Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:735.00

Versus €1,408.78 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S25 Ultra introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and long-term software support, reflecting three years of technological evolution. This comparison will highlight the practical differences to help users determine which device aligns best with their needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates and the manufacturer's software support policies.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, making it a more mature device. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, released in February 2025, benefits from being a newer model with more recent hardware and software.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, with support expected to end around February 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers an extended commitment of seven years of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring support well into 2032. This difference means the S25 Ultra will receive new features and security patches for a considerably longer period.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 5G received a low repairability score from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making battery and screen replacements challenging. The Galaxy S25 Ultra shows improvement in this area, earning a provisional iFixit score of 5 out of 10, indicating it is more repair-friendly than previous Samsung flagships, though screen removal can still be difficult.

Year of Release

2022

2025

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 gaming. The three-year gap between these models brings notable differences in their underlying hardware and real-world responsiveness.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a processor from 2022, which capably handles everyday applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a more advanced, current-generation processor, designed for enhanced efficiency and significantly greater power, resulting in smoother operation for intensive applications and advanced gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 256GB. The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts with 12GB of RAM and offers configurations up to 1TB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology. This larger RAM capacity and faster storage contribute to more fluid multitasking and quicker app loading times on the S25 Ultra.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, which users often report requires frequent charging, especially with heavy use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes a larger 5000 mAh battery. While some users find its battery life sufficient for a full day, others note that intensive tasks like camera use can deplete it quickly. The S25 Ultra also supports faster 45W wired charging and Qi2-ready wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of smartphone usage, and both devices offer high-quality displays, though with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S22 5G has a compact 6.1-inch display. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, providing a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The S22 5G provides a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution, delivering sharp visuals for its size. The S25 Ultra steps up to a 1440 x 3120 pixel (QHD+) resolution, offering even greater detail and clarity on its larger screen.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S25 Ultra boasts a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits and incorporates Gorilla Glass Armor 2 with an anti-glare coating, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340 pixels

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a primary consideration. Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S25 Ultra offer versatile camera setups, with the newer model introducing significant enhancements.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Ultra elevates this with a quad-camera system, including a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and an additional 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 5G delivers capable everyday photography. The S25 Ultra, with its higher resolution sensors and additional telephoto lens, provides greater flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including improved detail and zoom capabilities.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support 8K video recording. The S25 Ultra also introduces features like LOG video capture, beneficial for content creators. For selfies, the S22 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the S25 Ultra features a 12MP front camera.

Front camera

10 megapixels

8K@24/30fps

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S22 5G uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2, with a USB Type-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features newer Wi-Fi 7 and an updated Bluetooth version, along with a USB Type-C port.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both phones include in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S25 Ultra also integrates an S Pen, though it lacks the Bluetooth functionality for Air Actions found in some previous Ultra models.
  • Design and Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G has an Armour aluminum frame and IP68 dust/water resistance. It weighs 167g and has a thickness of 7.6mm. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for enhanced durability, also with IP68 dust/water resistance. It is slightly larger and heavier at 218g and 8.2mm thick, with a flat-sided design.

Weight

195 g

2 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to different user expectations, largely due to their generational gap. The S22 5G is often praised for its compact size and premium feel, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a smaller device that is easy to handle. However, its battery life is a frequent point of criticism, often requiring users to manage power carefully or charge more frequently.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, is lauded for its expansive and bright display, robust performance for demanding tasks, and a highly versatile camera system with advanced zoom capabilities. User sentiment regarding its battery life is mixed; while some find it sufficient for a full day, others note that heavy camera usage can lead to faster depletion. The S Pen, despite losing Bluetooth functionality, remains a unique productivity tool for many.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor and a device that is comfortable for one-handed use may find the Galaxy S22 5G appealing. Those who require cutting-edge performance, a large and vibrant display for media consumption or productivity, and a highly capable camera system for diverse photographic needs will likely lean towards the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The S25 Ultra also offers significantly longer software support, which is a key consideration for users planning to keep their device for many years. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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