Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:211.20

Versus €999.90 new

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

Refurbished price:326.00

Versus €1,364.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, both released in February 2022, represent different tiers within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S22 Ultra distinguishes itself with a larger display, a more advanced camera system, and the integrated S Pen, catering to users seeking enhanced productivity and photographic capabilities. Both run on the Android operating system, offering a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra were released in February 2022, meaning they share a similar timeline for software support and expected practical lifespan.

  • Software Longevity: Both models launched with Android 12 and are part of Samsung's commitment to several years of major Android OS updates and security patches, ensuring continued functionality and access to new features for an extended period.
  • Repairability: Independent assessments, such as those by iFixit, indicate that both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10. This is primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, which makes battery replacement and screen repairs challenging.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, contributing to their resistance against drops and scratches. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The core processing power in both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra comes from the same generation of chipsets, offering robust performance for daily tasks, though differences emerge with more demanding usage and storage configurations.

  • Processing Power: Both devices are equipped with a current-generation processor (either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, depending on the region), enabling smooth navigation, efficient app launching, and capable handling of graphically intensive games. The S22 Ultra, with its larger form factor, may offer slightly better thermal management for sustained heavy workloads.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S22 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S22 Ultra offers more flexibility, starting with 8GB of RAM for the 128GB storage variant, and extending to 12GB of RAM for 256GB, 512GB, and even 1TB storage options. Neither model supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 features a 3700 mAh battery, while the S22 Ultra houses a larger 5000 mAh battery. Users generally report that the S22 Ultra provides a longer battery life, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use, whereas the standard S22 may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, but the S22 Ultra offers a larger, higher-resolution screen with greater peak brightness.

  • Display Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 features a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a sharp and clear viewing experience for its size. The S22 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, resulting in a denser pixel count and more detailed visuals.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both screens offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S22 can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which is suitable for most outdoor conditions. The S22 Ultra, however, achieves a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight and improving HDR content viewing.
  • Design and Viewing Experience: The standard S22 has a flat display, contributing to a compact form factor. The S22 Ultra features a slightly curved display, which, combined with its larger size, offers a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are capable, but the Galaxy S22 Ultra provides a more versatile and advanced photography experience, especially concerning zoom capabilities and higher megapixel counts.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S22 is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S22 Ultra features a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 108MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom.
  • Zoom and Detail: The S22 Ultra's dual telephoto lenses allow for significantly greater optical zoom range and digital 'Space Zoom' up to 100x, capturing distant subjects with more clarity than the S22's 3x optical zoom. The 108MP main sensor on the Ultra also utilizes pixel-binning technology to produce detailed 12MP images, with an option for full 108MP shots for maximum detail.
  • Front Camera and Video: The S22 has a 10MP front camera, while the S22 Ultra features a higher-resolution 40MP front camera, offering more detail for selfies and video calls. Both devices are capable of recording video up to 8K resolution at 24fps with their main rear cameras and 4K at 60fps across all cameras, with improved stabilization features.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra, impacting daily usability and handling.

  • S Pen Integration: A significant differentiator is the S Pen. The Galaxy S22 Ultra integrates an S Pen directly into its body, offering a suite of productivity features like note-taking, drawing, and remote controls. The standard S22 does not support the S Pen.
  • Physical Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 is a more compact device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The S22 Ultra is considerably larger and heavier at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and 228g, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for many tasks.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (ax), and Bluetooth 5.2. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Both include in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking.

Weight

167 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User sentiment for both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra generally highlights their premium build and capable performance. The standard Galaxy S22 is often praised for its compact size and comfortable handling, making it a preferred choice for users who value portability without sacrificing flagship features. Common criticisms for the S22 often revolve around its battery life, which some heavy users find to be less than ideal for a full day's use.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra, on the other hand, receives widespread acclaim for its expansive, vibrant display, the versatility of its advanced camera system, and the integrated S Pen, which many users find indispensable for productivity and creative tasks. Its larger battery capacity is also frequently cited as a significant advantage. However, its size and weight are sometimes mentioned as potential drawbacks for users preferring a smaller device.

For individuals prioritizing a compact form factor and comfortable one-handed use for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography, the Galaxy S22 is a well-suited option. Users who require a larger screen for media consumption, desire a highly versatile camera with advanced zoom capabilities, or benefit from the precision and functionality of a stylus for work or creativity will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra to be a more appropriate choice. When considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, offering a sustainable choice without compromising on performance or features.

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