Samsung's A-series consistently delivers value, but navigating the options can be tricky. The Galaxy A22 and A14 represent compelling choices in the sub-$200 segment. While both aim to provide essential smartphone functionality, key differences in chipset options and display characteristics create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A22 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its proven 121-hour endurance rating, coupled with a brighter 597-nit display, provides a more robust and visually comfortable experience. While the A14 offers a potential performance boost with the Exynos 850 variant, the consistency of the A22’s Helio G80 and superior battery life make it the safer bet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 03 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED 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 | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Mint, Violet | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-A225F, SM-A225F/DS, SM-A225M, SM-A225M/DS | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | € 193.97 / £ 160.00 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.6 LUFS (Below average)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 185358 (v8), 165959 (v9)
GeekBench: 5464 (v4.4), 1372 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A22
- Exceptional 121-hour battery life
- Brighter display for outdoor use (597 nits)
- Potentially better single-core performance due to Cortex-A75 cores
- Older chipset (Helio G80)
- May not be as future-proof as the Exynos variant
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Potential performance boost with Exynos 850 variant
- More efficient 8nm process (Exynos version)
- Modern design aesthetic
- Battery life likely shorter than A22
- CPU core configuration downgrade in Exynos version
- Display brightness likely lower than A22
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A22 boasts a measured peak brightness of 597 nits, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility compared to the A14, which lacks published brightness data. Both devices feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (Samsung's marketing term for typical OLED-like contrast), but the A22’s higher brightness translates to a more vibrant and usable experience in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A22’s brightness gives it a clear edge for users who spend time outdoors. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device is typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Both the A22 and A14 feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. It’s safe to assume both include a primary sensor, an ultrawide, and potentially a macro/depth sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on Samsung’s software processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner.
Performance
The performance landscape is more complex. The A22 consistently features the Mediatek Helio G80 (MT6769V/CU) with an octa-core CPU configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The A14, however, comes in two versions: one with the same Helio G80, and another with the Exynos 850 (MT6769). The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process versus the Helio G80’s 12nm, *should* offer improved efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance. However, the A14’s CPU configuration with the Exynos 850 is comprised of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, a downgrade from the A22’s 2x Cortex-A75 cores. This means the A22 may perform better in single-core tasks despite the Exynos 850’s more efficient architecture. The Helio G80 in both phones is paired with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, suggesting similar graphical capabilities.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A22 shines in battery endurance, achieving a measured 121 hours in our testing. The A14’s battery capacity is not specified, but given the potential for increased power draw from the Exynos 850 variant, it’s unlikely to match the A22’s longevity. Both phones support 15W wired charging, meaning charge times will be comparable. The A22’s superior endurance rating makes it the clear winner for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 if you prioritize long battery life and a reliably bright display for outdoor use. It’s ideal for users who frequently consume media or rely on their phone throughout the day. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you’re seeking a potentially faster processor – specifically the Exynos 850 variant – and are willing to trade some battery endurance for it. This is a better fit for users who engage in moderate gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the A14 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is more efficient than the Helio G80, both are entry-level chipsets. Expect some throttling during prolonged gaming, but the 8nm process should mitigate overheating better than the 12nm Helio G80. However, the A14’s CPU core configuration may limit sustained performance gains.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras typically produce low-resolution, soft images. They are often included for marketing purposes but offer limited practical benefit compared to using the main camera in close-up mode.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos on the go?
The Samsung Galaxy A22 is the better choice for video consumption due to its significantly brighter display (597 nits). This ensures a more visible and enjoyable viewing experience, especially in outdoor environments.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge both phones?
Both the A22 and A14 support 15W wired charging. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-2.5 hours, though this can vary depending on the charger and usage during charging. The A22’s larger battery may take slightly longer to reach 100%.
