Galaxy A54 Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy A54
Galaxy A54
Starting at

Refurbished price:178.00

Versus €527.33 new

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Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €1,445.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, released in March 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, represent distinct tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the A54 is positioned as a robust mid-range device, offering a balanced experience for everyday users. In contrast, the S22 Ultra 5G was a flagship model, designed for power users seeking advanced features, a sophisticated camera system, and integrated stylus functionality.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices offer different expectations in terms of practical lifespan and ongoing support.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A54 5G, released in March 2023, benefits from Samsung's commitment to four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, extending its software support until approximately 2028. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, also received a commitment for four major OS updates, meaning its software support will likely conclude around early 2026, with security updates potentially extending slightly beyond that.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A54 5G features a glass front and back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, with a plastic frame, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a more premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, an aluminum frame, and a higher IP68 rating, offering enhanced protection against dust and water immersion.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A54 5G has been noted for being fairly repairable, with some assessments giving it a repairability score around 6.25 out of 10 or even 8.4 according to French environmental legislation. Specific repairability scores for the S22 Ultra 5G are less commonly highlighted, but flagship devices often present more complex repair challenges due to their intricate designs.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. Both phones offer capable performance for their respective segments.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A54 5G is equipped with an octa-core processor that handles daily tasks and multitasking effectively. Users generally find it suitable for regular use, though some have noted occasional stutters or less fluid animations, particularly under heavy load or with certain software iterations. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, as a former flagship, features a more powerful octa-core processor designed for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and seamless multitasking, providing a consistently smooth and responsive user experience.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The A54 5G offers various storage configurations, often starting with 128GB, and typically includes options for expandable storage via a microSD card, which is beneficial for users with large media libraries. The S22 Ultra 5G comes with higher base storage options, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, and generally includes more RAM, which contributes to its ability to manage numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns. However, it does not offer expandable storage.
  • Battery Performance: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A54 5G is frequently praised for its strong battery life, often lasting a full day or more even with moderate to heavy use, partly due to its less power-intensive display and processor. The S22 Ultra 5G, despite having the same battery capacity, tends to consume power more rapidly due to its larger, higher-resolution display and more powerful components, though it can still last a full day for many users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A54 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). This provides clear visuals and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G sports a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), offering a sharper and more detailed image.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A54 5G achieves a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions, and has a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The S22 Ultra 5G excels with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally bright outdoors, and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz, optimizing power consumption while maintaining fluidity.
  • Viewing Experience: The A54 5G's display is well-regarded for its vibrant colors and clarity, suitable for media consumption and daily tasks. The S22 Ultra 5G's larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display, combined with its adaptive refresh rate, provides a more immersive and premium viewing experience, particularly beneficial for detailed work, high-quality video, and gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these two phones offer different photographic strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A54 5G is equipped with a triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. It performs well in good lighting conditions, producing vibrant and detailed photos, with the main sensor often receiving praise. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a more versatile quad-camera system: a 108MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. This setup provides exceptional flexibility for various photographic scenarios, including distant subjects.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The A54 5G delivers decent low-light performance, though some users report noise in very dark conditions. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. The S22 Ultra 5G generally offers superior low-light photography with better detail retention and less noise, and its video recording capabilities extend to 8K at 24 frames per second, along with advanced stabilization features.
  • Front Camera and Special Features: The A54 5G has a 32MP front camera capable of good selfies in daylight and 4K video recording. The S22 Ultra 5G features a 40MP front camera, also delivering high-quality selfies. Its advanced camera system includes features like enhanced zoom capabilities and improved image processing for a more professional photographic output.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to unique hardware features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The Galaxy A54 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, providing slightly more advanced wireless capabilities. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Unique Features: Both phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. A significant distinguishing feature of the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus. This stylus offers low latency (2.8ms) and enables precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the device with Air actions and Screen Off Memo functionality. The Galaxy A54 5G does not include S Pen support.
  • Design and Handling: The A54 5G weighs 202g and has a design that some users find to be similar to flagship models, despite its plastic frame. The S22 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device, weighing around 228-229g, with a more angular, Note-like design that accommodates the S Pen. Its premium materials contribute to a solid in-hand feel, though its size can make one-handed use challenging for some.

Weight

202 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G cater to different user needs and preferences, each with its own set of strengths and considerations. User feedback for the Galaxy A54 5G often highlights its excellent battery life, vibrant display, and capable main camera as strong positives for its segment. Some common criticisms include occasional performance stutters and the relatively slower 25W charging speed.

For the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, users frequently praise its exceptional camera system, particularly the versatile zoom capabilities, the stunning and bright display, and the unique productivity features offered by the integrated S Pen. However, some users have reported inconsistent battery performance, especially with heavy 5G usage, and some Exynos variants faced performance optimization challenges.

Users prioritizing extended software support, strong battery life, and a capable camera for everyday photography in a slightly more compact and repairable package may find the Galaxy A54 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a balanced experience for general use, social media, and media consumption. Conversely, users who require top-tier camera versatility, a larger and more detailed display, the precision and functionality of an integrated stylus, and maximum processing power for demanding tasks like advanced photo editing or intensive gaming will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Its premium features are designed for those who seek a comprehensive flagship experience.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life cycle of these capable smartphones.

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