Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs iPhone 13

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

Refurbished price:336.00

Versus €1,364.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:246.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, represent distinct approaches to high-end smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display characteristics, and unique feature sets. The Galaxy S22 Ultra operates on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 13 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined interface.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, making it several months older than the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, which debuted in February 2022. This difference in launch dates can influence the duration of future software support.
  • Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive several years of operating system updates. Apple typically provides extensive iOS support for its devices, often exceeding five years from release. Android devices, like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, also receive significant update commitments, though the exact duration can vary. Users prioritizing the longest possible software support might find a slight edge with the newer Galaxy S22 Ultra.
  • Durability and Repairability: Both smartphones feature robust builds with advanced glass protection and IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance, indicating good protection against everyday elements. The iPhone 13 initially received a repairability score of 5 out of 10 from iFixit, which later improved to 6 out of 10 with software updates addressing certain repair challenges.

Year of Release

2022

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding activities like gaming or video editing. Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 13 offer capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling it to handle intensive applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with fluidity. The iPhone 13 also features a highly efficient processor that delivers smooth performance for everyday use and most demanding applications within the iOS ecosystem.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers higher RAM configurations, typically 8GB or 12GB, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or work with large files. The iPhone 13 comes with 4GB of RAM, optimized for iOS's memory management. Both devices offer various internal storage options, ranging from 128GB up to 512GB for the iPhone 13 and up to 1TB for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, catering to different user needs for app and media storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, designed to power its expansive, high-resolution display and advanced features, often providing extended usage for many users. The iPhone 13, with its 3240 mAh battery, is optimized for its hardware and software, and users generally report it can last through a full day of typical use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a primary consideration for many smartphone users, and both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 13 offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its rich colors and contrast. The larger screen of the S22 Ultra offers a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels) and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which results in exceptionally sharp images and very smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 13 offers a high-resolution display (2532 x 1170 pixels) with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing clear visuals but without the enhanced fluidity of a higher refresh rate.
  • Brightness: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly readable even in bright sunlight. The iPhone 13 also offers strong brightness, with a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content and 800 nits typical maximum brightness, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices provide advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though they approach photography with different hardware and software philosophies.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities. This allows for significant flexibility in framing and capturing distant subjects. The iPhone 13 comes with a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a wide and an ultrawide lens, known for its consistent image quality and natural color reproduction.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G excels in zoom capabilities and offers advanced features for detailed shots. The iPhone 13 features Sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its main camera for sharper photos and smoother videos, and both devices offer computational photography enhancements for improved low-light performance and dynamic range.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports 8K video recording, while the iPhone 13 offers Cinematic mode for video with shallow depth of field and HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. For selfies, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a 40MP front camera, while the iPhone 13 features a 12MP front camera, both delivering clear and detailed self-portraits.

Main camera

108 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G includes Wi-Fi 6E and a USB-C port, offering modern connectivity standards and universal charging convenience. The iPhone 13 supports Wi-Fi 6 and utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Unique Features and Biometrics: A significant differentiator for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus, offering precise input for notes, drawings, and navigation. Both phones feature robust biometric security: the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G uses an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, while the iPhone 13 relies on its Face ID facial recognition system.
  • Design and Ergonomics: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a larger, more angular design with a curved display, weighing around 228 grams. The iPhone 13 is more compact and lighter at 174 grams, with a flat-edge design. These differences impact one-handed use and pocketability, with the S22 Ultra offering a larger canvas and the iPhone 13 providing a more manageable form factor.

Weight

228 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 13 cater to different user preferences, each excelling in specific areas. User feedback often praises the Galaxy S22 Ultra for its expansive and vibrant display, its versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the unique productivity features offered by the integrated S Pen. Some users, however, note its larger size and weight as a factor to consider for one-handed use.

The iPhone 13 is frequently lauded for its consistent performance, reliable camera quality, and the intuitive nature of the iOS ecosystem. Its more compact design is often appreciated by those seeking a device that is easier to handle. Initial concerns regarding its repairability were largely addressed through software updates.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display, advanced camera zoom, and stylus functionality for creative or productivity tasks may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a more compact device, a streamlined operating system, and a consistently strong camera for everyday photography will likely lean towards the iPhone 13. Both devices offer excellent performance and features, making the choice dependent on individual priorities. For those looking for a more sustainable choice, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons