are each on the appropriate aspect. On the underside of the S22 sits its stereo speaker, SIM card slot, and USB-C charging port.
Samsung Galaxy S22 overview: Display and audio
As I stated in the beginning, a 6.1-inch display is not small however the telephone is designed in such a means that it provides an impression of an ultra-compact smartphone. That means it suits in my pocket and works nice for calling and messaging. The Dynamic AMOLED 2x is excellent: crisp and vibrant. It has a decision of 1080 x 2340 pixels, with the pixel density reaching 422 pixels per inch. Because the display is giant, you do not really feel cramped watching movies and enjoying video games. The expertise of shopping the online or utilizing Google Docs on the go feels nearly as good as some other smartphone. Also, the display refreshes dynamically between 48Hz and 120Hz. I’ve been utilizing smartphones with high-refresh-rate screens for fairly a while, so I’m no stranger to that have. A 120Hz display makes all the pieces fluid – animations are easy, scrolling textual content and enjoying video games really feel unimaginable.
Because the display is giant, you do not really feel cramped watching movies and enjoying video games. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The Galaxy S22’s audio system provide Dolby Atmos stereo sound – and so they sound loud and clear. A 3.5mm headphone is lacking on this telephone (even Apple’s iPhones now not help a headphone jack), however since I’ve fully switched to really wi-fi earbuds for a each day commute and jogging, I did not miss the headphone jack.
Samsung Galaxy S22 overview: Performance and battery
Being a compact telephone and priced on the decrease aspect in comparison with the Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S22 Ultra, I’m glad Samsung selected to ship the Galaxy S22 in India with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. That makes the Galaxy S22 the quickest compact Android smartphone in the marketplace.
My overview unit got here with 8GB of RAM, which is ok for many duties. For a mean consumer, who’s the goal of the Galaxy S22, the telephone is highly effective sufficient to run standard apps and video games like Battlegrounds Mobile India with its graphics settings maxed in addition to to edit fundamental video and pictures. The telephone is quick, has all the mandatory antennas for 5G, and does not really feel like a compromise by way of consumer expertise. The telephone does heat up a bit, however solely after watching a full-length film or enjoying a sport continuous.
The Galaxy S22 is rather like the Galaxy S22 Plus, however barely smaller in dimension. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The lack of a microSD card slot did hassle me as a consumer. Although I’m not a content material creator or YouTuber, I do really feel that 128GB of inner storage will shortly run out should you use this telephone for capturing movies in 4K or retailer plenty of cellular video games and music. A 256GB storage possibility can be accessible, however you might want to pay Rs 76,999 for that mannequin.
The Galaxy S22 runs the identical OneUI 4.1 on prime of Android 12 as the remainder of its lineup and takes benefit of the brand new Material Design strategy. I’ve had no points with the consumer interface, aside from the inclusion of duplicate apps like Samsung’s model of the web browser along with those from Google. Samsung will present a minimum of 4 years of software program and safety updates, should you purchase the Galaxy S22. To my information, no Android smartphone producer apart from Samsung, is promising this – not even Google which solely guarantees three years of OS updates for its Pixel telephones.
Samsung guarantees 4 years of OS updates with the Galaxy S22. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
It’s commendable to see how Samsung managed to make the Galaxy S22 nearly as good because the Galaxy S22 Plus by way of options and efficiency. But I do wish to level out right here that the S22’s battery is not any near the S22 Plus, it may well’t be given the scale. The battery does not final fairly so long as the larger telephones, and that could be a actuality. For me, it is ok however that does not imply I count on you to make use of this telephone in another way from a bigger-screen sized smartphone. Intense utilization drains the tiny 3700mAh battery like loopy, and though the telephone managed to final nearly a day, it is not unhealthy but in addition not so nice. Wired charging is restricted to 25W, not the utmost 45W that the Galaxy S22 Plus is able to. However, the S22 matches the opposite members of the Galaxy S22 household with 15W wi-fi charging. Call high quality, 4G and wifi reception have been stable.
Samsung Galaxy S22 overview: Camera and video high quality
The Galaxy S22 has the very same digital camera setup because the Galaxy S22 Plus. There’s the 50-megapixel predominant wide-angle digital camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide digital camera and a 10-megapixel 3X telephoto digital camera. I’ve already shared my detailed expertise of the digital camera system on the Galaxy S22 Plus. You can learn the overview right here.
Samsung Galaxy S22 digital camera pattern. (Image resized for internet)
Samsung Galaxy S22 digital camera pattern. (Image resized for internet)
Samsung Galaxy S22 digital camera pattern. (Image resized for internet)
I’ve grow to be a fan of the Galaxy S22’s ultra-wide digital camera. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Samsung Galaxy S22 digital camera pattern. (Image resized for internet)
The Galaxy S22’s 3X telephoto lens is enjoyable to make use of. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Samsung Galaxy S22 digital camera pattern. (Image resized for internet)
For me, although, the most important enchancment within the Galaxy S22 lineup is the digital camera. It’s an excellent digital camera system, nearer to the pictures you get on the iPhone 13 however tuned in a Samsung means. The predominant digital camera captures detailed pictures in good lighting situations and this time the low-light efficiency has been drastically improved over the earlier era fashions. The telephoto digital camera has a 3x optical zoom and produces sharper photos in good mild. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide digital camera is best than what you get on the iPhone 13 and the digital camera samples (beneath) proves my level. I want the 10-megapixel selfie digital camera could possibly be higher. The Galaxy S22 is nice at capturing movies; the video is great at dealing with totally different lighting situations.
The Galaxy S22’s digital camera module wraps across the telephone’s aspect. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Samsung Galaxy S22 overview: Should you purchase it?
It’s a query you might want to ask your self earlier than shelling out Rs 72,999 on the Galaxy S22. I preferred the Galaxy S22, as a result of I’ve an affinity for compact smartphones. I’ve my very own causes to make use of smaller telephones – I’m comfortable to dwell with trade-offs. I’m conscious the battery life will not match the identical stage because the Galaxy S22 Plus, and I’m okay with that. But that doesn’t imply the Galaxy S22 additionally works for you. I do know individuals who need a greater display and greater battery and are not able to accept a telephone with a smaller footprint. They are prepared to pay extra – and for them the Galaxy S22 Plus is smart.
The Galaxy S22 appears like a telephone that’s particularly made for sure customers, and I’m certainly one of them. I do not thoughts paying extra for a compact smartphone however I need the system to have an ideal digital camera, quick efficiency, lengthy software program help, vibrant and delightful show and first rate storage.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
