Strong 5G receiver. Useful through USB. More than 5 years later, this long-term review looks beyond launch-day specifications to long-term performance, aging, everyday usability and potential issues after years of use.
Poor wireless hotspot and outdoor visibility.
๐ ReleasedQ3 2021
โฑ Test DurationLong-term ownership
๐ก Monitoring StatusCompleted โ Specialist use only
๐ค Android at testAndroid 13
โฌ Last Android versionAndroid 13
Satellite communicationNot supported
BUILD QUALITYFair
Very good ergonomics ยท Poor back-cover quality
Phone RelyScore
6.5
Fair
Stable overall, but limited by hotspot and low brightness.
โ Battery replaced after about 2 years
โ
Green ScoreTechnical advantages
7.2
โ
Yellow ScoreUser reports
6.1
!
Red ScoreReal-life reliability test
6.5
โ Critical Status
The phone failed its original purpose: reliable wireless hotspot use for Teams. Updates improved it, but did not solve it.
After more than 5 years, the long-term assessment focuses on sustained performance, usability and how the device behaves well beyond its original launch period.
Wi-Fi HotspotRepeated interruptions
Outdoor ScreenUnusable in strong sun
Battery LongevityReplaced after ~2 years
Score Range
9.5โ10.0Exceptional
9.0โ9.4Outstanding
8.5โ8.9Excellent
8.0โ8.4Very Good
7.0โ7.9Good
6.0โ6.9Fair
Under 6.0Poor
What Matters Most Complete practical evaluation
GPS Signal1โ2 m in recent app testโข Excellent
Signal & ConnectivityMobile signal okay; 5G reception strongโข Very Good
Battery Capacity5000 mAh; replaced after ~2 yearsโข Fair
Charging Speed15Wโข Fair
Heat ManagementSlightly warm under heavy internet useโข Good
Macro LensNo dedicated macro cameraโข Not available
Zoom TypeDigital zoomโข Standard
Low-Light PhotosNot a key strengthโข Fair
Daylight PhotosUsable main cameraโข Fair
Back Cover QualityMaterial quality feels poorโข Poor
Long-term Test Timeline
PurchaseBought as an affordable 5G hotspot phone
Early UseTeams meetings suffered repeated hotspot drops
Later UpdatesSome improvement, but still not dependable
~2 YearsBattery replaced
TodayUseful via USB tethering to an external Asus router
Used For Rating out of 5
๐ฎ Gamingโ โ โโโ2.0 / 5
๐ฌ Movies & Videoโ โ โ โโ3.0 / 5
๐ต Music & Audioโ โ โโโ2.0 / 5
๐ฒ Social Mediaโ โ โ โโ3.0 / 5
โ Productivityโ โ โ โโ3.0 / 5
๐ท Photographyโ โ โ โโ3.0 / 5
๐งญ Navigationโ โ โ โโ3.5 / 5
๐ก Wireless HotspotPoor โ USB workaround required
How to read these ratings: โUsed Forโ scores are a combined real-world assessment of this phone in its own intended category, price level and practical role. They must not be used as direct performance comparisons with specialist phones from other classes, such as dedicated gaming phones.
Extended Memory Card (microSD)Yes โ dedicated slot, up to 1 TB
โ NFCYes
โ 3.5 mm jackYes
โ IP RatingNo official IP rating
Satellite communicationNot supported
SpeakerMono
Screen Size6.6"
Brightness418 nits
Battery5000 mAh
Charging Speed15W
Performance / AnTuTu287,506
External MemoryDedicated
Dual SIMYes
eSIMNo
Satellite CommunicationNo
Display QualityGood
Signal & Call QualityVery Good
GPS / NavigationVery Good
Major practical advantage: two SIM cards plus dedicated microSD
The European test variant provides SIM 1 + SIM 2 + a separate microSD slot.
This remains useful for backup storage and dual-line operation.
Specifications may vary depending on the model variant and regional market. Always verify the specifications of the version sold in your country.
Critical Issues
Unreliable wireless hotspot
Very low outdoor screen visibility
Battery replaced after about two years
Not recommended as a primary Pal Phone
USB workaround: Stable use is possible through USB tethering to an external Asus router. Our test router delivers only about 110โ120 Mbps, so the phoneโs maximum USB speed is unknown.
User Reports
System StabilityMixed public reports
Bluetooth / Wi-FiSome reported issues
Random RebootsNot observed internally
Overall SentimentMixed
Internet via USB Experience
Strong 5G reception
Stable USB tethering
Runs the home internet through an external router
Wireless hotspot remains unreliable
Our test router limits output to 110โ120 Mbps
โ โ โ โโ Useful USB Internet Phone
USB tethering tested in long-term use
Practical Use Summary
Best used as a wired 5G modem through an external USB router.
Not dependable as a standalone Wi-Fi hotspot or outdoor Pal phone.
The Galaxy A22 5G has strong 5G reception, accurate current GPS and pleasant ergonomics.
Its unreliable wireless hotspot, low sunlight visibility, uneven performance and early battery replacement keep it at Fair.
Recommendation
Great forUSB tethering through an external router, dual SIM and microSD
Not forStandalone hotspot use, strong sunlight, demanding performance or premium audio
Editor's Note
A useful specialist device, not a dependable all-round Pal. Its strongest role appeared only after an external router solved the weak built-in hotspot.
