Galaxy S10 Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10
Starting at

Refurbished price:£108.00

Versus £639.00 new

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

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in 2022, represent different eras of Samsung's flagship smartphone design. While the S10 offered a compact, premium experience, the S22 Ultra 5G introduced a larger form factor, integrated S Pen, and significantly advanced camera capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but the S22 Ultra benefits from a much more recent software foundation and extended support.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of these devices differs significantly due to their release timelines.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 received its last major Android operating system update around early 2023, with security updates concluding shortly after. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, however, is guaranteed major OS updates until approximately 2026 and security updates extending into 2027, offering a considerably longer period of current software support.
  • Physical Resilience: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S10 uses Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection, while the S22 Ultra 5G benefits from the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus+, providing enhanced drop and scratch resistance.
  • Repairability: While both devices are designed with premium materials, their internal construction makes user repairs challenging. Parts availability for the older S10 may also become more limited over time compared to the S22 Ultra 5G.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance gap between these two generations is noticeable, particularly with demanding applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S10 handles daily tasks, web browsing, and social media smoothly. However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a much more fluid and immediate experience across all applications, thanks to its significantly more powerful internal components.
  • Demanding Applications: For intensive gaming, video editing, or running multiple complex applications simultaneously, the S22 Ultra 5G provides superior speed and stability. The S10 may show signs of slowdown or longer loading times with such tasks.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The S10 offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent on the S22 Ultra 5G. Both devices are capable of efficient multitasking, but the S22 Ultra 5G's larger RAM configurations and faster processing allow for a smoother transition between a greater number of open applications.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both phones feature high-quality displays, but the S22 Ultra 5G offers a more advanced viewing experience.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers even greater brightness and color accuracy, especially in outdoor conditions.
  • Resolution and Smoothness: Both devices provide sharp, high-resolution visuals suitable for detailed content. A key difference is the refresh rate: the S10 has a standard 60Hz display, while the S22 Ultra 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Viewing Experience: The S22 Ultra 5G's larger screen size and higher peak brightness make it more immersive for media consumption and more comfortable for extended use, particularly in bright environments.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems represent one of the most significant advancements between these two models.

  • Versatility and Detail: The Galaxy S10 features a capable triple-camera setup, including a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens, delivering good photos in various conditions. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G elevates this with a sophisticated quad-camera system, featuring a high-resolution main sensor, an improved ultrawide lens, and two dedicated telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom for exceptional long-range photography.
  • Low-Light Performance: While the S10 can capture decent low-light images, the S22 Ultra 5G significantly outperforms it in challenging lighting conditions, producing brighter, clearer, and more detailed photos with less noise.
  • Video and Front Camera: The S22 Ultra 5G offers more advanced video recording capabilities, including better stabilization and higher resolution options. Its front-facing camera also provides a much higher megapixel count, resulting in more detailed selfies and clearer video calls compared to the S10.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical differences distinguish these two devices.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10 supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G steps up to 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds and includes Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced wireless performance on compatible networks. Both support modern Bluetooth standards.
  • Ports and Biometrics: A notable difference is the S10's inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the S22 Ultra 5G. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and feature ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking.
  • Design and Handling: The S10 is a more compact and lighter device, making it easier for one-handed use. The S22 Ultra 5G is considerably larger and heavier, but it integrates the S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.

Weight

175 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy S10's enduring appeal for its more compact size and the convenience of a headphone jack, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a smaller device for everyday communication and media consumption. However, common concerns revolve around its aging software support and battery performance compared to newer models.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is frequently praised for its exceptional camera system, especially its zoom capabilities, the versatility of the integrated S Pen, and its large, vibrant display. Users appreciate its robust performance for demanding tasks and its extended software longevity. Criticisms often point to its substantial size and weight, which can make one-handed use challenging, and the absence of a headphone jack or expandable storage.

Users prioritizing a more compact form factor, a traditional headphone jack, and who primarily use their phone for basic tasks and media might find the Galaxy S10 still meets their needs. Conversely, those who require top-tier camera performance, value the productivity features of a stylus, engage in demanding mobile gaming or content creation, and desire long-term software support will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G to be a more suitable option. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking value and sustainability.

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