Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Xiaomi 13T

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

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €1,445.00 new

See options
Xiaomi 13T
Xiaomi 13T
Starting at

Refurbished price:183.00

Versus €630.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Xiaomi 13T, launched in September 2023, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the S22 Ultra arrived as a premium flagship device, the Xiaomi 13T positions itself as a strong contender in the upper mid-range segment. Key differences lie in their release timelines, camera systems, and integrated features, catering to varying user priorities.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is often influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical build. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, has received four major Android operating system updates, bringing it up to Android 16. It is expected to continue receiving security updates until 2027. The device features a robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The Xiaomi 13T, launched in September 2023, benefits from a more recent release, promising four major Android OS updates, extending its support to Android 17, and five years of security patches, lasting until 2028. Its build includes Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and options for a glass or silicone polymer back, with a plastic frame, also featuring an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

  • Software Longevity: The Xiaomi 13T offers a longer period of major Android OS updates and security patches compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, providing extended software support into the future.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G utilizes a more premium aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced durability, while the Xiaomi 13T uses Gorilla Glass 5 and a plastic frame, with some variants offering a silicone polymer back.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices share an IP68 rating, indicating a similar level of protection against dust and water ingress.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Evaluating the performance of these devices involves looking at their processing capabilities, memory configurations, and battery endurance in typical usage scenarios. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, equipped with a high-end processor from its release year, delivers robust performance suitable for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-intensive gaming. It is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options extending up to 1TB. Its 5000 mAh battery generally provides a full day of use, though heavy usage might necessitate a mid-day charge.

The Xiaomi 13T features a capable processor that ensures smooth and responsive operation for everyday tasks and most modern games. It comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and offers 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. The device also houses a 5000 mAh battery, which typically lasts a full day for many users.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a higher-tier processing capability, providing a performance edge for the most intensive tasks, while the Xiaomi 13T delivers strong and consistent performance for a wide range of applications.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G provides more extensive internal storage configurations, including a 1TB option, catering to users with significant storage needs.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature a 5000 mAh battery, generally offering a full day of power, with user experiences suggesting similar endurance for typical daily use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology, resolution, brightness, and refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), offering exceptional clarity and detail. It supports an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness, and can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits for good visibility in bright conditions.

The Xiaomi 13T comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, providing a Full HD+ resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels). This display boasts a higher refresh rate of 144Hz for potentially smoother visuals and an impressive peak brightness of 2600 nits, with a typical high brightness mode (HBM) of 1200 nits, enhancing outdoor readability.

  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a higher QHD+ resolution, resulting in a sharper image with more pixels per inch.
  • Refresh Rate: The Xiaomi 13T features a 144Hz refresh rate, which is slightly higher than the S22 Ultra's 120Hz adaptive rate, potentially offering a marginally smoother visual experience in supported content.
  • Brightness: The Xiaomi 13T's display can achieve a higher peak brightness, which can be beneficial for visibility in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices offer distinct capabilities for photography and videography. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom. Its front camera is 40MP, and it supports video recording up to 8K resolution. This system is noted for its extensive zoom capabilities and overall image quality across various lighting conditions.

The Xiaomi 13T features a triple-camera system co-engineered with Leica, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The front camera is 20MP, and it can record videos up to 4K resolution. This setup is recognized for producing detailed images with good color reproduction, particularly in its main and telephoto lenses.

  • Optical Zoom Range: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G provides a significantly greater optical zoom range with its 3x and 10x telephoto lenses, offering more flexibility for distant subjects.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports higher resolution video recording at 8K, while the Xiaomi 13T offers 4K video recording.
  • Camera Tuning: The Xiaomi 13T benefits from Leica's imaging expertise, which influences its color science and photographic styles, while the S22 Ultra offers a comprehensive and versatile camera experience.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G integrates an S Pen stylus, enhancing productivity for note-taking and drawing. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity. The device measures 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighs 228g.

The Xiaomi 13T includes an infrared (IR) blaster, allowing it to function as a universal remote control for various electronics. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. Its dimensions are 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm, with a weight of 193g for the silicone polymer back variant and 197g for the glass back variant.

  • Integrated Stylus: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a built-in S Pen, offering unique functionality for creative and productivity tasks.
  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports the newer Wi-Fi 6E standard, potentially offering faster wireless speeds with compatible networks, while the Xiaomi 13T features a more recent Bluetooth 5.4 standard.
  • Additional Features: The Xiaomi 13T includes an IR blaster, a feature not present on the S22 Ultra 5G, which can be convenient for controlling home appliances.

Weight

228 g

193 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G often highlights its exceptional camera system, particularly its versatile zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen for productivity. Its vibrant display and premium build are also frequently praised. Some users, however, have noted that battery life can be a concern for very heavy usage, despite the large capacity.

The Xiaomi 13T receives positive remarks for its strong display, capable camera system with Leica tuning, and generally good battery life. Its fast charging capabilities are also a common point of appreciation. Criticisms sometimes point to the use of a plastic frame on some variants and the processor, while capable, not matching the absolute top-tier performance of some flagships.

Users prioritizing an advanced and highly versatile camera system, especially for zoom photography, along with integrated stylus functionality for creative or professional tasks, may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users seeking a more recent device with a strong, bright display, a capable camera system with distinct photographic styles, and a longer remaining software support timeline might lean towards the Xiaomi 13T. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them depends on which specific functionalities and long-term support aspects align best with individual user requirements. For those considering an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons