Galaxy A54 Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy A54
Galaxy A54
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £499.00 new

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

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A54 and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G represent distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. The Galaxy A54, released in March 2023, is positioned as a capable mid-range device, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, was a flagship model. These devices primarily differ in their performance capabilities, camera systems, and display technologies, catering to varying user needs. Both smartphones operate on the Android platform, enhanced by Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline & Software Support: The Galaxy A54 was released in March 2023, launching with Android 13, and is expected to receive four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, launched with Android 12 and also offers four years of OS updates and five years of security updates. From the current date, the Galaxy A54 will likely receive OS updates for a slightly longer period due to its later launch with a newer Android version.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A54 features Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers enhanced protection with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides and an IP68 rating, providing resistance in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for the same duration.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, with robust software support ensuring functionality for several years. The S22 Ultra's higher IP rating and more advanced glass offer a marginal edge in physical resilience, though both are designed for daily use.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily user experience, from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A54 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and light gaming smoothly. Users generally find it responsive for typical smartphone activities like browsing, social media, and media consumption. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, as a former flagship, features a high-performance processor designed for intensive multitasking, graphic-heavy gaming, and professional applications, offering a noticeably faster and more fluid experience across the board.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy A54 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and offers larger internal storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, though it does not support expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A54's battery is often reported to last up to 1.5 days or approximately 39 hours with regular usage, making it suitable for users who need consistent power throughout the day. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, despite having the same battery capacity, may require more frequent charging for heavy users due to its more powerful components and higher-resolution display.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), providing clear and vibrant visuals for everyday viewing. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), resulting in a sharper and more detailed image, particularly noticeable with high-resolution content.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A54's display offers a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The S22 Ultra 5G excels with a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally bright even in direct sunlight, and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that intelligently adjusts to content for optimal smoothness and power efficiency.
  • Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a larger screen with superior clarity and brightness for media consumption, detailed work, or an overall premium visual experience will find the S22 Ultra 5G more suitable. The A54 provides a very capable and enjoyable viewing experience for general use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone, and these two models offer different photographic capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A54 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. This configuration performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing expressive photos with vibrant colors. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a more advanced quad-camera system, comprising a 108-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses providing 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities, offering greater versatility for various photographic scenarios.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The A54's main camera can produce good detail in moderate low-light, though the ultrawide camera's low-light performance is less robust. It supports video recording up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The S22 Ultra 5G generally delivers superior low-light performance across its lenses and supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, or 4K at 30/60 frames per second, providing more options for high-quality video capture.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy A54 has a 32-megapixel front camera capable of 4K video recording. The S22 Ultra 5G features a 40-megapixel front camera. Both devices include stereo speakers, with the A54 offering good loudness and sound quality for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A54 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 2.0 port. Some users have reported occasional Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity issues with the A54. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, with a faster USB-C 3.2 port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Additional Features: The A54 utilizes an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S22 Ultra 5G employs an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, which can offer faster and more reliable recognition. A significant distinguishing feature of the S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Galaxy A54 features a glass front and back with a plastic frame, weighing 202 grams. The S22 Ultra 5G has a more premium construction with glass on both the front and back, encased in an aluminum frame, and weighs slightly more at 228 or 229 grams depending on the model.

Weight

202 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A54 often highlights its reliable battery life for moderate use, a capable main camera for daylight photography, and a bright, smooth display as strong points. However, some users have noted that its performance can be less consistent under heavy workloads, and there have been occasional reports of connectivity inconsistencies. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, conversely, is frequently praised for its powerful performance, highly versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and its expansive, vibrant display. Its integrated S Pen is also a significant draw for users seeking enhanced productivity.

Users prioritizing a device for everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography, who value consistent battery life and a clear display, may find the Galaxy A54 well-suited to their needs. It offers a solid experience for general smartphone usage. For those who require top-tier performance for demanding applications, extensive mobile photography with advanced zoom, or the precision and functionality of a stylus for creative or professional work, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G presents a more comprehensive solution. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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