Last updated: August 2026
The A22 was among the entry Samsungs where a higher refresh rate arrived — a feature that had been limited to expensive phones. It is worth understanding what it does, because it is one of the few budget specifications you genuinely notice.
What refresh rate changes
Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. A 90Hz panel redraws half again as often as a standard 60Hz one.
It does not make the phone faster. It makes scrolling, typing and animation look smoother — which reads as responsiveness even when the underlying speed is unchanged.
Unlike megapixel counts, this is a specification you perceive immediately. If two budget phones are otherwise similar, the higher refresh rate is the better screen.
Where it costs you
Higher refresh rates use more battery. Most phones let you cap the rate in settings if endurance matters more than smoothness — worth knowing rather than discovering.
What matters more at this price
| Specification | Why |
|---|---|
| Security update window | Decides usable life on a 24-month contract |
| Memory | The main cause of slowdown |
| Screen type | AMOLED beats LCD visibly |
| Refresh rate | Noticeable, but after the above |
The A22 is several years old, so confirm where it stands on updates before buying.
See Galaxy A23, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A16, budget Android deals and cheap Samsung deals.
Frequently asked questions
What does 90Hz do?
Makes scrolling and animation smoother. It does not make the phone faster.
Does it hurt battery life?
Somewhat. You can usually cap it in settings.
Is the A22 still worth buying?
Check its update window. Newer entry models have longer support.
More comparisons
- Check Coverage Before An Internet Deal
- 24 Month Contract Deals
- Cellphone Contract Networks South Africa
- Affordable Phone Contracts South Africa
- Contract Deals
- Business Phone Bundle Deals
- A70 Contract Deals — Compare Options in South Africa
- Cell C Contract Deals
- Do Cellphone Contracts Check Credit Score?
Pricing, specifications and support windows change regularly. This is general information, not financial advice.