Is the Galaxy S22 a Downgrade from the S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 remains a flagship device and a top product in their line-up. Even as it ages, it retains its status as a fantastic device for many users. However, the question of whether it represents a downgrade compared to the S21 is not straightforward.

Key Differences and Justifications for the Higher Price

The Galaxy S22 does offer several features that justify its higher price, but it's not an exhaustive list. Here are a couple of key differences:

Battery Life and Charging

One notable change is the battery capacity. The Galaxy S22 ships with a relatively small 3700 mAh battery, which is a step down from the S21's 4000 mAh capacity. While the battery is adequate for everyday use, it does highlight a potential decrease in performance for power-hungry tasks.

Another point to consider is the charging speed. The Galaxy S22 supports fast charging and wireless charging, which has remained consistent with previous models. However, the battery's reduced capacity may limit the overall performance in battery-critical scenarios.

The Real-world Performance Impact

While the Galaxy S22 may not offer significant improvements in battery life and charging, one of the most notable downgrades is its performance. The device is notably slower than the S21, particularly in gaming. This is a serious issue, especially for users who require high-performance devices for gaming or other intensive tasks.

Thermal Management and Over-Heating Issues

When playing games, the Galaxy S22 faces significant thermal management issues. The Qualcomm processors, which are faster and more powerful than previous generations, cannot run continuously at the advertised clock speeds. As a result, Samsung implemented a feature that reduces the clock speed of the CPU and GPU to half during gaming sessions. This is done to prevent overheating and potential damage to the processor and battery.

Users report that the device frequently overheats and shuts down, leading to a frustrating experience. The reduced performance during intense gaming sessions is a consequence of this design choice, making the S22 a downgrade for serious gamers.

Apple iPhones, in comparison, offer consistently higher performance and do not experience these issues. Serious gamers and performance enthusiasts often choose Apple devices over Samsung for their superior gaming capabilities and constant performance.

Conclusion

While the Galaxy S22 may still be a solid choice for many users, particularly for everyday use, it does not stack up to the S21 in terms of performance for gaming and other power-intensive tasks. Gamers and those who demand the best performance from their devices should consider the S21 or even an Apple iPhone for a more consistent and powerful user experience.