Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S23

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

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23, launched in February 2023, represent different approaches within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While the S22 Ultra offers a larger form factor with an integrated S Pen, the S23 provides a more compact experience with a focus on refined performance and efficiency. Both devices operate on the Android platform, featuring Samsung's One UI for a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, making it a year older than the Galaxy S23, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S23 is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with support extending until at least 2028. The S22 Ultra, being an earlier model, will have a shorter update window, receiving updates until Android 16 and security patches until 2027.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 Ultra received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to strong adhesives making battery and screen replacements challenging. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 series introduced improvements, such as easier battery removal with pull tabs, contributing to a better repairability rating.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. Both devices offer robust capabilities, but the newer model benefits from generational advancements.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 features a newer, more efficient processor compared to the S22 Ultra. This newer processor in the S23 series is optimized for power efficiency, leading to smoother operation and better thermal management, especially during demanding tasks.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23, despite having a smaller battery capacity than the S22 Ultra (3,900 mAh vs. 5,000 mAh), demonstrates significantly improved battery life due to its more efficient processor and overall system optimization. Users of the S22 Ultra have reported that its battery life can be inconsistent, sometimes requiring more frequent charging, particularly with heavy use.
  • Storage and RAM: Both models offer various storage configurations, typically starting from 128GB, with options for higher capacities. The S22 Ultra generally came with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, while the S23 typically features 8GB of RAM. For most users, 8GB of RAM is sufficient for smooth multitasking, but 12GB can offer a slight edge for very heavy usage scenarios.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both Samsung devices offer high-quality viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy S23 has a more compact 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both utilize AMOLED technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The S22 Ultra boasts a higher resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels) compared to the S23 (1080 x 2340 pixels), resulting in a slightly higher pixel density on the larger S22 Ultra. Both provide sharp and clear visuals for everyday use.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The S22 Ultra offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits. The base Galaxy S23 also matches this peak brightness, which is a notable upgrade for the smaller model, improving outdoor visibility.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 offer advanced camera systems, but with different specifications and enhancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The S22 Ultra features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). The Galaxy S23 comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S22 Ultra's dual telephoto lenses provide greater zoom flexibility.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 series introduced improvements in low-light photography (Nightography) and enhanced AI processing for better detail and color accuracy. The S22 Ultra was also praised for its comprehensive camera system and strong low-light capabilities at its release.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support high-resolution video recording, including 8K. The Galaxy S23 features an upgraded 12MP front-facing camera with improved autofocus and better low-light performance for selfies, including enhanced bokeh effects. The S22 Ultra has a 40MP front camera.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Form Factor and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a larger and heavier device, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 228g, designed for users who prefer a substantial phone. The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and 168g, offering easier one-handed use.
  • Integrated S Pen: A key differentiator for the S22 Ultra is its integrated S Pen stylus, offering note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities directly from the device. This feature is not present in the standard Galaxy S23.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Build Materials and Durability: Both phones feature Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back for scratch and drop resistance, along with an aluminum frame. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S23 Ultra specifically uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display protection.

Weight

228 g

350 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 cater to slightly different user preferences, reflecting their respective design philosophies and generational advancements.

Users often praise the Galaxy S22 Ultra for its expansive display, versatile camera system with extensive zoom capabilities, and the unique productivity features offered by the integrated S Pen. However, some users have noted concerns regarding its battery life, particularly under heavy usage, and its lower repairability score compared to newer models.

The Galaxy S23, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its significantly improved battery life, more efficient performance, and enhanced low-light camera capabilities, all within a more compact and manageable form factor. Its improved repairability is also a positive point for those considering long-term use. Some users might find its smaller screen size less immersive than the Ultra model, and it lacks the integrated S Pen.

Users prioritizing a large display, advanced zoom photography, and the functionality of an integrated stylus may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a more compact design, extended battery life, and the latest advancements in core performance and low-light photography will likely lean toward the Galaxy S23. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, and for those looking for an eco-friendly and quality-assured option, refurbished models of both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S23 are available, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons