Samsung S22 Vs S20 Plus Is It Worth The Upgrade

For users of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, the question isn’t whether the S22 is a better phone—it clearly is. The real question is whether the improvements justify the cost of upgrading. After all, the S20 Plus was a flagship device in its day, boasting top-tier specs and excellent performance. But technology evolves fast, and two years in smartphone terms can feel like a lifetime. This comparison breaks down the key differences between the S22 and S20 Plus across performance, camera, battery life, software support, and real-world usability to help you determine if now is the right time to move up.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap Forward

The most immediate difference between the S22 and S20 Plus lies under the hood. The S20 Plus launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), while the S22 runs on the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 depending on region). This generational shift brings tangible benefits.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is built on a more advanced 4nm process, compared to the 7nm used in the 865. This means not only faster processing but also improved power efficiency. In benchmark tests, the S22 typically scores 30–40% higher in CPU performance and up to 50% better in GPU tasks. Real-world impact includes smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better gaming performance—even in demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at max settings.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps, video editing tools, or high-end games, the S22’s upgraded chipset will deliver a significantly more responsive experience.

Additionally, both phones have 8GB of RAM, but the S22’s faster UFS 3.1 storage and optimized memory management make file transfers and background app retention noticeably snappier.

Camera Upgrades That Matter

Camera quality is often a deciding factor when upgrading. While the S20 Plus had a strong triple-lens setup—12MP main, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide—the S22 improves on nearly every front.

• Main Sensor: The S22 retains a 50MP main sensor but uses a larger pixel size (1.8µm vs 1.4µm) and improved pixel-binning for superior low-light performance.
• Telephoto: Downgraded slightly to 10MP, but with better optics and enhanced AI zoom algorithms, the S22 handles 3x optical and up to 30x digital zoom more effectively.
• Ultra-Wide: Now includes autofocus and improved edge distortion correction, making it far more usable for close-up shots and landscapes.
• Front Camera: Upgraded from 10MP to 10MP with dual-pixel AF, resulting in sharper selfies and better tracking during video calls.

Samsung’s updated image processing engine in the S22 delivers more natural color tones, reduced noise in dim lighting, and faster shot-to-shot times. Nightography—a term Samsung introduced with the S22 series—refers to its improved low-light video and photo capabilities, which are particularly noticeable in challenging conditions.

“Smartphone photography has shifted from megapixels to computational intelligence. The S22 represents a meaningful step forward in how AI enhances real-world shooting.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Labs

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S20 Plus came with a 4500mAh battery, while the S22 has a slightly smaller 3700mAh unit. On paper, that sounds like a downgrade. However, thanks to the more efficient processor and optimized software, the S22 often matches or even exceeds the S20 Plus in daily endurance.

In typical mixed usage—browsing, messaging, streaming, and light gaming—the S22 lasts a full day with moderate brightness. Heavy users may need to charge by late evening, similar to the S20 Plus. Where the S22 pulls ahead is in standby efficiency; it drains less overnight and maintains responsiveness after long periods of use.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless. Neither includes a charger in the box. However, the S22 supports reverse wireless charging out of the box, allowing you to power accessories like earbuds or smartwatches directly from the phone.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus	Samsung Galaxy S22
Release Year	2020	2022
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200
RAM	8GB / 12GB	8GB
Main Camera	12MP (f/1.8)	50MP (f/1.8)
Telephoto	64MP (3x optical)	10MP (3x optical)
Ultra-Wide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2, AF)
Battery	4500mAh	3700mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless
Software Support	Android 13 (final update)	Up to Android 17 (expected)
Display	6.7” QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.1” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
IP Rating	IP68	IP68

Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Mini Case Study

Jamie, a freelance photographer and long-time S20 Plus user, upgraded to the S22 six months ago. Her workflow relies heavily on mobile editing and client previews. She expected a modest improvement but was surprised by the real-world gains.

“The S20 Plus was still holding up fine,” she said. “But once I got the S22, the speed difference hit me immediately. Exporting edited JPEGs from Lightroom Mobile takes half the time. The new camera handles indoor café lighting way better—fewer blown-out highlights and cleaner shadows. And despite the smaller battery, I’m not charging more often, which I didn’t expect.”

She also noted that the compact size of the S22 (6.1” vs 6.7”) made one-handed use easier, though she missed the larger screen for reviewing photos. Overall, she rated the upgrade as “worth it” due to productivity gains and future-proofing.

Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Your Device

One of the most underrated aspects of upgrading is software longevity. The S20 Plus received four years of OS updates (up to Android 13), ending its major update cycle in 2024. The S22, however, is guaranteed five years of OS upgrades (up to Android 17) and security patches through 2027.

This extended support means better compatibility with future apps, enhanced security, and access to new features like improved privacy controls, AI integrations, and camera enhancements via software alone. For users who plan to keep their phone for three years or more, this extra year of updates adds significant value.

Upgrade Checklist: Is It Time for You?

Before making the jump, consider the following checklist:

1. Is your S20 Plus slowing down? Frequent app crashes, lag in navigation, or long boot times signal hardware fatigue.
2. Are you missing key camera features? If low-light photos or zoom quality no longer meet your needs, the S22 offers clear improvements.
3. Do you want longer software support? If you plan to keep your phone past 2025, the S22 provides peace of mind.
4. Can you take advantage of trade-in deals? Carriers and Samsung often offer $200–$400 off when trading in an S20 Plus.
5. Are you frustrated by battery degradation? Even if capacity remains, aging batteries lose peak performance. A new battery restores responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S22 really last as long on a smaller battery?

Yes. Despite the 800mAh reduction, the combination of a more efficient chipset, adaptive refresh rate (48–120Hz), and optimized One UI 5+ allows the S22 to achieve comparable or better battery life in everyday use.

Is the smaller screen on the S22 a downgrade?

It depends on preference. The S22’s 6.1-inch display is more compact and easier to handle, but the S20 Plus’s 6.7-inch screen is better for media consumption and multitasking. Consider how you use your phone most.

Will my accessories work with the S22?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t be compatible due to different dimensions. However, wireless chargers, Bluetooth earbuds, and Dex-compatible monitors will work seamlessly.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re still satisfied with your S20 Plus and don’t face performance issues, waiting longer is reasonable. But if you value faster performance, better camera quality—especially in low light—and longer software support, the S22 is a worthwhile upgrade.

The improvements aren’t revolutionary, but they’re consistent and practical. You’ll notice quicker responses, sharper photos, and a device that feels more future-ready. When factoring in trade-in values and ongoing promotions, the effective cost of upgrading can be surprisingly low—often under $500.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your current pain points, check your carrier’s trade-in offer, and consider how much longer you plan to use your next phone. The S22 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a smart investment in two more years of reliable, high-performance Android excellence.