The budget smartphone market is a battleground of features and value, and the latest contender is Samsung’s Galaxy F22. Priced aggressively at Rs. 12,499, the F22 aims to stand out with a 90Hz refresh rate Super AMOLED display, a massive 6000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, and a quad-camera setup. But with competitors like Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 and Realme’s Narzo 30 offering similar features at competitive prices, does the F22 have what it takes to win over budget-conscious buyers? Let’s dive deep into our first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy F22.
Design and Build
The Samsung Galaxy F22 sports a plastic body with a Gorilla Glass 5 protected display, resulting in a familiar and sturdy feel. The back panel features a fine ridge-like pattern that offers good grip and resists fingerprints and smudges. While the phone is not exactly slim at 9.3mm, it feels comfortable in hand, making one-handed use manageable. However, the 203g weight does make it feel a bit chunky, contributing to a less premium feel.
The fingerprint reader is integrated into the power button on the right side, with the volume rocker above. The card tray is on the left, while the bottom houses the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C port, and speaker.
Display and Performance
The Samsung Galaxy F22 has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display sporting a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth scrolling and a responsive user experience. However, the display resolution is limited to HD+ (1600 x 720 pixels), which might disappoint some seeking sharper visuals. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, preventing fingerprint smudges.
It’s worth noting that the waterdrop-style notch at the top feels slightly dated, especially when compared to the hole-punch designs found in most smartphones in this price range. Additionally, the thick bezel at the bottom of the display adds to the sense that the design could be more modern.
The Galaxy F22 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM in the base variant. This chip is capable of delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming, but it is not the most power-packed option in this price segment. While the 90Hz refresh rate enhances the fluidity of the software experience, it’s a reminder that the F22 is a budget device with limited RAM.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy F22 boasts a quad-camera system on its back, featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, a 2-megapixel macro sensor, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. For selfies, the phone relies on a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.
Initial impressions suggest that the cameras are capable of capturing decent quality photos in well-lit conditions. However, their performance in low light and the effectiveness of features like macro and depth sensing will need further investigation in our full review.
Battery and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy F22 is equipped with a substantial 6,000mAh battery, making it a promising battery champion in the budget smartphone segment. While the F22 supports 25W fast charging, it only comes with a 15W charger in the box.
This is a slight disappointment compared to competitors like the Redmi Note 10, which offers a 33W charger. Nonetheless, the large battery capacity should translate to excellent battery life.
Software Experience
Samsung’s One UI 3.1, based on Android 11, powers the Galaxy F22. During initial usage, the software experience appears smooth and fluid, thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate of the display. However, the presence of pre-installed apps, including several Samsung-branded ones, and third-party apps might feel overwhelming to some users.
Other Competitors
The Samsung Galaxy F22 faces stiff competition from several other smartphones in the same price range:
- Realme’s Narzo 30: Boasting a 90Hz display, a more powerful MediaTek Helio G95 SoC, and a stylish design, the Narzo 30 is available for Rs. 12,999, just Rs. 500 more than the F22.
- Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10: Offers a full HD+ Super AMOLED display, dual stereo speakers, and 33W fast charging for a similar price point.
- Poco’s M3: While using the less powerful Snapdragon 662 SoC, it features a competitive 6GB RAM configuration in its base variant, priced at Rs. 10,999, making it another strong contender.
The Verdict: Early Impressions
Based on the initial review, the Samsung Galaxy F22 doesn’t offer standout features that clearly differentiate it from its competition. While a large battery and a vibrant 90Hz AMOLED display are strong points, the HD+ resolution and the dated design might raise some eyebrows. The phone further faces the challenge of competing with devices powered by more powerful processors like the Redmi Note 10 and Realme Narzo 30, even though they’re priced slightly higher.
However, the Samsung Galaxy F22’s real potential will be evident only after a thorough evaluation of its overall usage experience, including its battery life, camera performance, and software features.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Samsung Galaxy F22, which will delve deeper into these aspects and provide a more comprehensive verdict on whether this affordable smartphone can truly capture the hearts and wallets of budget-conscious buyers.
