Samsung launched the Galaxy A22 5G as their cheapest 5G phone, at least so far. With a low price, this smartphone offers a series of features that are quite interesting in its class.
Even so, it is undeniable that the Galaxy A22 5G must come with a few hardware adjustments compared to the LTE version. Well , if you want to know more, just take a look at the reviews below!
Gorgeous Violet color
The Galaxy A22 5G is arguably the ‘twin brother’ of the Galaxy A22 LTE. But as with most twins, the two still have a few differences. For example, about the wider dimensions and heavier weight on the 5G model.
In addition, the flash on the Galaxy A22 5G is integrated into the camera frame along with three lenses. Unlike the LTE version, which puts the flash outside the camera frame, it has a total of four rear cameras.
In terms of color choices, the Galaxy A22 5G is only available in two options, namely Gray for those of you who want to look calm, and Violet if you want to be more contemporary. For me personally, the Violet Galaxy A22 5G color looks much more charming.
The material itself is predominantly polycarbonate. The finishing of the back cover is not glossy, which in my opinion is quite helpful to minimize the possibility of being easily seen dirty by finger marks. Even if you look closely, the Violet variant that I reviewed still has finger marks.
Regarding operation, the Galaxy A22 5G is a device that is quite fun to hold. Not slippery, the dimensions are still okay, and the weight is not too excessive. I also didn’t encounter any significant comfort issues when I put this phone in my trouser pocket.
On the front you are presented with a 6.6-inch Infinity-V screen with fairly thick bezels, especially on the chin. Regarding the port, USB-C and 3.5mm audio jack are located side by side at the bottom along with the speaker hole. The fingerprint sensor is integrated with the power button. The microSD slot is provided separately, so you can add a memory card without having to sacrifice one of the SIM cards.
The screen is no longer Super AMOLED
As mentioned above, to keep the price at a competitive level despite carrying a more sophisticated chipset, Samsung inevitably has to make adjustments to other hardware. I think this is a natural thing, although it might be a separate consideration for potential consumers.
One of the adjustments I’m referring to is on the display panel. No longer Super AMOLED like his brother. Instead, you are presented with a slightly larger TFT screen, 6.6 inches, with a resolution that is also Full HD. The refresh rate is still the same, 90Hz.
I personally don’t really have much of a problem with the absence of a Super AMOLED panel. Although the contrast and saturation are not as impressive as the LTE version, the Galaxy A22 5G screen is still pleasing to the eye. The brightness level is also quite okay for use in the hot sun.
Talking a little about audio, the internal speaker on the Galaxy A22 5G is still mono. Not yet dual-speaker stereo like some of its competitors. Of course it will be much more interesting to enjoy content such as videos, music, and games if it is stereo.
Reliable camera
From the photography sector, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G relies on a 48-megapixel main sensor accompanied by a 5-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. For those who like selfies, there is an 8 megapixel camera in front complete with interesting features such as Live AR Sticker, Stamp, and Custom Filters.
Yes, there is no macro camera like on the A22 LTE. I don’t think it’s a problem at all. Although it may be quite liked by some people, for me a macro camera is just a complement, not really needed.
Another difference, the sensor on the ultrawide lens on the Galaxy A22 5G is only 5 MP, not 8 MP. And most significantly, the Galaxy A22 LTE looks so tempting as one of the cheapest phones with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) support on its camera. Unfortunately, on the Galaxy A22 5G this feature is not available.
The good news, the resulting photos still look pretty good, especially in adequate light conditions. High detail, color reproduction tends to be natural, although the dynamic range is not special.
What I had doubts about was the low light ability. In the absence of OIS, is the Galaxy A22 5G still able to provide sharp and not easy to shake photos in Night mode? Apparently, these doubts can still be muted by this phone.
The results of low light photos using Night mode look quite good. Of course the key is to make sure your hands are stable during the shooting process. The smoothing and noise canceling effect is evident. In some parts, the photo looks like watercolor. Even so, overall it’s still okay for you to show off to social media.
The ultrawide camera itself doesn’t disappoint. The details are not as high as the main camera, because the resolution is also only 5 MP, but the color capture is still quite accurate even though the saturation is not appetizing. For selfie camera? The dynamic range is not good.
Fast performance with Dimensity 700
Supported by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset as a runway, the Galaxy A22 5G is able to provide smooth performance for various needs, from working, studying online, watching movies, to playing games. The chipset is accompanied by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Especially for gaming, the Dimensity 700 in my opinion doesn’t need to be doubted. In its price class, you could say this is one of the fastest chipsets. Playing Mobile Legends with High graphics settings and HFR mode is definitely not a problem.
In addition, for heavier games like PUBG Mobile, the Galaxy A22 5G is able to run smoothly on the Smooth-Ultra setting. Even super heavy games like Genshin Impact I can still play quite comfortably at the Lowest 60 fps setting. During playing I felt an increase in temperature but still within warm limits, aka not too hot.
Talking a little about the battery, the 5,000 mAh capacity is certainly sufficient to accompany your full day activities, with normal usage styles such as chatting, browsing, social media, watching videos occasionally, and occasionally playing games.
Which is a bit unfortunate, the charging capability is only 15W using the default charger. To fully charge it takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Slightly slower than other cheap 5G phones.
5G network support and lack of NFC
The 5G technology on the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is compatible with 5G networks held by Indonesian operators such as Telkomsel on the n40 band and Indosat on the n3. When it comes to NFC, unfortunately this feature is not embedded in this phone.
Samsung’s cheapest 5G phone
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly 5G phone, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G could be an interesting option that you should consider. Maybe not the cheapest in Indonesia. But in the Galaxy line of smartphones, it’s the most affordable offering Samsung can offer right now.
Overall, the Galaxy A22 5G is a device that you can rely on for various purposes. It’s fun for gaming, the camera is okay, the screen is Full HD 90Hz, the battery is quite durable, and of course the 5G network support makes it more future-proof, aka no need to switch phones again when the 5G network is evenly distributed.
For those who are interested, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G can now be purchased through Samsung.com/id and the Samsung Official Store at Tokopedia. The price is IDR 3,299,000.
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is suitable for:
- Users who want to switch to 5G: Those of you who want to switch to 5G phones, looking for pocket-friendly prices, and believe in the quality of products made by Samsung, of course, must add the Galaxy A22 5G to your shopping list.
- Students: For online learning needs, being active on social media, and entertainment such as playing games, the Galaxy A22 5G is a device that can facilitate this well. That’s why this phone is suitable for students and college students. In terms of design, the color Violet may be very liked by young people.
- Employees: You who are WFH or who work mobile can entrust various things to the Galaxy A22 5G. The battery is also durable, so you don’t have to worry about running out in the middle of the road.
- Netflix/Korean drama fans: Galaxy A22 5G is supported by Widevine L1, which means it can play Korean movies or dramas on Netflix in HD resolution.
- Gamers: If you are a fan of the Samsung brand and are looking for a mid-range phone to accompany your daily gaming activities, the Galaxy A22 5G deserves to be your choice. The Dimensity 700 proves to be a pretty fast chipset.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy A22 5G:
- Supports 5G networks for various Indonesian operators
- The design is quite attractive, especially the Violet color
- Fast performance, fun for gaming
- The main camera photos are quite good, including for Night mode
- 90Hz screen
- Long battery life
- The price is quite attractive for a product from Samsung
Cons of Samsung Galaxy A22 5G:
- Charging is a bit slow
- Mono speakers, not stereo yet
- It will be more interesting if it is equipped with NFC
- Minimum sales package, no case or screen protector
- The screen still has bangs, not a punch hole which is (in my opinion) more modern
