Samsung S22 UK Review: Is It Still Worth It?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung S22 review UK, a phone that, while not the latest and greatest anymore, still packs a punch and might just be the perfect deal for many of you. We'll be looking at everything from its design and display to its camera capabilities and overall performance, all from a UK perspective. So, grab a cuppa, and let's get started on whether the Samsung Galaxy S22 is still a contender in today's crowded smartphone market.

Design and Build: A Compact King

When the Samsung S22 first landed, one of the first things that struck us in the UK was its compact design. In an era where phones seem to get bigger and bigger, the S22 felt like a breath of fresh air. Its sleek, flat edges and premium finish (often with a matte back that resists fingerprints – a huge plus, right?) make it feel incredibly sophisticated in hand. Holding it is a dream for those who prefer one-handed use. You know, the kind of phone you can easily slip into any pocket without it feeling like a brick. The build quality is, as you'd expect from Samsung, top-notch. It features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, giving it a robust feel that instills confidence. Water and dust resistance are also standard, with an IP68 rating, so you don't have to panic if you get caught in a downpour or accidentally splash it. In the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable, that's a pretty important feature to have. The smaller size doesn't mean Samsung has compromised on the display, either. We'll get to that in a bit, but trust me, they've managed to cram a lot of screen into this relatively small chassis. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of most flagship phones released these days, the S22’s design is a major selling point. It’s a return to a more manageable form factor without sacrificing that premium feel that Samsung is known for. The button placement is ergonomic, and the overall balance of the device feels just right. It's the kind of phone that just feels good to use, day in and day out. You really do notice the difference when you're trying to navigate menus or type a quick message on the go – no more awkward finger stretching! Plus, the variety of colours available often adds a personal touch, allowing you to express your style. It's a thoughtful design that prioritizes user experience, and that’s something we always appreciate when reviewing phones here in the UK.

Display: A Visual Feast

Let's talk about the display, because honestly, it's a showstopper. The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Samsung S22 is simply stunning. Colours are vibrant, blacks are deep and inky, and the sharpness is incredible. Whether you're scrolling through social media, watching your favourite shows, or gaming, everything just pops. A standout feature for us in the UK is the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This means that scrolling is buttery smooth, animations are fluid, and the overall user experience feels incredibly responsive. It dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to save battery when needed, which is a clever touch. Brightness is another area where the S22 excels. Even in direct sunlight, which we do get the occasional glorious day of here in the UK, the screen remains perfectly visible thanks to its high peak brightness. This makes outdoor usage a breeze. The resolution is Full HD+, which is more than sharp enough for a screen this size, providing crisp text and detailed images. Samsung's display technology is consistently among the best in the industry, and the S22 is no exception. It’s the kind of screen that makes you want to keep looking at your phone. The colours are so accurate that photo editing or just viewing your snaps feels like a professional experience. And for gamers, the high refresh rate combined with the excellent touch response makes for a truly immersive and competitive edge. You won’t experience any lag or stuttering, even in the most demanding titles. It's a display that truly enhances every interaction you have with the device. The smaller form factor actually makes this brilliant display even more enjoyable for one-handed use, so you're not stretching to see the whole panel. It's a perfect balance of size and visual prowess, making it a joy to behold for all your daily tasks and entertainment needs. We’ve seen a lot of phones pass through our hands here in the UK, but the S22’s display consistently leaves a positive impression, proving that you don’t need a massive phone to get an absolutely gorgeous screen experience.

Performance: Snappy and Reliable

Under the hood, the Samsung S22 packs a serious punch. Here in the UK, we primarily got the Exynos 2200 chipset, and while it had some initial mixed reviews globally, for everyday use and most gaming, it's more than capable. Paired with 8GB of RAM, multitasking is a breeze. Apps open quickly, switching between them is seamless, and you won't find yourself waiting around for the phone to catch up. For those who enjoy mobile gaming, the S22 handles most titles with ease, often at high settings. The graphics are smooth, and the phone generally manages heat well, although during extended, intense gaming sessions, you might notice it warm up a bit – but that's pretty standard for most high-performance phones. For day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media, the S22 is incredibly snappy. The adaptive 120Hz display we just talked about really contributes to this feeling of speed and fluidity. You genuinely feel like you’re interacting with a premium device. While newer chipsets might offer marginal gains in benchmarks, the real-world performance of the S22 is still excellent. It runs all the apps you'll need without breaking a sweat. For most users, the performance difference between the S22 and the very latest flagships will be negligible in daily use. Samsung's software optimisation also plays a role here. One UI is a feature-rich but generally well-optimised interface that makes the most of the hardware. Updates have continued to keep the phone running smoothly and securely. So, if you're wondering if the S22 can still handle your demanding apps or latest mobile games here in the UK, the answer is a resounding yes. It offers a powerful and reliable performance that punches well above its weight, especially considering it's now available at a more attractive price point than at launch. It's a testament to Samsung's engineering that a phone from a couple of years ago still feels so fast and responsive. It’s a solid performer that won’t let you down.

