Samsung Galaxy A22 5G vs. A22: Which Budget Samsung is Best?

Samsung's A22 lineup offers compelling value in the budget smartphone space, but the addition of 5G connectivity in the A22 5G introduces key differences. This comparison dissects the A22 5G and the standard A22, focusing on performance, display quality, and battery endurance to determine which model delivers the best experience for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing future-proofing and faster data speeds, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is the better choice, thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset. However, the standard A22 offers slightly better battery life and a brighter display, making it a solid option for those on a tighter budget and less concerned with 5G.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A22 5G Samsung Galaxy A22
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, June 032021, June 03
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 24Available. Released 2021, July 01
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)159.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight203 g (7.16 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 90HzSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video1152p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Mint, VioletBlack, White, Mint, Violet
ModelsSM-A226B, SM-A226B/DS, SM-A226B/DSN, SM-A226BR, SM-A226BR/N, SM-A226L, SC-56BSM-A225F, SM-A225F/DS, SM-A225M, SM-A225M/DS
Price£ 92.00 / € 125.99€ 193.97 / £ 160.00
SAR EU0.73 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)0.52 W/kg (head)     1.59 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 118h Endurance rating 121h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.5 LUFS (Average) -30.6 LUFS (Below average)
Performance AnTuTu: 242155 (v8), 223188 (v9) GeekBench: 6913 (v4.4), 1719 (v5.1) GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 185358 (v8), 165959 (v9) GeekBench: 5464 (v4.4), 1372 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

  • Faster 5G connectivity for quicker downloads.
  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 processor.
  • Improved performance for gaming and multitasking.

  • Slightly lower battery endurance.
  • Dimmer display compared to the A22.

Samsung Galaxy A22

  • Longer battery life for all-day use.
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
  • Potentially lower price point.

  • Lacks 5G connectivity.
  • Less powerful Mediatek Helio G80 processor.

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A22 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 597 nits compared to the A22 5G’s 385 nits. This difference is immediately noticeable in direct sunlight, where the A22 will remain more readable. While the A22 5G claims a 1631:1 contrast ratio, the A22’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (typical of IPS LCDs) suggests deeper blacks, though this is a nominal specification. Both displays utilize a 6.6-inch panel, but the A22’s higher brightness provides a superior viewing experience in most conditions.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature a similar 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the processing capabilities of the Dimensity 700 in the A22 5G *may* offer slightly improved image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The A22 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This 7nm process node offers improved power efficiency and performance compared to the A22’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Helio G80, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle more with demanding games and multitasking. The Dimensity 700’s architecture translates to a smoother user experience and better responsiveness for power users.

Battery Life

Despite both phones offering 15W wired charging, the A22 edges out the A22 5G in endurance. The A22 achieves an impressive 121-hour endurance rating, compared to the A22 5G’s 118 hours. This suggests the more efficient Helio G80 chipset and potentially optimized software contribute to longer battery life. While the difference is relatively small, users prioritizing all-day battery life will find the A22 more reliable.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G if you need 5G connectivity for faster downloads and streaming, and value the performance boost offered by the Dimensity 700 for smoother multitasking and gaming. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and prefer a display with higher peak brightness for outdoor visibility, and don't require 5G capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the A22 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is a significant step up from the Helio G80 and can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a smoother and more consistent frame rate compared to the A22, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. Expect to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance.
❓ Is the difference in battery life between the A22 and A22 5G noticeable in everyday use?
The 3-hour difference in endurance rating translates to a subtle but potentially noticeable difference in daily use. Users who heavily utilize their phones for streaming, gaming, or navigation will likely appreciate the A22’s slightly longer battery life. However, for moderate users, both phones should comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
❓ Does the A22 5G support carrier aggregation, and will that impact 5G speeds?
While Samsung doesn't explicitly list carrier aggregation support for the A22 5G, the Dimensity 700 chipset *is* capable of it. Whether it's enabled depends on the carrier and region. Carrier aggregation combines multiple 5G channels for faster and more stable speeds, so checking with your carrier is recommended to confirm support.