Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:179.00

Versus €899.00 new

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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:411.00

Versus €1,599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S23 Ultra introduces notable advancements in camera technology, overall performance, and battery efficiency. These distinctions cater to varying user needs, from those seeking a more compact device to power users desiring extended capabilities and endurance.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra followed a year later in February 2023. This difference means the S23 Ultra will generally receive software and security updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security patches for its flagship devices. Consequently, the Galaxy S23 Ultra benefits from an additional year of guaranteed software support compared to the Galaxy S22 5G, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features and security.
  • Durability and Repairability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced scratch resistance. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has also shown improvements in repairability, with features like easier battery replacement and clearly labeled internal components, contributing to a higher repairability score.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both devices offer capable performance, but the newer model brings enhancements.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, depending on the region. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a more advanced processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which is optimized for improved efficiency and speed across all markets. This results in smoother operation and better handling of intensive applications and multitasking on the S23 Ultra.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery. User reports and tests indicate that the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers significantly improved battery life, often lasting a full day or more even with heavy use, a notable improvement over its predecessor.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 5G comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, utilizing UFS 3.1 technology. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. The 256GB and higher variants of the S23 Ultra benefit from faster UFS 4.0 storage, which can lead to quicker app loading and data transfer speeds.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of any smartphone, and both Samsung devices offer high-quality displays with some distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both smartphones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 6.1-inch display, offering a more compact form factor. The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 5G offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels with a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The Galaxy S23 Ultra steps up with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels and a brighter peak of 1750 nits, enhancing clarity and outdoor visibility.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23 Ultra's display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a primary consideration, and both phones offer advanced photographic capabilities with the S23 Ultra introducing significant upgrades.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S23 Ultra elevates this with a quad-camera system, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP telephoto with 10x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Ultra's 200MP main sensor allows for greater detail capture and improved low-light performance compared to the S22 5G's 108MP sensor. Both phones offer versatile shooting modes, but the S23 Ultra's enhanced sensors and processing provide a noticeable advantage in image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second. The Galaxy S23 Ultra improves upon this, offering 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, along with a wider field of view. Both devices feature stereo speakers, with the S23 Ultra offering clear and loud audio with Dolby Atmos support. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and functionality of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G networks. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Galaxy S23 Ultra upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both phones feature a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer and an under-display fingerprint sensor for biometric security. A notable distinction is the integrated S Pen stylus on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is not present on the S22 5G.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G has dimensions of 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, making it a more compact and lighter device. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is larger and heavier at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and 233g, reflecting its larger screen and battery. The S23 Ultra also features a slightly less curved display edge, which some users may find improves handling.

Weight

167 g

234 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G often highlights its comfortable size and capable performance for everyday use. However, some users have noted concerns regarding its battery life and thermal management during intensive tasks. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, is frequently praised for its exceptional battery endurance, powerful processing capabilities, and highly versatile camera system, particularly its improved low-light performance and advanced zoom features. The integrated S Pen is also a significant advantage for users who value stylus input. Common criticisms for the S23 Ultra tend to revolve around its larger size and weight, which may not appeal to all users, and some perceive the camera improvements as incremental rather than revolutionary over its direct predecessor.

For users prioritizing a more compact device that still delivers a strong performance for daily tasks and photography, the Galaxy S22 5G remains a viable option. Its smaller form factor makes it easier to handle and carry. Conversely, individuals who require extended battery life, demand the highest processing power for gaming or demanding applications, or frequently utilize advanced camera features and stylus input will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra better suited to their needs. Its larger display also caters to those who consume a lot of media or multitask extensively.

Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make a sustainable choice while still enjoying premium smartphone technology.