Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

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

Refurbished price:£224.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£649.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent different generations of Samsung's premium smartphone line. While both devices offer a comprehensive feature set, the S25 Ultra introduces advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display capabilities. Both run on the Android operating system, but the S25 Ultra benefits from a more recent version and an extended software support policy.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's software support policy.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra followed in February 2025. This three-year difference means the S25 Ultra benefits from a more modern hardware foundation and a longer period of relevance for current applications and technologies.
  • OS Support: The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched with Android 15 and is promised seven years of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending its functional lifespan well into the future. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, having launched with Android 12, has a shorter remaining update window, typically receiving four major OS updates and five years of security patches from its release date.
  • Build Materials: The S25 Ultra features a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 for enhanced durability, offering improved resistance to drops and scratches compared to the S22 Ultra's Gorilla Glass Victus+ and aluminum frame. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer model typically offering substantial improvements in speed and efficiency.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation processor, which provides significantly improved CPU, GPU, and AI performance compared to the S22 Ultra's processor. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more responsive operation for demanding applications and games on the S25 Ultra.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM for multitasking, with the S25 Ultra typically featuring 12GB in most regions, and some variants offering 16GB. The S22 Ultra was available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Both provide various internal storage options up to 1TB, without expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: Both the S22 Ultra and S25 Ultra house a 5000 mAh battery. While the S22 Ultra generally provides a full day of use, the S25 Ultra, despite the same capacity, shows improved real-world endurance in some tests, lasting around 11 hours in typical usage scenarios, surpassing its immediate predecessor. However, some users have reported concerns regarding battery life and occasional overheating on the S25 Ultra.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a central feature for daily interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable distinctions.

  • Display Technology: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The S25 Ultra incorporates LTPO technology, allowing for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S22 Ultra's 1750 nits. Both provide sharp visuals with Quad HD+ resolutions, resulting in high pixel densities of approximately 498-500 pixels per inch. The S25 Ultra also includes an anti-reflective coating for improved outdoor viewing.
  • Size and Smoothness: The S25 Ultra features a slightly larger 6.9-inch display compared to the S22 Ultra's 6.8-inch screen. Both maintain a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Both devices are designed for advanced mobile photography, but the S25 Ultra brings generational improvements to its camera system.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a quad-camera setup with a 200 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The S22 Ultra also has a quad-camera system, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, a 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 10 MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom.
  • Zoom Capabilities and Low Light: The S25 Ultra introduces a Quad Tele System, offering versatile optical zoom levels (2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x) and an upgraded 50 MP ultrawide sensor with a wider aperture for better low-light performance and detail. While the S22 Ultra offers a dedicated 10x optical zoom lens, the S25 Ultra's combination of sensors and AI enhancements aims for overall improved image quality across various zoom ranges and lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording: Both models support 8K video recording, with the S25 Ultra offering 8K at 24/30fps and 4K at up to 120fps, along with 10-bit HDR recording. The S22 Ultra records 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. Both provide stereo speakers for media consumption.

Front camera

40 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports newer wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable connections compared to the S22 Ultra's Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Stylus Integration: Both Ultra models integrate an S Pen stylus directly into the device. The S22 Ultra's S Pen includes Bluetooth capabilities for Air Actions. However, some reports suggest the S25 Ultra's S Pen may have removed these Bluetooth features, focusing solely on writing and drawing functionalities.
  • Design and Handling: The S25 Ultra is slightly lighter at 218g and marginally thinner than the S22 Ultra, which weighs 228g. Both maintain a large form factor, which can impact one-handed use, but the S25 Ultra's refined design with potentially more rounded edges may offer a slightly different in-hand feel. Both include useful sensors like an under-display fingerprint scanner and face recognition.

Weight

228 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.9

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 Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to users seeking a premium Android experience, but they target slightly different priorities due to their generational gap. The S22 Ultra, as an earlier flagship, is praised by users for its comprehensive camera system, integrated S Pen with Bluetooth features, and vibrant display, offering a robust experience for its time. Common feedback for the S22 Ultra often highlights its solid all-day battery life and strong performance for everyday tasks.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, being a newer model, builds upon this foundation with significant upgrades. Users frequently commend its even brighter and slightly larger display, enhanced processing power for demanding applications, and a more versatile camera system with improved low-light capabilities and advanced AI features. However, some user discussions around the S25 Ultra have noted concerns regarding battery life in specific scenarios and the potential removal of Bluetooth S Pen functionalities.

Users prioritizing the longest possible software support, the latest processing technology for future-proofing, and the most advanced camera features, particularly for ultrawide and varied zoom photography, may prefer the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Its newer build materials also offer enhanced durability. Conversely, users who value the full functionality of the S Pen with Air Actions, or who find the S22 Ultra's still-capable performance and camera system sufficient for their needs, might find it a suitable option. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these advanced smartphones.

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