Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £859.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£299.00

Versus £1,599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, represent different approaches within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a consistent user experience. The Galaxy S22 5G is designed as a more compact option for general use, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a larger, more feature-rich model, distinguished by its integrated S Pen, a more advanced camera system, and enhanced performance capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of these devices is influenced by their release timelines and Samsung's software support policy.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G, having been released in 2022, is expected to receive major Android OS updates until 2026 and security updates until early 2027. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched a year later in 2023, benefits from an additional year of support, with major OS updates anticipated until 2027 and security updates extending into early 2028.
  • Physical Resilience: Both models incorporate robust glass on the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S23 Ultra utilizes a slightly newer generation of protective glass, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, compared to the S22 5G's Gorilla Glass Victus+.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices feature modern smartphone construction, generally recommending professional repair for significant damage.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models become apparent under varying workloads and usage patterns, largely due to their internal components and optimization.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G handles daily applications, web browsing, and light multitasking smoothly. However, under sustained heavy use, such as intensive gaming or video editing, it may exhibit some performance throttling.
  • Demanding Tasks: The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a significant performance uplift, managing demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive games with greater ease and sustained stability. Its more efficient internal components also contribute to better thermal management during prolonged use.
  • Storage and Battery: The S23 Ultra typically starts with a higher base storage capacity, offering more room for apps and media, with options up to 1TB. Its larger 5000 mAh battery capacity translates to substantially longer usage times, often lasting a full day or more for heavy users. The S22 5G, with its 3700 mAh battery, generally requires more frequent charging, particularly for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides a more expansive and brighter viewing experience with subtle design refinements.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and S23 Ultra feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. They both offer an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S22 5G has a 6.1-inch Full HD+ display (1080 x 2340 pixels), which is clear and sharp for its size. The S23 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch Quad HD+ display (1440 x 3088 pixels), offering greater detail and a more immersive viewing area.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The S23 Ultra's display can reach a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, compared to the S22 5G's 1300 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility. Both displays offer a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
  • Design and Viewing Experience: The S23 Ultra features a less severe display curve compared to its predecessor, which can make writing and drawing with the S Pen more natural and potentially make screen protectors easier to fit.

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 S23 Ultra introduces significant advancements, particularly in resolution and low-light performance.

  • Main Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G features a capable 50-megapixel main sensor that captures detailed everyday photos and performs well in good lighting. The Galaxy S23 Ultra significantly upgrades this with a 200-megapixel main sensor, delivering exceptional detail, improved low-light performance, and greater flexibility for cropping and editing.
  • Zoom and Versatility: The S22 5G includes a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom for clear zoomed shots. The S23 Ultra offers more versatile zoom options with two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses, providing both 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities. Both phones also feature a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K. However, the S23 Ultra can record 8K at 30 frames per second (fps) with enhanced stabilization, while the S22 5G records 8K at 24 fps. The S23 Ultra also features a 12-megapixel front camera, which, despite a lower megapixel count than some previous models, offers improved selfie quality and better low-light performance.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung flagship smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The S22 5G features Bluetooth 5.2, while the S23 Ultra includes the slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact and lighter device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167 grams, making it easier to handle with one hand and slip into pockets. The S23 Ultra is a larger and heavier phone at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and 233 grams, which some users might find less comfortable for extended one-handed use.
  • Unique Features and Sensors: A key distinction of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its integrated S Pen, which allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities, enhancing productivity and creativity. Both phones feature an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.

Weight

168 g

234 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra cater to different user priorities, with each device offering distinct advantages. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its more compact size and capable performance for everyday tasks. However, common criticisms include its battery life, which some users find insufficient for heavy use, and occasional reports of overheating or app stability issues.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is frequently lauded for its significantly improved battery life, powerful performance that handles demanding applications with ease, and its highly advanced camera system, particularly the 200-megapixel main sensor and enhanced low-light capabilities. The integrated S Pen is also a major draw for users who value productivity and creative input. Some users, however, note its larger size and weight as a potential drawback for one-handed use, and there have been occasional reports of minor software glitches like Wi-Fi issues or slight heating during intensive tasks.

Users prioritizing a more compact form factor and sufficient performance for general daily use may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who require extended battery life, top-tier camera capabilities, robust performance for demanding applications, and the versatility of an integrated stylus will likely lean towards the Galaxy S23 Ultra. For individuals considering either of these devices, exploring a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons