Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

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

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €1,445.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:300.00

Versus €1,337.64 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series. While both offer a robust Android experience with Samsung's One UI, the S22 Ultra distinguishes itself with an integrated S Pen and a more advanced camera system, whereas the S23 Plus focuses on refined performance and improved battery efficiency.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, making it a year older than the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts their software longevity.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, with security updates continuing until 2026. In contrast, the newer Galaxy S23 Plus, launched with Android 13, is slated to receive major OS updates up to Android 17 and security updates until 2028. This means the S23 Plus offers an additional year of major software support.
  • Durability and Materials: Both devices feature robust builds with Gorilla Glass protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S23 Plus, however, incorporates the slightly newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2, potentially offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance compared to the S22 Ultra's Gorilla Glass Victus+.

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, and both devices offer capable hardware with distinct characteristics.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a newer, more efficient processor, which translates to smoother app loading, more fluid multitasking, and generally snappier interactions compared to the S22 Ultra 5G. This newer processor is optimized for Samsung devices, contributing to its enhanced performance.
  • Battery Behavior: Despite having a slightly smaller battery capacity (4700 mAh) compared to the S22 Ultra's 5000 mAh, the Galaxy S23 Plus often demonstrates better real-world battery life. This is primarily due to the improved power efficiency of its newer processor and its lower resolution display. Users report the S23 Plus can comfortably last through a full day of normal use, with some indicating up to two days.
  • Storage and RAM: Both models typically come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking for most users. The S22 Ultra also offered a 12GB RAM option and a wider range of storage configurations, from 128GB up to 1TB. The S23 Plus starts with a base storage of 256GB, providing ample space for apps and media.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus offer high-quality displays, but there are distinctions in their size, resolution, and physical design that affect the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. They also share a high peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels (QHD+), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 500 ppi. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (FHD+), yielding about 393 ppi. While the S22 Ultra offers a sharper image, the S23 Plus's display is still clear and detailed for most viewing scenarios, and its lower resolution can contribute to better battery efficiency.
  • Screen Design: A notable difference is the screen design; the S22 Ultra features a curved display, while the S23 Plus has a flat screen. Some users prefer the immersive feel of a curved display, while others appreciate the practicality and ease of screen protector application on a flat display.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both smartphones are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach this with different hardware configurations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an additional 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S22 Ultra's dedicated 10x optical zoom lens provides a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones deliver good image quality in various lighting conditions. The S22 Ultra is praised for its versatile zoom capabilities and impressive low-light performance. The S23 Plus, while not matching the S22 Ultra's extreme zoom, benefits from improved image processing thanks to its newer processor, leading to detailed and colorful images, even in low-light scenarios.
  • Front Camera and Video: The S22 Ultra has a 40MP front camera, while the S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera. Despite the lower megapixel count, the S23 Plus's front camera is noted for better low-light selfies. Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, including 8K resolution, with the S23 Plus supporting 8K at 30fps compared to the S22 Ultra's 8K at 24fps.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung Galaxy devices, impacting daily use and user experience.

  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing around 228-229g. It features a more angular, Note-like design. The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly smaller and lighter at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 195-196g, offering a more comfortable grip for some users. Its design is also flatter, which can be preferred for handling and screen protection.
  • S Pen Integration: A significant differentiator is the integrated S Pen stylus in the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. This allows for note-taking, drawing, and various Air Actions directly on the device, offering a unique productivity tool. The Galaxy S23 Plus does not include an integrated S Pen.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB-C for charging and data transfer. They also feature an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking.

Weight

228 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Ultra often highlights its versatile camera system, particularly the advanced zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen as key strengths for productivity and creative tasks. Some users, however, noted that its initial battery performance could be inconsistent. For the Galaxy S23 Plus, common praise points include its improved battery life, refined overall performance, and a more comfortable in-hand feel due to its slightly smaller size and flat display. Criticisms sometimes mention that its camera, while good, doesn't offer the same extreme zoom capabilities as the Ultra model.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display, advanced camera zoom, and the unique functionality of an integrated stylus will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value extended battery life, a more compact and ergonomic design, and the latest generation of performance for smooth daily operation may lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can provide an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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