Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S24 FE

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

Refurbished price:£250.00

Versus £1,459.00 new

See options
Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£255.00

Versus £741.91 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, represent different segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While the S22 Ultra was a top-tier flagship of its generation, the S24 FE offers a more recent, balanced experience. Key differentiators include their release timelines, software support commitments, and camera system capabilities, catering to distinct user priorities within the Android ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release dates and software support policies are crucial factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, is an older device compared to the Galaxy S24 FE, which was released in October 2024. This age difference directly impacts their remaining support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The S22 Ultra was promised four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS updates concluded around Android 16, with security patches extending until early 2027. In contrast, the S24 FE benefits from Samsung's newer policy, offering an extensive seven years of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring support until 2031.
  • Build Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against immersion. The S22 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, while the S24 FE features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, suggesting a slight difference in rear panel resilience.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both smartphones is designed to handle daily tasks efficiently, though they achieve this with different underlying hardware generations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, powered by a high-end processor from its release year, delivers robust performance for demanding applications and multitasking. Users generally report a smooth experience, though some noted the device could warm up under prolonged heavy use, such as extended 4K video recording or intense gaming. The Galaxy S24 FE, featuring a more recent, optimized processor, also handles a wide range of applications and multitasking with ease, often demonstrating efficient power management.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones offer ample RAM configurations, with the S22 Ultra available with 8GB or 12GB and the S24 FE typically with 8GB, facilitating smooth transitions between apps. The S24 FE's newer processor architecture contributes to its overall responsiveness and efficiency in everyday use.
  • Battery Behavior: The S22 Ultra is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for most users, and sometimes extending to two days with lighter usage. The S24 FE has a 4700 mAh battery, and user experiences suggest it offers strong endurance, often lasting up to 1.5 days on a single charge due to its efficient components.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant display experiences, but with distinctions in resolution and overall visual fidelity.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S24 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vivid colors. The S22 Ultra boasts a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), providing a very sharp and detailed viewing experience on its 6.8-inch screen. The S24 FE offers a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels) on its 6.7-inch display, which is clear for most content but less pixel-dense than the S22 Ultra.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S22 Ultra can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S24 FE has a stated peak brightness of 1900 nits, though real-world tests often show it achieving lower levels, which might impact readability under direct sunlight compared to the S22 Ultra.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a responsive touch experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones cater to different photographic needs, with one prioritizing versatility and advanced zoom capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a distinct 10 MP periscope telephoto lens offering an impressive 10x optical zoom. This configuration allows for significant photographic flexibility, particularly for distant subjects. The S24 FE comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Ultra is praised for its detailed images, strong low-light performance, and exceptional zoom capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of scenarios. The S24 FE delivers good results in daylight conditions, with its main lens capable of capturing quality images. However, its low-light performance is noted to be less consistent, sometimes producing softer or grainier photos compared to more premium devices.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at high resolutions, including 8K. The S22 Ultra features a high-resolution 40 MP front camera, while the S24 FE has a 10 MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and video calls.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Integrated Stylus: A significant feature of the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus, which slots directly into the device. This provides enhanced functionality for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation, a characteristic inherited from the Galaxy Note series. The Galaxy S24 FE does not include an integrated S Pen.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S22 Ultra features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the S24 FE includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3, offering slightly newer wireless standards. Both utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The S22 Ultra is a larger and heavier device, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 228g, which contributes to its expansive screen but can make one-handed use more challenging. The S24 FE is slightly more compact and lighter at 162.00 x 77.30 x 8.00mm and 213g, potentially offering a more comfortable grip for some users.

Weight

228 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the newer Galaxy S24 FE involves weighing advanced features against long-term software support and a more modern, albeit slightly less premium, experience.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is often praised by users for its exceptional camera system, particularly its versatile zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen, which offers unique productivity features. Its vibrant, high-resolution display also receives consistent acclaim. Some users have noted that its battery life is robust, typically lasting a full day, though performance under sustained heavy load can sometimes lead to warming.

Conversely, the Galaxy S24 FE is lauded for its extended software support, promising seven years of updates, which is a significant advantage for users planning to keep their device for an extended period. Its performance is generally considered smooth for everyday tasks and gaming, and its battery life is often highlighted as a strong point, frequently lasting beyond a single day. While its camera performs well in good lighting, some user feedback indicates that low-light photography can be a weaker area compared to flagship models.

Users prioritizing a highly versatile camera, especially with advanced optical zoom, and who value the precision and functionality of an integrated stylus, may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G better suited to their needs. Its higher-resolution display also offers a more immersive visual experience. However, those who prioritize long-term software updates, a slightly more compact design, and a modern, efficient processor for general use will likely lean towards the Galaxy S24 FE. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.