Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S25

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

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €1,445.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:489.60

Versus €910.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent different generations of Samsung's premium smartphone line. While both devices offer a comprehensive feature set, the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and display technology. Both run on the Android operating system, with the S25 Ultra benefiting from a more recent version and extended software support.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the duration of software support it receives.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra was released in February 2022, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which launched in February 2025. This three-year difference impacts their respective positions in the update cycle.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S22 Ultra was promised four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release, meaning its major OS updates conclude around early 2026, with security patches extending into 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra benefits from Samsung's newer policy, offering seven years of both OS and security updates, extending its software longevity significantly further into the future.
  • Repairability and Build: Both devices feature robust builds with IP68 dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S22 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrades to a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor 2 for enhanced durability, potentially offering greater resilience to drops and scratches.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two generations are notable, particularly in handling demanding applications and overall system responsiveness.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Ultra is powered by a processor that, while capable for its time, shows its age when compared to the newer architecture. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a current-generation processor designed for enhanced efficiency and raw power, resulting in smoother operation across all tasks. This newer processor allows the S25 Ultra to handle intensive applications, complex multitasking, and advanced gaming with greater fluidity and sustained performance.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S22 Ultra offered various configurations, starting with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with options up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage. The Galaxy S25 Ultra standardizes 12GB of RAM across all configurations and starts with 256GB of storage, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology compared to the S22 Ultra's UFS 3.1. This combination contributes to quicker app loading times and more efficient data handling on the newer device.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's more efficient processor and software optimizations lead to significantly improved battery endurance in typical use cases, allowing it to last longer on a single charge even with the same battery capacity.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both devices is premium, though the newer model brings refinements in brightness and design.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Ultra feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with QHD+ resolution, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S22 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display, while the S25 Ultra offers a slightly larger 6.9-inch panel.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly increases this to a peak brightness of 2600 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Design: Both models feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. A notable design change is that the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a completely flat display, moving away from the curved edges found on the S22 Ultra. This flat design can improve usability with the integrated S Pen.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080x2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera systems have seen substantial upgrades between these two generations, particularly in sensor technology and processing.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 108 MP main wide camera, accompanied by a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and another 10 MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly upgrades the main sensor to 200 MP, and features a 50 MP ultrawide camera, a 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S25 Ultra's larger main sensor and improved processing contribute to better detail capture, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The enhanced ultrawide and telephoto sensors on the S25 Ultra also provide more versatility and higher quality zoomed shots. Both devices offer advanced video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Ultra includes a 40 MP front camera. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 12 MP front camera, which, despite the lower megapixel count, benefits from newer processing for improved selfie quality. Both phones offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two devices in daily use.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S22 Ultra supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features newer connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Integrated S Pen: Both the S22 Ultra and S25 Ultra integrate the S Pen stylus directly into the device, offering similar functionality for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. However, the S25 Ultra's S Pen has some minor changes, with certain Bluetooth-dependent features being removed.
  • Design and Materials: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a glass and aluminum construction. The Galaxy S25 Ultra adopts a titanium frame, contributing to a lighter and potentially more durable build. The S25 Ultra also has a slightly refined design with a flatter frame and thinner bezels compared to the S22 Ultra's more curved aesthetic.

Weight

228 g

162 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.2

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Users frequently praise the Galaxy S22 Ultra for its comprehensive feature set, including its versatile camera system and integrated S Pen, which made it a top-tier device at its launch. Some users, however, noted that its initial battery performance could be inconsistent for heavy usage.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, as a newer iteration, receives commendation for its significant performance gains, enhanced camera capabilities, and extended software support. Users appreciate the brighter, flat display and the improved battery efficiency. Some discussions mention the subtle design changes, such as the flatter display, as a positive for S Pen usability.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, cutting-edge performance for demanding applications, and the latest camera technology will find the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its extended update policy and more efficient processor offer a more future-proof experience. Conversely, users who find the Galaxy S22 Ultra's existing features sufficient for their daily tasks and appreciate its established design may still find it a capable device. For those considering an upgrade or a new purchase, exploring quality-assured refurbished options for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative to owning a premium device.

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