[Design Story] Behind the Design of the Galaxy S22 Series

Samsung Electronics established a design identity for the Galaxy series with the belief that originality derives from the combination of deep reflection, extensive research, time and effort. Following this process enables new values to be added that elevate the standards for premium smartphones. This is how Samsung has continuously managed to enhance Galaxy smartphones’ designs while maintaining essential values.

Read on to learn more about how Samsung refined the Galaxy S22 series’ design.

The Essence of Originality

For the Galaxy S series, Samsung has always aspired to develop a simple and flat form that harmonizes technology and design without exposing the boundary between them. With smooth, beautiful lines that resemble the curvature of sand dunes, moderation and solidity coexist in the Galaxy S series’ simplified form.

Bold Geometry

The Galaxy S series’ design philosophy prioritizes capturing only the most essential elements in order to establish a unique identity. In the case of the Galaxy S22 series, that means equipping the devices with a flat design and a symmetrical front and back. Details on the sides have been pared down to ensure that the smartphones look sleek and smooth from any angle.

In addition, the Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra’s camera layout has been rearranged to establish a design identity that the Galaxy S series will maintain going forward. In particular, the camera of the Galaxy S22 and S22+ has been positioned in such a way that it is equidistant from the devices’ horizontal and vertical edges, creating a more refined impression.

A Seamless Combination

The Galaxy S22 and S22+ both feature analogous colors in their metal camera housings and bodies, creating a sense of unity. The sleek, flat line drawn by the side frame separates it from the camera housing, creating a clean-cut appearance. The camera system, its waterproof structure and the angle of the camera housing were all redesigned and delicately refined and simplified.

Newness Beyond Innovation

Samsung designers continuously strive to raise the bar for premium smartphones even further with innovations that enhance Galaxy devices’ unique identity. Accordingly, the Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra demonstrate how Samsung has been delivering the best performance and technology while also considering ways to make it easier for users to utilize the devices and express themselves.

An Optical Illusion

The Galaxy S22 Ultra combines superior performance with a sophisticated design. Here, the scope of the Galaxy S series has been expanded by inheriting the Galaxy Note series’ simple yet sturdy design identity, which is optimized for the S Pen.

As a camera’s performance increases, it tends to grow larger and protrude more from the design. To prevent the Galaxy S22 series’ camera from sticking out, Samsung minimized the camera’s size by optimizing its design. The camera’s mirrored metal frame establishes a brand new look with a specialized finishing method that creates the impression that the camera is floating above the device’s body. These features allow the camera to harmonize with the body. The result is an elegant design that does not protrude too far and includes a mirrored metal frame that reflects the color of the device depending on the angle.

A Versatile S Pen That’s a Joy To Use

The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s built-in S Pen offers a more creative and joyful mobile experience by allowing users to write and draw on the device’s expansive screen. With 70% lower latency, the new S Pen allows users to enjoy a more realistic experience that feels like putting pen to paper.

What’s more, users can also open apps more easily with Compact Mode in the Air Command menu, and the Samsung Notes experience has become even more convenient. When users want to save a link or a web page, they can do so easily using Samsung Notes in a pop-up or split screen and keep the page they were viewing open.

Expand Your World

One UI expands what users can do with the Galaxy S22 series. For example, when frequently used widgets are grouped using the Smart Widget function, widgets that users will find useful depending on the time and location will be automatically displayed. There’s a widget to notify users of upcoming events, as well as one that indicates when their Galaxy Buds’ batteries are low. Removing the need to open multiple widgets at once enables the home screen to be used more efficiently.

The camera has also been enhanced to allow users to take high-quality photos and videos of distant subjects and in low-light settings. Functions that improve the sharpness of selfies and remove the moiré patterns that appear when capturing TV screens or monitors have also been added to the gallery, providing a new photo-remastering experience. The photo editor’s automated AI eraser intelligently detects and removes shadows and light reflectors in a more efficient manner than if users were to select and erase objects manually.

Furthermore, the newly introduced Samsung Wallet¹ feature combines digital payments, ID and asset management in one convenient and secure place. This simplifies users’ daily routine by providing layers of security to protect their private information.

Designs That Reflect Their Era

With Galaxy devices’ designs, Samsung strives to deliver an optimal mobile experience that factors in users’ unique preferences and lifestyles. With designs that evolve with the times, Samsung enables users to use their mobile devices as they wish, supporting more enjoyable mobile experiences that put users in charge of their daily lives. Continuing to do so allows Samsung to create more value and a brighter future for communities and society.

Trendy Yet Classy

The Galaxy S22 series’ colors are both unique and contemporary — classic and premium, but trendy as well. Each device is available in Phantom Black, Phantom White and Green. The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are also available in Pink Gold, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra is available in Burgundy.

The refined Phantom Black hue showcases the Galaxy S series’ premium value, while the pure Phantom White complements the reflection of the metal body, projecting a message of hope and positivity. Green reflects the current times and encompasses a variety of tastes, while Burgundy accentuates the premium value and the modern and unique feel of the Galaxy S22 Ultra. A double layer nano coating adds rich tone and texture to the Pink Gold edition, revealing a variety of colors that go beyond the limits of a standard pink.

More Customization

While the devices’ designs have been simplified and refined, the joy of choosing a smartphone cover is greater than ever. The S-View Flip Cover’s compact display features the same UX as the Galaxy Watch, offering consistent and unified usability. The Frame Cover, meanwhile, offers a choice of two backplates — one clear, one mirrored — so users can easily decorate their device to suit their taste.

The Silicone Cover with Strap combines bold graphics with colors that create a strong impression whenever the smartphone is used, while the transparent Protective Standing Cover features multiple options in terms of kickstand designs and colors, offering users a unique look. A wide variety of cover materials, such as silicon and leather, as well as trendy designs and colors, allow enabling anyone to find a cover design that suits their unique personality.

Reduce & Recycle

The Galaxy S22 series’ design identity is also reflected in its packaging. The number 22 on the package expresses the unity of the camera housing with smoothly permeating graphics, while the bold “S” hints at the smartphones’ stylish and flat design.

The smartphones’ packaging was produced in an eco-conscious manner, utilizing 100% recycled paper. All components, including accessories and manuals, were made more compact to reduce the packaging’s overall volume. These eco-conscious efforts enabled Samsung to equip the Galaxy S22 series with packaging that’s 56% smaller by volume than that of the Galaxy S20.

For years, the Galaxy S series has been setting the standard for premium smartphone designs. Samsung’s ultimate goal for the series is to continuously provide mobile experiences that reflect users’ feedback and evolve in ways that benefit the entire world. Going forward, the company will continue to create innovative experiences that reflect our changing times, break existing boundaries and transcend the limits of what smartphones can do.

* The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual products. Product specifications may vary by country, region and model.

¹ Official release date is TBD. Feature specifications may vary by country, region, model and carrier.