When Samsung releases a new mid-range phone like the Galaxy A55, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against older flagships like the Galaxy S22 Plus. After all, technology moves fast — and on paper, newer doesn’t always mean better. The Galaxy A55 arrives with updated software, modern design cues, and improved durability, but does it truly outperform a premium device from just two years prior? Or is it simply a more affordable option with trade-offs?
This isn’t just about specs. It’s about real-world experience, longevity, and what matters most to users who want value without sacrificing performance. Let’s break down where the A55 shines, where the S22 Plus still dominates, and whether upgrading from an older flagship to this newer mid-ranger makes sense.
Design and Build Quality: Evolution vs Premium Craftsmanship
The Galaxy A55 features a sleek, minimalist design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints — a welcome upgrade over previous A-series models. It’s built with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and aluminum frame reinforcement, making it one of the sturdiest phones in its class. It also carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, matching the S22 Plus.
In contrast, the S22 Plus uses a more refined blend of materials: Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back. While both are durable, the S22 Plus feels more solid in hand due to tighter tolerances and higher-grade construction. The difference isn’t massive, but it’s noticeable when comparing side by side.
Performance: Chipset Differences Define Real-World Speed
Under the hood, the divide becomes clearer. The Galaxy S22 Plus runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 in some regions), a true flagship chipset designed for intensive tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The A55, meanwhile, uses the Exynos 1480 — a capable mid-range processor built on a 4nm process with AMD-derived GPU architecture.
While the Exynos 1480 offers solid day-to-day performance and handles apps smoothly, it can't match the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. In benchmark tests, the S22 Plus scores nearly 50% higher in CPU performance and double in GPU-intensive scenarios. This means faster app launches, smoother animations at peak load, and better sustained gaming performance.
However, for most users — those not playing AAA mobile games or editing 4K video daily — the A55 feels snappy and responsive. With 6GB or 8GB of RAM and optimized One UI 6, everyday use is fluid. But if you plan to keep your phone for four years or more, the S22 Plus has a clear advantage in future-proofing.
“Processor longevity often matters more than initial speed. Flagship chips age slower, especially under heavy usage.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia
Display and Audio: Brightness and Clarity Matter
Both devices feature 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, differences emerge in brightness and panel quality.
The S22 Plus peaks at 1750 nits (HDR), making it significantly more visible under direct sunlight. The A55 reaches around 1000 nits, which is good for its class but falls short outdoors. Additionally, the S22 Plus supports adaptive refresh rate scaling from 48Hz to 120Hz, improving battery efficiency during low-motion tasks.
Audio-wise, both have stereo speakers tuned by AKG, but the S22 Plus delivers richer bass and clearer highs. There’s no headphone jack on either model, so wireless audio remains the standard.
Camera Comparison: Refinement vs Innovation
The camera systems reflect their respective price points. The S22 Plus features a triple rear setup: 50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), and 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom). The A55 drops the dedicated telephoto lens, replacing it with a 50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), and 5MP macro sensor.
That missing telephoto lens is significant. Without optical zoom, the A55 relies on digital cropping, which degrades image quality beyond 2x. In low light, the S22 Plus produces cleaner, more detailed photos thanks to larger pixels and advanced processing algorithms inherited from the S22 Ultra line.
On the other hand, the A55 benefits from newer AI enhancements in One UI 6, such as improved night mode stabilization and scene optimization. For casual photography — social media, daylight shots, family moments — the A55 holds its own. But for enthusiasts who value zoom, portrait depth, and pro-level detail, the S22 Plus remains superior.
Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs Speed
The A55 packs a 5000mAh battery, slightly larger than the S22 Plus’s 4500mAh unit. Combined with the more efficient Exynos 1480, this translates to longer screen-on time — up to 13 hours of mixed use compared to the S22 Plus’s 10–11 hours.
But charging speed favors the older flagship. The S22 Plus supports 45W fast charging (with compatible charger sold separately), reaching 65% in 30 minutes. The A55 is limited to 25W, taking about 70 minutes to fully charge.
Neither includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want faster speeds. Still, for users prioritizing endurance over rapid top-ups, the A55 wins here.
Software and Longevity: Updates Make a Difference
This is where the A55 gains serious ground. Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the A55 — aligning it with flagship support. The S22 Plus, released in 2022, will stop receiving updates after Android 15 or 16, meaning it may only get one more major version.
If you plan to keep your phone until 2028, the A55 offers better long-term software support. Newer features, security fixes, and compatibility with future apps will likely remain available longer on the A55 than on the aging S22 Plus.
Comparison Table: Key Specifications Side-by-Side
| Feature | Galaxy S22 Plus | Galaxy A55 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Exynos 1480 |
| RAM Options | 8GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP (3x zoom) | 50MP + 12MP + 5MP (macro) |
| Display Brightness | 1750 nits (peak HDR) | 1000 nits (peak) |
| Software Support | 3 OS Upgrades (ending ~2025) | 4 OS Upgrades (until ~2028) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria had a Galaxy S22 Plus since 2022. By early 2024, her battery life was declining, and she noticed occasional lag in messaging apps. She considered upgrading to the latest S24 series but found them too expensive. Then she saw the Galaxy A55 — same IP67 rating, bigger battery, newer design, and lower price.
She bought it, transferring her data easily via Smart Switch. To her surprise, daily tasks felt just as fast, and the camera handled school events and weekend outings well enough. The lack of optical zoom was noticeable when photographing distant playground action, but overall satisfaction remained high. Most importantly, knowing she’d receive updates until 2028 gave her peace of mind.
Maria’s story reflects a growing trend: many users no longer need flagship performance. For balanced needs, the A55 delivers excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy A55 faster than the S22 Plus?
No, not in raw performance. The S22 Plus has a more powerful processor and better thermal management, making it faster in demanding tasks. However, the A55 feels smooth for everyday use thanks to software optimization.
Can the A55 replace a flagship phone?
For most users, yes. If you don’t play graphics-heavy games or edit videos regularly, the A55 offers a near-flagship experience at half the price. Just be aware of compromises in display brightness, zoom capability, and sustained performance.
Should I buy the S22 Plus in 2024?
Only if you find it heavily discounted and need top-tier performance. Otherwise, refurbished units may have degraded batteries, and software support is nearing its end. The A55 is a safer long-term investment unless you specifically need camera zoom or maximum speed.
Final Verdict: Better or Just Cheaper?
The Galaxy A55 isn’t objectively “better” than the S22 Plus — but it is smarter for most people in 2024. It trades peak performance for longevity, efficiency, and affordability. Where it excels is in delivering a modern smartphone experience without the premium price tag.
The S22 Plus still wins in camera versatility, display brilliance, and processing muscle. But unless you rely on those advantages daily, the A55 gives you 85% of the experience at 60% of the original cost — with the added benefit of longer software support.
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