One of the cheapest 5G devices you can buy now.
Samsung’s assembly lines have been busy, the brand has been launching devices at a feverish pace. We’ve checked out a bunch of devices this year from the brand’s A Series including the Galaxy A22 about a month ago. The all-new A22 5G doesn’t just add to ever expanding line of A series devices but also to the myriad buying choices for consumers in this segment. This price segment has seen a flurry of launches from rival brands like Xiaomi, OPPO and Realme. The A22 5G is more than just a 5G version of the A22, it features a host of differential features.
There’s still no clear timeline on the 5G rollout in India. That hasn’t stopped brands from launching 5G ready devices. While this was essentially a flagship feature until a few months ago, we’re seeing brands up the 5G ante in the mid-market segment too. The A22 is one of the cheapest 5G ready smartphones you can buy in India right now.
Design has become a key differentiator even in the sub Rs 20,000 price segment. The A22 5G is one of the better-looking devices in this segment. We checked out the cool, mint green colour option. The device looks good and feels good in your hand. Samsung has managed to create the same vibe as a glass back though the device is finished in plastic. The matte finish keeps the fingerprints out and the device doesn’t feel too clunky despite crossing the 200-gm threshold. We dig the placement of the rear lenses, but the teardrop notch is starting to look quite dated in 2021.
It’s not just the design aesthetic, Samsung’s Custom One UI sets this apart in a cluttered market. The only minor crib is a whole bunch of pre-loaded apps and bloatware. The main reason for the heft is the robust 5000 mAh battery. It won’t let you down. It comfortably lasted over a day despite heavy gaming and camera usage plus screen time. We wish Samsung would bundle a 25W charger (the device supports 25W fast charging) instead of the 15W charger in the box.
A 90Hz refresh rate is almost a standard feature at this price point. The 6.6-inch display isn’t just marginally larger than the A22 but also features a better pixel resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels / 399 PPI). The higher refresh rate enhances the gaming experience. The device has enough firepower for everyday users who are unlikely to push this device over the edge with intensive gaming. At its heart is a Mediatek Dimensity 700 processor a step-up from the Mediatek Helio G80 processor in the A22. This was reflected in our Geekbench benchmark test where the A22 5G registered a score (multi-core) of 1731 (vis-à-vis 1357 on the Galaxy A22). We tested the 6GB/128GB variant; there’s also an 8GB/128GB version.
While the A22 5G packs more firepower than the A22, it’s a slight step down in the camera department. This one features an 8MP selfie shooter (the A22 boasts of a 13MP front cam), while the primary lens (48MP) is the same in both phones, this one misses out on OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). Lowlight images are slightly better on the A22. This device also misses out on the macro lens and features a triple rear cam instead of the quad cam that we saw on the A22.
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G becomes the first 5G-ready A series smartphone. It looks premium (we dig the mint green colour variant), has a solid hardware spec sheet and a decent display while battery life is quite dependable too. If you can’t wait to get on the 5G superhighway, when it does get here, the A22 5G is one of the cheapest options right now.
The Samsung Galaxy A22 costs Rs 19,999 (6GB/128GB) or Rs 21,999 (8GB/128GB) and is available in grey, mint and violet. Samsung is offering a Rs 1,500 cashback on HDFC credit and debit cards.
