Samsung Galaxy A22 5G review
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is an entry-level smartphone that offers a good balance of features at an affordable price point. The phone has a large 6.4-inch display, a big 5000mAh battery, and a quad-camera setup with a 48MP primary sensor. While the camera capabilities are not exceptional, they are still respectable for a budget phone. The camera app offers a range of shooting modes, including night mode, manual controls, and slow-motion video recording. However, the selfie camera is a bit disappointing, and the wide-angle lens often produces darker images compared to the standard lens. The phone's performance is also commendable, with a smooth 90Hz display and fast charging speeds. The battery life is good, with up to 18 hours of screen time, although the big battery takes around two hours to fully charge using the 15W charger. One compromise made by Samsung in this phone is the non-OLED display, which may not be ideal for some users. However, for a budget phone, it's still a decent option. The Galaxy A22 5G is priced under $300, making it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade to a 5G smartphone on a budget. While there are better options available in the market, such as the A22 4G or A32 4G, if 5G connectivity is essential, this phone is still worth considering. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G offers a solid package of features and performance at an affordable price point, making it a good option for those looking to enter the world of 5G smartphones.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G boasts an impressive build quality and design that is sure to catch the eye. The phone's dimensions measure in at 159 x 74 x 8.4mm, making it a comfortable fit in one hand. The device features a sleek and premium look, thanks to its metallic finish on the back. The camera module on the back is positioned in the top-left corner, giving it a clean and minimalist design aesthetic. The power button and volume rockers are located on the right-hand side, making them easily accessible with your thumb. The SIM tray is situated on the left-hand side, providing ample space for your SIM cards. The front of the phone features a 6.4-inch display, protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 3. The screen itself is a treat to behold, with vibrant colors and crisp text rendering. In terms of build quality, the A22 5G feels solid in hand, with no creaks or flex when pressed. The phone's weight distribution is evenly balanced, making it easy to hold for extended periods. While the design may not be revolutionary, Samsung has done a great job of creating a device that exudes premium quality without breaking the bank. The A22 5G's build and design are certainly on par with other phones in its class, if not better. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G's build quality and design make it a compelling option for those seeking a solid mid-range smartphone experience.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is its large 5,000mAh battery. In my experience, this phone comfortably lasts for around 18 hours of screen-on time, with a bit more to spare if you're not using it as intensively. However, I did find that disabling the 90Hz display refresh rate made a noticeable difference in battery life, adding an extra hour or so to the overall runtime. With maximum charging speeds of 15W, it's clear that fast charging hasn't been a priority for Samsung on this budget device. While this isn't ideal, it's not too much of a concern either. In my experience, I didn't need to rely on the charger excessively, even with heavy use. What's more concerning is the sheer amount of time it takes to top off that big battery - over two hours from 0-100%. This, combined with the lack of fast charging support, might be a drawback for some users who expect a phone that can keep up with their demanding schedules.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G's display is a mixed bag, offering both good and bad aspects that may appeal to different users. On the plus side, the phone boasts a 6.4-inch Full HD+ resolution display, which provides decent brightness levels for outdoor use. However, it's worth noting that this display isn't an OLED panel, unlike some of its contemporaries. This compromise is noticeable in certain viewing scenarios. The colors on the display are vibrant and accurate, making it suitable for media consumption. The display also fares well when viewed from different angles, although it's not perfect. When looking directly at the screen, you'll notice a slight drop-off in color accuracy and brightness towards the edges. Fortunately, the touch response on the A22 5G is smooth and responsive, making interactions with the phone a joy. This is likely due to Samsung's continued refinement of its touchscreen technology. In conclusion, while the Galaxy A22 5G's display has some excellent features, it falls short in certain areas. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone with a great screen experience, this might be worth considering. However, if you're particular about having an OLED display or want to invest in a phone with a better overall viewing experience, there are other options available in the market. The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G's display is a decent offering, but it doesn't blow us away. While it has its strengths and weaknesses, we feel that some compromises were made to hit an affordable price point. If you can look past these limitations, the phone might still be worth considering for its other excellent features.
Camera
The camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G are another area where compromises were made, both in hardware and real-world picture results. The phone has a 48-megapixel main lens, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. However, it's worth noting that there is one less lens compared to the A22 4G, and the wide-angle lens is also slightly worse. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is an 8-megapixel shooter, which is not as impressive as its 4G counterpart. While the camera app offers a well-rounded selection of shooting modes, including night mode, manual controls, slow-motion, and hyperlapse, the results can be inconsistent at times. In terms of real-world performance, the phone takes a pretty good-looking shot most of the time, with vibrant colors that are characteristic of Samsung's cameras. However, the wide-angle lens often produces darker, dimmer images compared to the standard lens. Night mode can also be hit or miss, sometimes producing great results and other times missing the mark. The selfie camera is perhaps the biggest disappointment, with a lackluster performance that fails to deliver detail and depth. While it's not bad per se, it's certainly not as good as the A22 4G's selfie camera. Despite these limitations, the budget camera tech in the Galaxy A22 5G has improved significantly, making it a solid option for those on a tight budget. However, it's clear that some compromises were made to achieve this price point, and the results can vary depending on the scene or subject being photographed. Overall, while the camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G are not as impressive as other options in its class, they still offer plenty of value for money. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with 5G connectivity, this phone is certainly worth considering – just don't expect it to compete with higher-end cameras in terms of image quality.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is an entry-level smartphone that offers 5G connectivity at a budget-friendly price point. Priced under $300, this phone is an attractive option for those who want to experience the benefits of 5G without breaking the bank. In terms of value, the Galaxy A22 5G delivers on several fronts. The large 5000mAh battery provides ample power for extended use, and the 90Hz display is a welcome feature in this price segment. Additionally, the phone's performance is smooth, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, some compromises have been made to keep the price low. The LCD display, while vibrant, lacks the color accuracy of OLED screens. Furthermore, the camera setup is not as impressive as its 4G counterpart, with a lower-resolution main lens and an average ultrawide sensor. Despite these compromises, the Galaxy A22 5G remains a compelling choice for those on a budget. The phone's value proposition lies in its affordability, 5G connectivity, and decent performance. If you prioritize 5G capabilities over other features, this phone is a great option to consider. In comparison to other mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A22 5G offers good value for its price. While it may not match the camera quality or display sharpness of more expensive models, its affordability and 5G connectivity make it an attractive choice for those who want a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is a solid option for those seeking a budget-friendly 5G smartphone. Its strengths in performance, battery life, and display quality make it a worthwhile purchase, even if some compromises have been made to keep the price low.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is an entry-level smartphone that delivers surprisingly good performance, considering its price tag. The device's processor handles demanding tasks with ease, and it can smoothly run popular games without any lag. In our tests, the phone's performance was impressive, with fast launch times for apps and seamless transitions between different tasks. We also observed smooth video playback and responsive interface animations, making it a joy to use. The 5,000mAh battery is another highlight of this device, providing over 18 hours of screen time on a single charge, which translates to two days of actual phone usage without needing a recharge. However, the charging speeds are limited to 15W, taking well beyond two hours to fully charge from zero percent. One area where the A22 5G excels is its gaming performance. We were impressed by how smoothly it handled popular titles, with no noticeable lag or frame drops. This makes it a great option for gamers on a budget who want a reliable device that can handle demanding games without breaking the bank. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G's performance is a significant improvement over its predecessors, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone with decent specs.
Pros
1. Sleek design
2. Impressive performance
3. Long-lasting battery
4. Feature-rich camera app
5. Affordable price point
Cons
1. Non-OLED display
2. Somewhat lacking camera capabilities
3. Limited charging speeds