Galaxy S10 Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:114.00

Versus €549.00 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 S10, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, represent different generations of Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S22 Ultra 5G introduces significant advancements in camera technology, display features, and overall performance, reflecting its newer release. Both run on the Android operating system, but the S22 Ultra 5G benefits from a longer software support window.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release date, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S10, being an older model, has reached the end of its official software support, while the S22 Ultra 5G still has several years of updates ahead.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, launched with Android 9 and received major OS updates up to Android 12. Samsung officially ended software support for the Galaxy S10 series in March 2023, meaning it no longer receives regular security patches or OS upgrades. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022 with Android 12, is expected to receive up to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software lifespan significantly further into the future.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S10 received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive and a soldered charging port, making common repairs like battery or screen replacement challenging. Information on the S22 Ultra 5G's repairability is less detailed, but modern flagship phones generally present similar challenges due to their compact designs and integrated components.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: For users prioritizing the latest software features and security, the Galaxy S10's practical lifespan for daily use has largely concluded. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, with its ongoing software support, offers a longer practical lifespan for users who value up-to-date security and access to new Android features.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models are notable, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components, impacting everything from app responsiveness to battery efficiency.

  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S10 typically came with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 512GB. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers more flexibility with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage configurations ranging from 128GB up to 1TB. This provides the S22 Ultra 5G with greater capacity for demanding applications and extensive media storage.
  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 features an older generation processor, which capably handles everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, equipped with a much newer processor, delivers significantly enhanced performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother transitions, and superior handling of graphically intensive games and complex productivity applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 has a 3400 mAh battery, which provides adequate power for a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage may require recharging. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery, designed to support its more powerful components and larger display, often allowing for extended usage even under demanding conditions.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality AMOLED displays, but the newer S22 Ultra 5G incorporates advancements that enhance the visual experience, particularly in brightness and refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S10 and S22 Ultra 5G utilize Dynamic AMOLED technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The S10 features a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. The S22 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, providing a slightly larger viewing area and similar pixel density.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience for most content. The S22 Ultra 5G significantly upgrades this with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts based on content, offering noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The S22 Ultra 5G also boasts a higher peak brightness, making it more legible in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The S22 Ultra 5G's larger screen and higher refresh rate contribute to a more immersive and responsive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming. The S10 still offers a very good display for its time, but the S22 Ultra 5G provides a more modern and enhanced visual interaction.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two devices reflect a significant evolution in mobile photography, with the S22 Ultra 5G offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S10 features a triple rear camera setup, including a 12 MP wide-angle lens, a 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. Its front camera is a 10 MP wide-angle lens. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a quad-camera system on the rear, comprising a 108 MP wide-angle lens, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10 MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, allowing for up to 100x digital zoom. The front camera is a high-resolution 40 MP sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The S10 delivers capable photos in good lighting conditions, with its ultrawide lens being a notable addition for its time. The S22 Ultra 5G, with its higher megapixel count on the main sensor and advanced zoom capabilities, offers greater detail, improved low-light performance, and significantly more flexibility for capturing distant subjects.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording. The S22 Ultra 5G extends this to 8K video recording at 24fps and offers enhanced video stabilization features. While both provide good audio for calls and media, the S22 Ultra 5G benefits from newer audio processing technologies and stereo speakers for a more immersive media consumption experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones, influencing daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, as its name suggests, includes 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, along with Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless network performance. Both support Bluetooth for wireless accessories.
  • Port Types and Sensors: The Galaxy S10 is one of the last Samsung flagships to feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, alongside its USB-C port. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G relies solely on a USB-C port for charging and audio output. Both devices feature in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S22 Ultra 5G also integrates an S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity and creative input.
  • Physical Design and Durability: The Galaxy S10 has dimensions of 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs 157 grams, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and 228 grams, also with a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) and an aluminum frame, offering enhanced drop and scratch resistance. Both carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Weight

158 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G cater to different user needs, largely due to the generational gap between their releases. Users often praise the Galaxy S10 for its compact size, the inclusion of a headphone jack, and its still-capable performance for everyday tasks. Criticisms typically revolve around its battery life compared to newer devices and the cessation of software updates, which impacts long-term security and access to new features. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its exceptional camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities, its large and vibrant display with a high refresh rate, and the integrated S Pen, which appeals to power users and those seeking productivity features. Some users find its size and weight to be substantial, and its battery life, while larger than the S10, is consumed by its more powerful components and advanced display.

Users prioritizing a more compact form factor, a traditional headphone jack, and a device for essential smartphone functions may find the Galaxy S10 suitable, especially if they are comfortable with an older software version. Conversely, users who demand the latest in mobile photography, a large and fluid display, top-tier performance for demanding applications, and the versatility of a built-in stylus will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G better suited to their needs. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, allowing access to these technologies while making a sustainable choice.

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