Camera System: Capturing Your Best Moments

Samsung has always been a leader in smartphone cameras, and the S22 is no exception. The triple-lens setup on the rear includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This versatile combination allows you to capture a wide range of shots, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The 50MP main camera is the star of the show, delivering sharp, vibrant, and detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Colours are typically Samsung – bright and punchy, which many people love. Low-light performance is also impressive, thanks to Samsung's Nightography features. Photos taken in dimly lit environments are surprisingly clear and well-exposed, with reduced noise. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing those grand vistas or fitting more into the frame, though you might notice a slight drop in sharpness compared to the main sensor, which is common. The 3x optical zoom on the telephoto lens is incredibly useful for getting closer to your subject without losing quality. It's perfect for portraits or capturing details from a distance. Digital zoom beyond that is available, but it's best to stick to optical for the sharpest results. For video enthusiasts in the UK, the S22 shoots up to 8K resolution, though 4K at 60fps is more practical for most and looks fantastic. Video stabilization is solid, resulting in smooth footage even when you’re on the move. The front-facing camera, a 10MP selfie shooter, is also excellent for video calls and self-portraits. Overall, the S22's camera system is highly capable and versatile, producing consistently pleasing results for the average user. It’s a camera that’s easy to use and delivers great shots with minimal effort, making it a reliable companion for documenting your life here in the UK, whether it's a day out in the city or a holiday adventure. The flexibility offered by the three lenses means you’re always equipped to get the perfect shot, no matter the scenario. It’s a camera system that balances advanced features with user-friendliness, ensuring great results for everyone.

Battery Life and Charging: What You Need to Know

Now, let's get real about battery life. The 3700mAh battery in the Samsung S22 is, to be frank, adequate but not spectacular. In our testing here in the UK, with moderate usage – a mix of social media, emails, some browsing, and a bit of streaming – it will typically get you through a full day. However, if you're a heavy user, particularly a gamer or someone who spends a lot of time streaming video, you might find yourself reaching for the charger before bedtime. This is perhaps the biggest compromise made for its compact size. The adaptive 120Hz display and the powerful processor, while fantastic for performance, do take their toll on the battery. When it comes to charging, the S22 supports 25W wired charging. While not the fastest on the market, it's respectable. You can get a decent top-up in about 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare), which is a handy feature for topping up your earbuds or smartwatch on the go. It's worth noting that no charger is included in the box in the UK, so you’ll need to have a compatible USB-C charger already or purchase one separately. This is a trend many manufacturers, including Samsung, have adopted to reduce electronic waste. So, while the battery life might not be class-leading, the charging options are convenient, and with mindful usage, it’s manageable. For users who prioritize a smaller phone and don't push their device to its absolute limits 24/7, the S22’s battery should suffice. Just be aware that heavy users might need to adjust their habits or carry a power bank. It’s a trade-off for that incredibly pocketable design that many users, especially here in the UK, will be willing to make.

Software and Updates: Long-Term Support

One of the strongest selling points for any Samsung device, including the S22, is its software support. Samsung has committed to four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. This means that your S22, purchased here in the UK, will continue to receive major Android version updates and crucial security patches for a considerable time. This is fantastic news for longevity and ensures your phone remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features. The user interface, Samsung One UI, is feature-rich and highly customizable. While it can feel a bit busy to some, it offers a wealth of options for tailoring the experience to your liking. Features like Samsung DeX, which allows you to connect your phone to a monitor for a desktop-like experience, are still present and incredibly useful for productivity. The integration with the wider Samsung ecosystem is also seamless, making it a great choice if you own other Samsung products like watches or earbuds. The frequent updates not only bring new features but also often include performance optimizations and bug fixes, ensuring your phone runs as smoothly as possible throughout its lifespan. This commitment to long-term software support is a significant factor when considering the overall value of a device. It means your investment will continue to pay off for years to come, rather than becoming obsolete after just a couple of major updates. For many consumers in the UK looking for a reliable and future-proof smartphone, this long-term software promise from Samsung is a major deciding factor. It provides peace of mind, knowing your device will remain supported and secure.

The Verdict: Still a Solid Choice for Many?

So, after our deep dive into the Samsung S22 review UK, is it still worth buying? Absolutely, for the right person. If you prioritize a compact, premium design, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system, the S22 remains an excellent choice. Its performance is still more than capable for everyday tasks and most gaming, and Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates provides great value. The main caveat is the battery life, which is merely adequate for most users and might be a dealbreaker for heavy users. However, given that the S22 is now often available at significantly reduced prices compared to its launch RRP here in the UK, it represents fantastic value for money. You're getting a flagship experience in a smaller, more manageable package without sacrificing too much. If you're tired of oversized phones and want a device that feels great in the hand, performs brilliantly, and takes excellent photos, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is definitely still worth considering. It’s a testament to its solid engineering that it holds up so well against newer competition, especially when you factor in potential discounts. For many folks in the UK, this could very well be the sweet spot between features, size, and price. It’s a device that proves that good things really do come in small packages.