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

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series. While both devices offer a robust Android experience with Samsung's One UI, they cater to slightly different user preferences through variations in their display, camera capabilities, and integrated features. The S22 Ultra distinguishes itself with an integrated stylus and a more advanced camera system, whereas the S23 Plus focuses on refined performance and improved battery efficiency.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These two devices, being from consecutive generations, offer differing timelines for ongoing support.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, making it a year older than the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS support will likely conclude around Android 16. The Galaxy S23 Plus, launching with Android 13, is also promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its major OS support to Android 17.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The S23 Plus, however, incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its front and back panels, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus used on the S22 Ultra.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, encompassing everything from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks. Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus deliver strong performance, though the newer model benefits from generational advancements.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a newer, more efficient processor, which translates to smoother app loading, more fluid multitasking, and generally snappier interactions compared to the S22 Ultra 5G. This newer processor is optimized for Samsung devices, contributing to its enhanced performance.
  • Battery Behavior: Despite having a slightly smaller battery capacity (4700 mAh vs. 5000 mAh), the Galaxy S23 Plus often demonstrates better real-world battery life due to the improved power efficiency of its processor. Users frequently report that the S23 Plus can comfortably last a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage. The S22 Ultra 5G, while having a larger battery, may require more frequent charging for heavy users.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically starts with a base storage of 256GB, offering ample space for applications and media. The S22 Ultra 5G was available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and S23 Plus offer high-quality viewing experiences, albeit with some key differences in size and resolution.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density for sharper visuals. The S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels).
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models achieve a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also feature adaptive refresh rates for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S22 Ultra 5G offers a wider adaptive range from 1Hz to 120Hz, while the S23 Plus adapts between 48Hz and 120Hz.
  • Screen Design: The S22 Ultra 5G features curved edges on its display, contributing to a more immersive feel and a slightly narrower grip for its size. The S23 Plus, in contrast, has a flat display, which some users may find more practical for screen protectors and edge-to-edge content viewing.

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 Plus are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different hardware configurations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively. This allows for significant optical magnification. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Ultra 5G's 108MP sensor excels in capturing detailed images, especially in good lighting, and its dual telephoto lenses provide extensive zoom capabilities. The S23 Plus, with its 50MP main sensor, offers improved low-light performance and color processing, often resulting in vibrant and well-exposed everyday shots.
  • Front Camera and Video: The S22 Ultra 5G has a 40MP front camera, while the S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera. Despite the lower megapixel count, the S23 Plus's front camera is noted for better low-light selfies. Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 24fps.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data speeds and feature Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced wireless networking where available. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 229g. Its design incorporates curved display edges. The Galaxy S23 Plus is more compact and lighter at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196g, featuring flat display edges. The S22 Ultra 5G also uniquely integrates an S Pen stylus directly into its body, offering enhanced productivity and creative input.
  • Security and Sensors: Both devices include an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and a suite of other sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and barometers. The S23 Plus also supports Ultra Wideband (UWB) for enhanced spatial awareness features.

Weight

228 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus each present a compelling package for different types of users. User feedback for the S22 Ultra often praises its expansive, high-resolution display and the versatility of its camera system, particularly the 10x optical zoom and the integrated S Pen, which is a significant draw for those who value precise input and note-taking capabilities. Some users, however, noted that its battery life, while decent, could be improved, and its size might be cumbersome for one-handed use.

The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, frequently receives commendation for its improved battery efficiency, largely attributed to its newer, optimized processor, and its more refined, flat-edged design. Users appreciate its balanced performance for everyday tasks and gaming, along with its capable camera system that delivers consistent results. Some criticisms point to its display resolution being Full HD+ rather than Quad HD+, a step down from the Ultra models, and the absence of the S Pen.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display, advanced telephoto zoom capabilities, and the unique functionality of an integrated S Pen may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. This device is particularly appealing for power users who engage in creative tasks or extensive note-taking. Conversely, users who value a more compact and lighter design, superior battery longevity for daily use, and a slightly longer software update cycle will likely lean towards the Galaxy S23 Plus. It offers a robust and efficient experience for general use, photography, and mobile gaming. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make a sustainable choice.

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