Galaxy S22 Plus Vs S20 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

For users still enjoying the Galaxy S20 Plus, the arrival of the S22 Plus raises a critical question: should you upgrade? Samsung’s flagship lineup evolves quickly, but not every update delivers transformative improvements. The gap between the S20 Plus (released in 2020) and the S22 Plus (2022) spans two full generations, suggesting meaningful advancements. But do those upgrades translate into tangible benefits for everyday users? This breakdown examines key areas—performance, display, camera, battery life, and software—to determine whether moving from the S20 Plus to the S22 Plus is a smart investment or just incremental refinement.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The core difference begins with the chipset. The Galaxy S20 Plus launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (in the U.S.) or Exynos 990 (in select regions), depending on market. In contrast, the S22 Plus features the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 in some regions), built on a newer architecture and process node.

This shift brings measurable gains. Benchmarks show the S22 Plus delivering up to 30% better CPU performance and nearly 40% improved GPU output. Real-world usage reflects this: app launches are snappier, multitasking feels smoother, and high-end games like *Genshin Impact* run at higher frame rates with fewer thermal throttling issues—especially important during extended sessions.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps, mobile gaming, or video editing tools, the S22 Plus’s upgraded processor will deliver a noticeably more responsive experience.

Additionally, the S22 Plus benefits from optimizations in memory management and AI processing, which improve background tasks and voice assistant responsiveness. While the S20 Plus remains capable for daily use, power users will appreciate the S22 Plus’s headroom for future apps and updates.

Display and Design: Subtle Refinements Over Radical Change

Both phones feature 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with Quad HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates—Samsung’s hallmark smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals remain consistent. However, the S22 Plus introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades.

The newer model boasts improved peak brightness (up to 1750 nits compared to the S20 Plus’s 1200 nits), making outdoor visibility significantly better under direct sunlight. The display also features an updated Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front (vs. Victus on the S20 Plus), offering slightly better scratch and drop resistance.

Design-wise, both devices share a similar aesthetic language, but the S22 Plus adopts a more refined matte finish and slimmer bezels. It’s marginally lighter (195g vs. 188g) and feels more balanced in hand. The aluminum frame and glass back remain premium, though neither device is dramatically different in ergonomics.

Camera System: Evolution, Not Revolution

The camera setup on both models includes a triple-lens array: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. On paper, specs appear similar—64MP telephoto, 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide—but image processing makes all the difference.

The S22 Plus leverages Samsung’s newer AI-powered processing engine, which enhances detail retention, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Night mode is faster and produces cleaner results with less noise. Portrait mode now better distinguishes edges and applies natural bokeh.

In daylight, photos from both phones are excellent, but the S22 Plus consistently captures more accurate colors and better shadow recovery. Video recording sees a bigger leap: the S22 Plus supports 4K@60fps with improved stabilization and HDR10+ across all lenses, while the S20 Plus lacks some of these refinements.

“While hardware changes are minimal, computational photography advances in the S22 series make a real-world difference—especially in challenging lighting.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Feature	Galaxy S20 Plus	Galaxy S22 Plus
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8	50MP f/1.8
Telephoto Zoom	3x Hybrid, 30x Digital	3x Hybrid, 30x Digital
Low-Light Performance	Good (Night Mode)	Excellent (Enhanced Nightography)
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps (HDR10+)
Front Camera	10MP f/2.2	10MP f/2.2 (Improved AI focus)

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Gains Offset Similar Capacity

Both phones pack a 4,500mAh battery, yet the S22 Plus often lasts longer in real-world use. How? Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (despite early thermal concerns) and software-level power optimizations in One UI 4.1 and beyond.

Users report gaining 1.5 to 2 extra hours of screen-on time with the S22 Plus under mixed usage—browsing, streaming, messaging, and social media. This is particularly impressive given the similar battery size.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither supports 45W+ charging seen in some competitors, which may disappoint users hoping for faster top-ups.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery in settings to maximize efficiency based on your usage patterns—this feature has improved significantly from S20 to S22.

Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Matters

Samsung now guarantees four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for its flagship devices—a policy introduced with the S21 series and continued with the S22 line.

The Galaxy S20 Plus originally received three OS updates (Android 10 to 13). As of 2024, it no longer receives major upgrades, though it still gets occasional security patches. In contrast, the S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and is eligible for updates up to Android 16, with support lasting through 2027.

This longevity is crucial. Users who plan to keep their phone for three years or more benefit significantly from longer software support, ensuring access to new features, security protections, and app compatibility.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer and frequent traveler, relied on her S20 Plus since 2020. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches, occasional crashes in photo editing apps, and reduced battery life—down to 5 hours of screen time. She considered upgrading but hesitated, wondering if the differences were worth $800.

After testing the S22 Plus at a retail store, she was struck by the faster gallery loading, smoother zoom transitions in the camera app, and how much brighter the screen appeared outdoors. She also learned that her favorite editing apps were beginning to optimize for newer chipsets, potentially leaving older devices behind.

She upgraded—and regained confidence in her device’s reliability. “It’s not flashy,” she said, “but everything just works better. I don’t have to close apps to free up memory anymore.” For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about one standout feature, but the cumulative effect of refined performance and future readiness.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, consider your current needs and usage patterns. Here’s a checklist to help you evaluate:

• ✅ Is your S20 Plus experiencing noticeable slowdowns or app instability?
• ✅ Do you want better low-light photos or enhanced video capabilities?
• ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for 2+ more years?
• ✅ Do you rely on outdoor screen visibility?
• ✅ Have you maxed out your storage and need newer models with higher base options (S22 Plus starts at 128GB, expandable via microSD)?
• ❌ Are you satisfied with current performance and camera quality?
• ❌ Can you wait for the S23 or S24 series for even greater value per dollar?

If most of your answers align with the first five “✅” items, the upgrade makes sense. If you’re happy with your S20 Plus and don’t need cutting-edge features, holding off—or considering the S22 Plus on the used market—might be smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S22 Plus last longer than the S20 Plus?

Yes, both in terms of daily battery life and overall device lifespan. Improved hardware efficiency, software optimization, and longer official update support contribute to a longer usable life.

Does the S22 Plus support S Pen?

No, unlike the Ultra models, neither the S20 Plus nor S22 Plus has an S Pen slot. However, both can pair with Bluetooth-enabled S Pens for remote control functions.

Is the price difference justified?

New pricing favors the S22 Plus only if bought on sale or refurbished. At launch, the premium was steep. Today, finding a used S22 Plus near $500 makes the upgrade highly compelling over paying $300+ for a worn S20 Plus.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The upgrade from Galaxy S20 Plus to S22 Plus isn’t revolutionary, but it’s substantial for users who demand consistency, longevity, and modern performance. The combination of a faster chipset, superior display brightness, enhanced camera processing, and extended software support adds up to a more reliable, future-ready device.

If you're still on the S20 Plus and haven't faced major issues, you're not obsolete. But if you've noticed lag, poor battery endurance, or frustration with photo quality in dim light, the S22 Plus offers meaningful relief. It’s especially worthwhile for professionals, travelers, or creatives who depend on their phone throughout the day.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points, check refurbished listings for fair pricing, and consider trading in your S20 Plus. The S22 Plus might be the sweet spot between innovation and value.