Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

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Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£422.00

Versus £1,357.64 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (2022) and the Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024) represent two distinct eras and design philosophies within the Samsung smartphone ecosystem. While the S22 5G was designed as a compact flagship for the mainstream user, the S24 Ultra is a large-format powerhouse built for productivity and advanced photography. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but the S24 Ultra arrives with a more modern software suite and a commitment to much longer support. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is an eco-friendly alternative that supports a more circular economy.

Scores

Durability

The two-year gap between these models significantly impacts their long-term software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S24 Ultra benefits from an extended support policy, offering seven years of operating system and security updates, whereas the Galaxy S22 5G follows an older four-year update cycle that will conclude much sooner.
  • Build Materials: While the Galaxy S22 5G uses a traditional aluminium frame and glass construction, the Galaxy S24 Ultra introduces a titanium frame and a more scratch-resistant screen cover for enhanced physical durability against daily wear.
  • Repairability: Both devices feature modular components, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra's internal design has been updated to make battery replacements slightly more straightforward for technicians, potentially extending the device's functional life.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences are most noticeable during heavy multitasking and long days of use without a charger.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Ultra handles demanding applications and high-end gaming with greater ease due to its more efficient internal processing, while the Galaxy S22 5G remains capable for everyday social media, browsing, and standard communication apps.
  • Multitasking Capacity: With a higher amount of temporary memory (RAM) and storage options reaching up to one terabyte, the Galaxy S24 Ultra can keep more apps open in the background and store more large files compared to the Galaxy S22 5G.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a significantly larger battery capacity, allowing it to last through a full day of intensive use, whereas the Galaxy S22 5G's smaller battery often requires a mid-day charge for active users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience varies greatly between these two models in terms of both physical size and outdoor visibility.

  • Display Dimensions: The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a much larger 6.8-inch screen that is ideal for watching videos or using the included stylus, while the Galaxy S22 5G’s 6.1-inch display is better suited for users who prefer a pocket-friendly device that is easy to use with one hand.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a bright screen and a specialized anti-reflective coating that makes it easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the Galaxy S22 5G, which can struggle in very bright environments.
  • Visual Clarity: Both devices use high-quality OLED technology for deep blacks and vibrant colours with smooth 120Hz refresh rates, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a higher resolution for sharper text and finer details in images.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

While both phones capture high-quality images, the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides more versatility for long-distance photography and professional-style video.

  • Zoom Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 Ultra includes a dedicated high-resolution telephoto lens for clear photos at 5x and 10x magnification, whereas the Galaxy S22 5G is limited to a 3x optical zoom range, which is less effective for capturing distant subjects.
  • Main Sensor Detail: The primary camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra captures more detail in well-lit environments, allowing for larger prints or more flexibility when cropping photos without losing sharpness.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices record 4K and 8K video, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra features improved microphone arrays for clearer audio capture and better stabilization for smoother handheld footage during movement.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specs, the physical handling and unique hardware features define the user experience for each model.

  • Integrated Stylus: The Galaxy S24 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen for note-taking, sketching, and remote camera control, a feature entirely absent from the Galaxy S22 5G.
  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standards for faster home internet speeds and more stable connections, while the Galaxy S22 5G uses the older but still widely compatible Wi-Fi 6 standard.
  • Weight and Ergonomics: The Galaxy S22 5G is much lighter and easier to hold for long periods, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a substantial device that usually requires two hands for comfortable operation; both models feature secure under-screen fingerprint sensors for quick access.

Weight

167 g

232 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User consensus on the Galaxy S22 5G often highlights its comfortable size as a major benefit, though many users on community forums note that the battery life can be a challenge for heavy daily use. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra receives high praise for its bright, flat display and the utility of the S Pen, though some find its large, boxy design difficult to manage in a pocket.

Choosing between these two depends on your daily priorities. Users who value a lightweight, compact phone for simple tasks and easy portability will find the Galaxy S22 5G fits their needs well. Those who require a device for intensive productivity, professional-grade photography, or media consumption will likely prefer the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Opting for a sustainable choice like a quality-assured refurbished model allows users to access these high-end features while reducing electronic waste. Both devices remain powerful tools, with the S24 Ultra offering a longer future-proof window and the S22 5G providing a more traditional smartphone experience.

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