Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£299.00

Versus £1,599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, represent two generations of Samsung's premium smartphone offerings. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the S23 Ultra introduces notable advancements in camera technology, processing power, and overall battery efficiency, building upon the foundation set by its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra followed a year later in February 2023. This difference in launch date directly impacts their software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides several years of Android operating system updates and security patches. The S23 Ultra, being a newer device, is expected to receive software support for a longer duration, potentially extending its usable life by an additional year compared to the S22 Plus 5G. The S22 Plus 5G was expected to receive OS updates through Android 16 and security updates through 2027.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 Ultra has shown improvements in repairability, with features like easier battery replacement due to pull tabs, which simplifies maintenance for non-professionals. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against environmental elements. The S23 Ultra's display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which offers enhanced scratch resistance.

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 navigating applications to engaging in demanding activities like gaming and video editing.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a more advanced processor, which translates to smoother operation, faster app loading times, and more efficient handling of intensive applications and multitasking. The S22 Plus 5G, while still capable, uses a previous generation processor.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, while the S22 Plus 5G has a 4,500 mAh battery. Despite the similar battery capacity to its predecessor (S22 Ultra), the S23 Ultra demonstrates improved power efficiency, leading to longer usage times on a single charge. Users report the S23 Ultra can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use and often beyond. The S22 Plus 5G offers good battery life, often lasting a full day with typical use, but may require more frequent charging for heavy users.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models offer various internal storage options, typically starting from 128GB or 256GB, with the S23 Ultra also offering a 1TB option. The S23 Ultra's more efficient processor contributes to a highly responsive user experience across the system.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the S22 Plus 5G and S23 Ultra feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S23 Ultra boasts a higher resolution Quad HD+ (3088 x 1440 pixels) display, resulting in a sharper image compared to the S22 Plus 5G's Full HD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) resolution.
  • Screen Size and Brightness: The S23 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch display, providing more screen real estate than the S22 Plus 5G's 6.6-inch display. Both phones offer high peak brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility, with the S22 Plus 5G reaching up to 1750 nits and the S23 Ultra also offering high brightness.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23 Ultra's display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency, while the S22 Plus 5G adjusts from 48Hz to 120Hz.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant differentiator, especially for users who prioritize photography and videography.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200-megapixel main sensor, a substantial upgrade from the S22 Plus 5G's 50-megapixel main camera. This higher resolution on the S23 Ultra allows for greater detail capture and more flexibility in cropping. Both phones include ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, with the S23 Ultra offering a more advanced telephoto setup, including a 10x optical zoom.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The S23 Ultra shows improved low-light photography capabilities, capturing better detail and color in challenging conditions. Video recording on the S23 Ultra also sees an upgrade, supporting 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, compared to the S22 Plus 5G's 8K at 24 frames per second.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature a 10-megapixel or 12-megapixel front-facing camera capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting 4K video recording. Both phones are equipped with stereo speakers for an enhanced media consumption experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless speeds. They both utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The S23 Ultra also features Ultra Wideband (UWB) support.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a larger and slightly heavier device, measuring 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and weighing 233-234g. The S22 Plus 5G is more compact at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195-196g. The S23 Ultra's design includes a less curved display edge compared to its predecessor, which can improve handling.
  • Unique Features: A key distinguishing feature of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its integrated S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. Both phones include an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.

Weight

195 g

234 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.8

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 Plus 5G and Galaxy S23 Ultra cater to slightly different user priorities, reflecting their generational differences and design philosophies.

Users frequently praise the Galaxy S23 Ultra for its exceptional battery life, robust camera system with advanced zoom capabilities, and the versatility offered by the integrated S Pen. Common feedback highlights its strong performance for demanding tasks and its bright, detailed display. Some users, however, note its larger size and weight as a potential consideration.

The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is often commended for its balanced design, vibrant display, and solid overall performance for everyday use. Its slightly more compact form factor is preferred by those who find larger phones less comfortable to handle. While its camera system is capable, it doesn't offer the same level of zoom or resolution as the Ultra model. Battery life is generally considered good, though not as extended as the S23 Ultra.

Users prioritizing cutting-edge camera technology, extended battery life, and the unique functionality of a built-in stylus will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those seeking a slightly more manageable device with strong performance for daily tasks and a high-quality display may lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be a sustainable choice for consumers.

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