Choosing a budget-friendly Samsung can be tricky. The Galaxy M22 and M21 are both popular contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one truly delivers the best value? Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M22 edges out the M21 thanks to its faster charging and slightly improved chipset. However, the M21's Exynos 9611 still holds its own, and its price point makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, the M22 offers a more modern experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2020, March 18. Released 2020, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 13 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 74 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits (HDR) | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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), unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Light Blue | Midnight Blue, Raven Black |
| Models | SM-M225FV, SM-M225FV/DS | SM-M215F, SM-M215F/DS, SM-M215F/DSN |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | £ 279.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 129.00 |
Samsung Galaxy M22
- Faster 25W Charging
- Slightly Better Performance (Helio G80)
- 90Hz Refresh Rate Display
- More Versatile Camera System (potentially)
- Potentially Higher Price
- Helio G80 can be less efficient than Exynos in some scenarios
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Lower Price
- Reliable Exynos 9611 Chipset
- Excellent Battery Life (6000mAh)
- Super AMOLED Display
- Slower 15W Charging
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- Slightly Older Model
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The M22 typically has a slightly higher resolution (FHD+) and a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience compared to the M21's standard 60Hz. Screen size is similar, around 6.4-6.6 inches.
Camera Comparison
The M22 typically boasts a more versatile camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens. The M21's camera is still capable, but the M22 generally produces slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Both offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The M22's MediaTek Helio G80 chipset offers a modest performance boost over the M21's Exynos 9611. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the M22 generally exhibits slightly better multitasking and gaming performance. However, real-world differences may not be drastic.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a large 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. However, the M22's 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the M21's 15W charging. This is a key advantage for the M22.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M22 is ideal for users prioritizing faster charging and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking. The Galaxy M21 is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, well-rounded phone at a lower price, especially if fast charging isn't a major concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy M22 worth the extra money over the M21?
It depends on your priorities. If fast charging and a smoother display are important, the M22 is worth it. If you're on a tight budget and don't need those features, the M21 remains a solid choice.
❓ Which chipset is better, the Helio G80 or the Exynos 9611?
The Helio G80 generally offers slightly better performance, but the Exynos 9611 is still capable and more power efficient in some scenarios. The difference isn't massive for everyday use.
