Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs iPhone SE (2022)

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

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is a flagship Android device offering a premium, expansive experience with advanced camera capabilities and an integrated stylus. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 is an iOS device that combines a compact, familiar design with powerful internal performance.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G typically receives four major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates. The iPhone SE 2022, running iOS, generally benefits from a longer software support period, often extending to five to seven years of iOS updates.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 has an average repairability score, with components like the battery and screen being replaceable, though strong adhesive is used. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, with its more complex design and integrated features, is generally considered less straightforward to repair.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last several years in terms of hardware durability. However, users prioritizing the longest possible software update timeline may find the iPhone SE 2022 offers an advantage.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with both devices offering robust capabilities suited to their respective categories.

  • Storage Options: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G provides a wide range of storage configurations, including 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. The iPhone SE 2022 offers 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB options.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a 5000 mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of heavy use for most users. The iPhone SE 2022, with its 2018 mAh battery, offers average battery life, with some users reporting around five to eight hours of screen-on time, potentially requiring a midday recharge for heavy usage.
  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G delivers flagship-level performance, handling demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with smooth responsiveness. The iPhone SE 2022, despite its smaller form factor, also offers very powerful performance for its class, ensuring demanding apps and games run smoothly, comparable to some flagship devices.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones varies significantly due to their display technologies and sizes.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast, making it excellent for media consumption. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a Retina IPS LCD, which provides bright, clear, and crisp visuals suitable for everyday tasks.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a Quad HD+ resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density of approximately 500 pixels per inch (ppi). It also achieves a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, offering excellent outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, with a pixel density of around 326 ppi, and a typical brightness of 625 nits.
  • Size and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a large 6.8-inch screen with an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone SE 2022 has a more compact 4.7-inch screen with a standard 60 Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

750 x 1334

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these devices cater to different user expectations and photography needs.

  • Camera System Configuration: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a versatile quad-camera setup on the rear, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. Its front camera is 40 MP. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12 MP main camera on the rear and a 7 MP front camera.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G excels in various lighting conditions, including low light, thanks to its advanced features like Nightography. The iPhone SE 2022 performs well in good lighting, producing detailed images with good color balance, but it lacks a dedicated night mode, which can lead to noisier results in very dim environments.
  • Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 30/60 fps. The iPhone SE 2022 can record videos up to 4K resolution at 60 fps. Both offer good video quality, with the S22 Ultra providing higher resolution options.

Main camera

108 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, though the iPhone SE 2022 is limited to sub-6 GHz 5G and does not support the faster mmWave technology. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPhone SE 2022 uses Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The S22 Ultra features a USB-C port, whereas the iPhone SE utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G incorporates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and face recognition for security. The iPhone SE 2022 relies on the familiar Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into its home button. In terms of physical characteristics, the S22 Ultra is a larger and heavier device, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 228 grams. The iPhone SE is significantly more compact and lighter at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and 144 grams, making it easier for one-handed use.
  • Build and Unique Features: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, offering IP68 water and dust resistance. It also includes an integrated S Pen for enhanced productivity. The iPhone SE 2022 has an aluminum frame with ion-strengthened glass and IP67 water and dust resistance.

Weight

228 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone SE 2022 cater to different user preferences, each with its own set of strengths and considerations. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G for its expansive and vibrant display, highly versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the added functionality of the integrated S Pen. Some users, however, find its large size and weight to be a factor in daily handling.

Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 is often lauded for its compact form factor, making it comfortable for one-handed use, and its powerful internal performance that ensures smooth operation for most tasks. Its familiar design, including the physical home button with Touch ID, is also a significant draw for many. Common criticisms often point to its dated design with larger bezels, the smaller display size, and its average battery life, which may not consistently last a full day for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a large, immersive screen for media consumption, advanced photography features, and the productivity benefits of a stylus will find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a highly portable device, value the security and convenience of Touch ID, and seek strong performance for everyday applications within the iOS ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone SE 2022. Both devices offer a reliable smartphone experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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