Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Review After 1 Year: Regret or Reward?

In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know—real-world performance, user experience, and how it stacks up against competitors, especially from an Australian perspective.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, captured attention for its compact size, powerful performance, and sleek design, offering an exciting option for those looking for a flagship device without the bulk. Fast-forward to 2025—how has this phone held up, and is it still worth your hard-earned money when shopping through Wise Market Australia?

You’re probably reading this review because you’re considering buying the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G or perhaps already own one and are evaluating whether it still meets your needs. You want to know:

  • Does the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G still provide value after one year of use?
  • How does it compare to newer models like the S23 or S24?
  • Is it a smart purchase on Wise Market Australia, where competitive pricing and deals are a big factor?

1. Performance After 12 Months: Still Going Strong

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and a dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering an excellent combination of speed and smooth visuals. While newer models like the S23 may boast a slight performance edge with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the S22 still holds up well.

For Australian users, whether you’re streaming content while commuting in Sydney, browsing social media, or running multiple apps, the S22 still performs efficiently. Apps load quickly, multitasking remains smooth, and you’ll have no issues with common tasks. The One UI software experience also continues to evolve with updates, keeping it modern and user-friendly.

However, for heavy users who engage in graphic-intensive gaming or advanced photo editing, you might notice the S22 isn’t quite as fast as newer devices. But for most, the S22’s performance is still competitive. In fact, after a year of updates, you’ll likely find the device feels faster than ever before.

2. Battery Life: A Double-Edged Sword

Battery life remains a primary concern for many users, and the Galaxy S22, with its 3,700 mAh battery, falls short in this department for extended use. While it’s enough to get through a few hours of light usage, heavier tasks like streaming video or gaming will require charging by midday. This is particularly noticeable for Australian users, where long days—whether traveling through Melbourne’s busy streets or spending a day at the beach—can quickly drain the battery.

Compared to the S23 and S24, the S22’s battery isn’t as impressive. Newer models offer larger batteries and better power efficiency, so if battery life is a priority for you, upgrading to a newer model might be worth considering. That said, if you’re managing your usage with adaptive power-saving settings and occasional charging during the day, you can still make it work.

Charging is another area where the S22 doesn’t stand out. While it supports 25W wired charging, this is slower than some newer flagships. Wireless charging is limited to 15W. However, if you're using a charger you already own, you can make it work—it just might not be as fast as other modern devices.

3. Camera Performance: A Year Later, Still Impressive

One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S22 is its camera setup. The 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) allow for versatile photography, whether you’re snapping quick photos of your weekend trip or capturing stunning sunsets in Australia’s diverse landscapes.

After one year of use, the S22’s camera remains impressive, especially in good lighting conditions. Colour accuracy, dynamic range, and overall detail retention make this camera system one of the best in its class. The S22 also performs decently in low-light conditions, though it’s not as remarkable as the more recent S23 or S24, which have enhanced sensors and algorithms for better low-light performance.

For the average Australian user looking for a solid all-rounder camera experience, the Galaxy S22 is still more than enough. If you’re not obsessed with squeezing every bit of detail from your shots, the S22’s camera will serve you well.

4. Comparing the S22 5G to Other Models

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G vs. S21 5G

When compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S21, the S22 5G brings several upgrades. The S22 has a 50MP main sensor (up from 12MP), improved performance thanks to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and a more premium design with Gorilla Glass Victus+. However, battery life on the S22 remains a concern just like the S21. If you’re looking for a better camera and design but don’t need the latest chip or biggest battery, the S22 offers a solid upgrade over the S21.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G

The Galaxy S23, released in early 2023, brings notable upgrades over the S22, especially in battery life and camera quality. With the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the S23 offers slightly better performance, and its 3,900 mAh battery delivers better longevity, lasting longer during high-usage days. Additionally, the S23’s camera setup benefits from enhanced AI processing and a better overall night mode, which makes it a more future-proof device if you’re considering an upgrade.

However, for those looking to save some money, the Galaxy S22 remains a great option—especially if you're able to find it through Wise Market Australia at a reduced price.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 5G

The Galaxy S24 continues to build on the S23’s improvements, featuring the latest advancements in display technology, battery efficiency, and processing power. If cutting-edge performance is essential for you, the S24 would be the better pick, offering a more refined experience overall. But, if you don’t mind slightly older tech, the S22 5G provides a solid balance between value and performance, especially for a lower price point.

5. Buying Through Wise Market Australia: Why It Makes Sense

When purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G through Wise Market Australia, you're not just getting a phone; you're getting value. With competitive pricing, reliable refurbished options, and the ability to pick up an S22 at a reduced price, Wise Market Australia is an excellent platform for budget-conscious consumers who still want a premium experience.

One of the key benefits of shopping through Wise Market is the transparency in pricing, product condition, and warranty options. The platform also offers a wide range of accessories tailored to the Galaxy S22, ensuring you can get everything you need to enhance your experience, such as cases, fast chargers, and screen protectors.

Additionally, Wise Market Australia often offers bundles, which is perfect for those looking to upgrade their phone and pick up a few accessories at once. This makes the buying process streamlined and hassle-free.

6. Is the Galaxy S22 5G Still Worth It After One Year?

Ultimately, whether the Galaxy S22 5G is a regret or reward depends on your individual needs:

  • It’s a Reward if: You’re after a premium phone with a compact design, excellent performance, and a camera that still competes with newer models—especially if you're not bothered by battery life and enjoy a good deal.

  • It’s a Regret if: You need a phone with longer battery life for heavy usage or if you want the absolute best performance and cutting-edge features, which newer models like the S23 or S24 offer.

In conclusion, the Galaxy S22 5G still delivers impressive performance, camera quality, and display—making it a solid choice for most users. And when purchased through Wise Market Australia, you’re getting a reliable device at a fraction of the cost of newer models. So, if you’re looking for value and want to join the Samsung ecosystem without breaking the bank, the S22 is a great option.


James Anderson

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