Samsung S21 Plus To S22 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

For users of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, the arrival of the S22 Plus raises a natural question: should you upgrade? After all, flagship phones are expensive, and the improvements between generations aren’t always dramatic. The S22 Plus builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor with refinements in design, camera capabilities, processing power, and software support. But do these changes translate into meaningful real-world benefits? This analysis dives deep into every key area to help you decide whether the jump from the S21 Plus to the S22 Plus justifies the investment.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Same Core Feel

The physical design language between the S21 Plus and S22 Plus remains consistent—both feature flat aluminum frames, Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, and a minimalist camera bump. However, Samsung made subtle but noticeable improvements in materials and finish. The S22 Plus uses a slightly more durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back, offering better scratch resistance. The frame edges are marginally sharper, giving the device a more premium tactile feel.

One practical change is the reduction in weight. The S22 Plus weighs 195g compared to the S21 Plus’s 202g—a small difference, but one that improves daily handling comfort over long periods. The dimensions are nearly identical, so if you’re using a case designed for the S21 Plus, it may fit the S22 Plus, though minor alignment issues with the camera cutout can occur.

Tip: If you're keeping your old case, test the camera alignment first—many third-party cases don't account for the repositioned flash or slight lens array shift.

Display and Brightness: A Noticeable Step Up

Both phones feature 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates and FHD+ resolution. On paper, they look identical, but Samsung enhanced the S22 Plus’s screen with improved peak brightness. While the S21 Plus reaches around 1300 nits, the S22 Plus pushes up to 1750 nits in HDR conditions. This makes a tangible difference when viewing content outdoors or under direct sunlight.

The higher brightness also benefits HDR video streaming on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. Colors remain accurate, and the display maintains excellent viewing angles. For media consumers and outdoor users, this upgrade is one of the most immediately noticeable improvements.

Performance and Software: Faster Processing, Longer Support

The biggest internal leap comes from the chipset. The S21 Plus uses the Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888 in select regions), while the S22 Plus runs on the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 outside North America). Despite being built on a more advanced 4nm process, early versions of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 had thermal throttling concerns. However, Samsung optimized cooling and firmware updates have largely mitigated those issues.

In real-world usage, the S22 Plus delivers faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better sustained gaming performance. Benchmark scores show a 20–25% improvement in CPU and GPU performance. More importantly, the S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed four major OS upgrades, meaning it will be supported through Android 16. In contrast, the S21 Plus, released the same year as a transitional model, only receives three OS updates—making the S22 Plus a better long-term investment.

“Flagship longevity isn’t just about hardware—it’s about software support. The S22 series sets a new standard for update commitment.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Asia

Camera Comparison: Smarter, Not Just Sharper

The camera hardware appears similar at first glance: both devices have a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. But the S22 Plus introduces significant computational photography enhancements powered by the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

Nightography, Samsung’s term for low-light photography, sees the most notable improvement. The S22 Plus captures brighter, cleaner images in dim environments with less noise and better dynamic range. Edge detail is preserved even in challenging lighting, such as backlit scenes or mixed indoor/outdoor settings.

Video recording also benefits. The S22 Plus includes improved stabilization and adaptive microphone focusing during 4K recording. Autofocus locks onto subjects more quickly, making it better suited for vlogging or capturing fast-moving action.

Feature	Samsung S21 Plus	Samsung S22 Plus
Main Sensor	12MP (f/1.8)	50MP (f/1.8)
Low-Light Performance	Good with Night Mode	Excellent, enhanced AI processing
Video Stabilization	Digital + OIS	Advanced Auto-Framing + Super Steady
Front Camera	10MP (f/2.2)	10MP (f/2.2) with improved skin tone rendering

Battery Life and Charging: Similar Capacity, Better Efficiency

Battery capacity is nearly identical—S21 Plus has 4800mAh, S22 Plus has 4500mAh. Despite the smaller battery, the S22 Plus often matches or slightly exceeds the S21 Plus in endurance thanks to the more power-efficient processor and optimized software.

In typical use—social media, messaging, music, and moderate video streaming—both phones last a full day. Heavy users may still need a top-up by evening. Neither supports wireless PowerShare, but both offer 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The S22 Plus gains an edge in standby efficiency, losing less charge overnight due to smarter background app management.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and set screen brightness to auto to maximize daily uptime on either device.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a freelance photographer based in Seoul, used her S21 Plus for two years primarily for client previews, social media posting, and occasional mobile editing. She considered upgrading to the S22 Plus after noticing slower autofocus and inconsistent low-light results during evening shoots. After testing the S22 Plus at a retail store, she was impressed by the instant clarity in night shots and smoother gallery navigation when reviewing high-res images.

She upgraded and found that the improved NPU accelerated her Lightroom edits directly on the phone. Combined with the longer software support, the upgrade paid off not just in photo quality but in workflow efficiency. “It’s not a revolution,” she said, “but the refinement makes my job easier every single day.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider the following checklist to determine if the S22 Plus offers enough value for your needs:

• Are you still satisfied with your S21 Plus? If yes, the upgrade may not be urgent.
• Do you frequently shoot photos or videos in low light? The S22 Plus excels here.
• Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years? Longer software support on the S22 Plus adds future-proofing.
• Is screen brightness important for outdoor use? The 1750-nit peak is a clear advantage.
• Have you experienced slowdowns or app crashes? The newer chipset resolves many aging-device issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I expect better battery life with the S22 Plus despite the smaller battery?

Yes. Due to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and software optimizations, the S22 Plus often delivers comparable or slightly better battery life than the S21 Plus under similar usage patterns.

Does the S22 Plus have any exclusive features the S21 Plus lacks?

Yes. The S22 Plus includes enhanced AI-powered camera modes, improved Face Unlock security, and Knox Vault for secure biometric data storage. It also supports newer Bluetooth codecs and Wi-Fi 6E in compatible regions.

Will my accessories work with the S22 Plus?

Most chargers, cables, and docks are compatible. However, cases may not align perfectly due to minor changes in camera placement and button positioning. Wireless charging works seamlessly across both models.

Conclusion: Who Should Upgrade?

The move from the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus to the S22 Plus isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a thoughtful evolution. For users who prioritize camera quality, screen visibility in sunlight, and long-term software updates, the upgrade is justified. Power users, content creators, and those approaching the end of their device’s lifecycle will benefit the most.

However, if your S21 Plus still performs well and meets your daily needs, the differences may not warrant the cost unless you find a compelling deal. The S22 Plus shines as a refined, future-ready device—but it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S21 Plus to the S22 Plus? Share your experience and what changed for you—your insights could help others make a smarter decision!