Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:430.00

Versus €1,599.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung. While they share the same operating system and a high-end experience, the S23 Ultra distinguishes itself with a more advanced camera system, a larger display, and the integrated S Pen stylus. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Ultra, being a year newer, is expected to receive software and security updates for a longer period than the S22 Plus. The S22 Plus is slated for four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, with its last major OS update being Android 16 and security patches extending until early 2027. The S23 Ultra, launched with Android 13, is committed to four generations of Android OS upgrades, reaching Android 17, and five years of security updates, extending its functional life by approximately one year compared to its predecessor.
  • Build Quality: Both phones feature a robust design with glass fronts and backs, protected by Gorilla Glass, and an aluminum frame. Both models also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S23 Ultra utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering slightly enhanced drop resistance compared to the S22 Plus's Gorilla Glass Victus+.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 Ultra has shown improvements in repairability, with features like pull tabs for easier battery replacement and neatly labeled internal components, contributing to a higher repairability score in some assessments. The S22 Plus also offers feasible repairs through authorized service centers, contributing to its overall longevity.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two devices show a generational difference, particularly in demanding tasks and overall efficiency.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a newer, more efficient processor designed for enhanced performance across all tasks. This translates to smoother operation, faster app loading, and more fluid multitasking. In contrast, the S22 Plus, while capable for everyday use, was noted by users for potential thermal issues and less efficient power management.
  • System Responsiveness: Users engaging in graphically intensive mobile gaming or running demanding applications will likely notice that the S23 Ultra handles these tasks with greater stability and less thermal throttling over extended periods. The S22 Plus, with its earlier generation processor, may exhibit more noticeable performance dips during prolonged heavy use.
  • Battery Behavior: The S23 Ultra houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, providing extended usage times, especially when combined with its more efficient processor. Many users reported that the S22 Plus's 4500 mAh battery often required more frequent charging for heavy users, leading to concerns about battery anxiety.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but there are notable differences in size and resolution that impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S23 Ultra feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This technology ensures a rich visual experience for media consumption and daily use.
  • Size and Resolution: The S23 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher resolution of 1440x3088 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with approximately 500 pixels per inch (PPI). The S22 Plus has a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels, offering around 390 PPI. The S23 Ultra provides more screen real estate and finer detail.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both displays offer high peak brightness levels of up to 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also support an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth scrolling and a fluid user interface experience. The S23 Ultra's display has a slight curve, while the S22 Plus features a flat screen.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems represent a significant area of differentiation, with the S23 Ultra introducing substantial upgrades.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a high-resolution 200-megapixel main sensor, capable of capturing incredibly detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The S22 Plus features a 50-megapixel main sensor, which still delivers excellent results for everyday photography.
  • Zoom Capabilities: The S23 Ultra offers superior zoom flexibility with two dedicated telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), allowing for clear, distant shots. The S22 Plus includes a single 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both devices also feature a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera.
  • Low-Light Performance and Video: The S23 Ultra generally provides improved low-light photography and enhanced video recording capabilities, including better stabilization and dynamic range, thanks to its newer sensors and processing. Both models are capable of 8K video recording. For selfies and video calls, the S23 Ultra features a 12-megapixel front camera, an upgrade from the S22 Plus's 10-megapixel front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features distinguish these two Samsung devices in terms of daily usability and design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and modern Bluetooth standards, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. For physical connections, both devices utilize a USB-C port.
  • Biometric Security: Both the S22 Plus and S23 Ultra incorporate in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking and authentication, alongside face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Handling: The S22 Plus weighs around 195-196 grams and is 7.6mm thick, offering a relatively lighter and slimmer profile. The S23 Ultra is heavier at 233-234 grams and thicker at 8.9mm, which contributes to its larger battery and integrated S Pen. The S23 Ultra also uniquely features an integrated S Pen stylus, which slides directly into the phone, offering enhanced productivity and creative input not available on the S22 Plus.

Weight

195 g

234 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra both offer a premium Android experience, but user feedback and specifications highlight distinct advantages for each. The S22 Plus, while still a capable device, has been frequently noted by users for its battery performance, with some experiencing a need for more frequent charging. Its processor, while powerful, was also sometimes associated with thermal management concerns.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, receives consistent praise for its significantly improved battery life, attributed to both a larger capacity and a more efficient processor. Its advanced camera system, particularly the 200-megapixel main sensor and enhanced zoom capabilities, is a major highlight for photography enthusiasts. The integrated S Pen is also a key differentiator, appealing to users who value productivity and creative input directly on their device.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, superior camera versatility, and the unique functionality of the S Pen will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its newer processor also offers a more consistent and responsive performance, especially under demanding tasks. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly lighter and more compact device, and whose primary usage does not involve extensive photography or stylus input, may still find the Galaxy S22 Plus to be a strong contender for everyday tasks. When considering either of these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed and sustainable choice.

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