Samsung’s 2022 Smartphone Lineup and Display Technologies: A Complete Overview

Introduction: The End of LCDs for Samsung

By 2022, Samsung had fully transitioned away from traditional LCD displays in nearly all its self-produced smartphones. This strategic shift wasn’t sudden — it was a long-term plan that started years earlier, focusing on AMOLED innovation. Samsung’s dominance in OLED panel manufacturing made this move inevitable. The few remaining LCD models in 2022 came from cost-driven entry-level devices, not from Samsung’s core lineup.

Understanding Samsung’s Display Technology Evolution

From LCD to AMOLED

In the early 2010s, Samsung used LCD panels across many of its devices. However, as AMOLED technology matured, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and energy efficiency, it became the company’s signature display solution.

Why Samsung Chose OLED for Its Future

AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens offered flexibility for foldable phones, superior color reproduction, and thinner designs — key advantages in modern smartphone engineering. By 2022, AMOLED wasn’t just a premium feature; it became a Samsung standard.

2022 Flagship Models – Galaxy S and Z Series

Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra

Model Numbers: SM-S901x (S22), SM-S906x (S22+), SM-S908x (S22 Ultra)
Display Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Refresh Rate: 1–120Hz adaptive (LTPO technology)

The Galaxy S22 series defined Samsung’s premium design philosophy. All three models featured HDR10+ certified Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, supporting QHD+ resolution on the Ultra. The S22 Ultra, in particular, integrated the S Pen, effectively merging the Note series legacy.

Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4

Z Fold4 (SM-F936x): 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main screen + 6.2-inch Super AMOLED cover screen
Z Flip4 (SM-F721x): 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable display + 1.9-inch Super AMOLED external screen

Samsung’s 2022 foldable lineup showcased its flexible OLED superiority, blending form and function. Both models achieved smooth 120Hz refresh rates, reinforcing Samsung’s leadership in foldable display engineering.

Samsung’s 2022 Mid-Range Lineup – The A Series

Galaxy A73 5G

Model: SM-A736x
Display Type: Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Remark: A global mid-range hero, available in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Galaxy A53 5G

Model: SM-A536x
Display Type: Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Remark: Among Samsung’s best-selling phones of 2022, offering flagship-level visuals at a mid-tier price.

Galaxy A33 5G

Model: SM-A336x
Display Type: Super AMOLED, 90Hz
Remark: Balanced performance with a bright AMOLED screen.

Galaxy A23 5G and A13 – The LCD Exceptions

A23 5G (SM-A236x): PLS LCD, 120Hz
A13 (SM-A135x/A136x): PLS LCD, 60Hz
Remark: These models were cost-optimized, using LCDs from external suppliers rather than Samsung Display.

Entry-Level Segment – The M and F Series

Galaxy M53 5G

Model: SM-M536x
Display Type: Super AMOLED, 120Hz

Galaxy M33 5G and M23 5G

Models: SM-M336x / SM-M236x
Display Type: PLS LCD, 120Hz

Galaxy F23 5G and A04 Series

Models: SM-E236x (F23), SM-A045x / A047x / A042x (A04 lineup)
Display Type: PLS LCD
Remark: Designed primarily for India and budget markets, focusing on affordability over display innovation.

Comparing Display Types Across Models

Display Type	Used In	Refresh Rate	Brightness	Technology Tier
Dynamic AMOLED 2X	S22, Z Fold4, Z Flip4	1–120Hz adaptive	Very High	Flagship
Super AMOLED	A73, A53, A33, M53	90–120Hz	High	Mid-Range
PLS LCD	A23, A13, M33, M23, F23, A04 Series	60–120Hz	Moderate	Entry-Level

Display Technology Breakdown: What’s the Difference?

Brightness and Color Accuracy

AMOLED displays produce light individually per pixel, delivering perfect blacks and vibrant colors. In contrast, PLS LCD relies on backlighting, which limits contrast.

Power Efficiency and Longevity

Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels are power-optimized, with LTPO adaptive refresh rates reducing battery drain during static use.

Adaptive Refresh Rate (LTPO Technology)

Introduced in flagship devices, LTPO allows the refresh rate to dynamically adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz, balancing performance and battery life.

Samsung’s Global Market Strategy in 2022

Region-Specific Model Distribution

Some models, like the Galaxy F series, targeted regional markets (India, Latin America) with modified specs to match price sensitivity.

Exynos vs. Snapdragon Variants

Samsung continued its dual-chip strategy:

Exynos SoCs in Europe and Asia
Snapdragon SoCs in the U.S., Korea, and China

This ensured optimal performance and network compatibility across global markets.

The End of LCD Dominance – A Strategic Shift

Samsung’s exit from LCD production for smartphones wasn’t just about innovation — it was strategic differentiation. By focusing on AMOLED, Samsung:

Maintained a technological edge over competitors.
Reduced dependency on third-party LCD vendors.
Strengthened the Samsung Display division as a global OLED supplier (even to rivals like Apple).

Summary Table – Samsung 2022 Major Smartphone Models and Displays

Series	Model	Display Type	Refresh Rate	Notes
S Series	S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra	Dynamic AMOLED 2X	1–120Hz	Flagship models
Z Series	Z Fold4 / Z Flip4	Dynamic AMOLED 2X / Super AMOLED	120Hz	Foldable devices
A Series	A73 / A53 / A33	Super AMOLED	90–120Hz	Mid-range
	A23 / A13	PLS LCD	60–120Hz	Budget LCD models
M Series	M53	Super AMOLED	120Hz	Mid-range battery king
	M33 / M23	PLS LCD	120Hz	Entry models
F Series	F23	PLS LCD	120Hz	Regional variant
A04 Series	A04 / A04s / A04e	PLS LCD	60Hz	Ultra-budget line

Final Analysis – Why OLED Defines Samsung’s Future

By 2022, Samsung’s display identity was firmly OLED-based. From premium S and Z series to mid-range A and M lines, AMOLED became the default. LCD remained only for the lowest-cost devices. This shift wasn’t just about aesthetics — it represented efficiency, innovation, and brand alignment with the premium smartphone experience Samsung aims to deliver.

Conclusion

In 2022, Samsung reaffirmed its role as the global leader in smartphone display innovation. With nearly every model utilizing AMOLED technology, Samsung not only enhanced user experience but also cemented its dominance in the global OLED supply chain.
LCDs had their time, but Samsung’s future — bright, colorful, and flexible — is undoubtedly OLED.

FAQs

1. Why did Samsung stop using LCDs in most of its phones?
Because AMOLED displays offer better contrast, energy efficiency, and design flexibility — ideal for foldable and high-end smartphones.

2. What’s the main difference between Dynamic AMOLED 2X and Super AMOLED?
Dynamic AMOLED 2X supports higher brightness, HDR10+, and adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, while Super AMOLED targets mid-range models with slightly lower brightness and fixed refresh rates.

3. Do any 2022 Samsung phones still use LCD screens?
Yes, only a few entry-level models like the Galaxy A23 5G, A13, M33, M23, F23, and A04 series used PLS LCD panels.

4. Which Samsung 2022 phone had the best display?
The Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold4 featured Samsung’s most advanced Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.

5. Are AMOLED displays more power-efficient than LCDs?
Yes. AMOLED pixels emit light individually, consuming less energy when displaying darker content, while LCDs require constant backlighting.

Please don’t forget to leave a review.

Loly

Hi, I’m Loly, the funder of MoPhoneParts.com, I’ve been running a factory in China that makes Mobile Phone Parts for 8 years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to cellphone parts from a Chinese supplier’s perspective.