Samsung Galaxy S22 test: weighed down by its autonomy

With a reduced size compared to competing flagships, some of our colleagues do not hesitate to qualify the Samsung Galaxy S22 as “compact”. Admittedly, this format is unusual compared to the rest of the production, especially in this segment. Its diagonal of 6.1 inches and its dimensions (146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) make the device very pleasant in the hand. It is also very aesthetically pleasing with a matte back that leaves no fingerprints and an elegant photo block. The latter sticks out slightly from the back, but even so the S22 lays flat thanks to its slightly protruding edges. The S22 offers an IP68 certification supposed to give it maximum protection against water and dust. The inside of the box is very sad: no headphones and no charger. For 859 €, it stings a little… Let’s end the presentations by mentioning the One UI 4 overlay affixed to Android 12. One of the best of the moment.

Screen and performance at the top: it starts well…

The flat screen of the Galaxy S22 therefore measures 6.1 inches (15.5 cm) with a Full HD + definition of 2340 x 1080 pixels (425 DPI). The LTPS panel offers variable refresh from 48 to 120 Hz. Rather clever. There is no adjustment to be made, the default colorimetry is perfect. Just take the device out of its box and enjoy its gorgeous display. Clearly one of the strengths of the device.

On the performance side, the S22 has an Exynos 2200 SoC backed by 8 GB of RAM. Even if the benchmarking freaks will explain to you that the Korean chip is far behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, in practice it does not feel at all. The device responds to all requests. It is also very comfortable in game. Let’s add that the Exynos 2200 is compatible with titles that will offer dynamic light management (ray tracing). Only downside: the device heats up quickly when it goes up to speed. It’s a bit disturbing, but it’s also the case with the Google Pixel 6 for example.

A trio of complete and quality sensors

On the photo side, it is very complete as one can imagine. Let’s start with the 50MP stabilized main lens featuring an f/1.8 aperture. As usual, Samsung forces the processing a bit to offer shots full of “pep”. If the device takes liberties with the colors, it is never “too much”. When the light is good, the S22 is on par with the Xiaomi 12 or the Pixel 6. crop with great ease. The files are very heavy, but that’s somewhat understandable. At night, it is successful even if some of our colleagues were not convinced. No doubt because they systematically compare with the Pixel 6 which is the best in this category.

Regarding the ultra wide-angle (12 MP – f / 2.2), the Korean device is doing like a leader outdoors, but when the light is lacking the periphery becomes a little more approximate. It is still very acceptable. At night it’s more tricky, but it’s the same for all smartphones. The pictures are usable provided you rely on an artificial light source. It’s clearly an interesting sensor, but for the price of the machine it’s a bit normal.

The x3 optical zoom (f/2.4 – 70 mm) is excellent with good exposure, but Samsung has long accustomed us to this result. It’s flawless and it’s even very correct beyond in “hybrid” mode (up to x5). At night, it’s like friends: we take the main sensor and zoom in digital mode. It’s rarely good, but it has the merit of existing.

The front sensor is satisfactory. Nothing more. Finally, the Galasy S22 films in 8K at 24 fps or in 4K at 60 fps. There is an interesting Pro mode and some cool little editing tips. It’s a shame that messing around with these features will drain your battery…

Autonomy: a “deal breaker” for us

Let’s attack the things that annoy. Not only does the Galaxy S22 come without a charger, but the device is limited to a power of 25 W. A heresy in 2022 for a device at this price, especially since the S22+ and the S22 Ultra offer 45 W. so an hour to refuel. Joy. Remember that the entry-level devices at Xiaomi display 33 W and that the Chinese flagships peak at 120 W. But hey, if a device holds the charge for more than a day, it’s not a big deal, huh? The problem is that depending on how you use this Galaxy S22, you may need to plug it in before sunset. The 3700 mAh battery is too small. You will have to be careful with your gauge, because if you pull too much on the rope, you could have surprises. If you’re the type to watch a series on the train, listen to Spotify once you get out of the station and find your way around 30 minutes with the GPS to get to your destination, your bar is going to take a big hit. A recent update supposedly corrected this in April, but we didn’t see a big difference. It necessarily depends on the use of each, because on the forums, users have noticed better management of autonomy and less heating. Fine, but don’t expect to end the day if you’re a heavy user.

Our Verdict:

Gifted in photography, with a fabulous look and a magnificent screen, Samsung had it all right with this Galaxy S22, especially since its almost compact dimensions could play in its favor in a market saturated with “windsurfers”. Disappointment, the fast charge is absent and you will have to keep an eye on your gauge so as not to end the day with a brick in your pocket. Even if we have not tested it, the S22+ is, according to our colleagues, a much better “deal”.

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