Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

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

Refurbished price:£295.00

Versus £1,445.00 new

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

Refurbished price:£179.00

Versus £1,159.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, both released in February 2022, are flagship smartphones from the same generation, offering distinct experiences within the Android ecosystem. While they share core processing power and software, the Ultra model distinguishes itself with a more advanced camera system, a larger, higher-resolution display, and an integrated stylus. The S22 Plus, on the other hand, presents a slightly more compact form factor with a focus on a balanced user experience.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G were launched in early 2022, placing them on the same software support timeline.

  • Software Longevity: Samsung initially committed to four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for the S22 series. This means that One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, is expected to be the final major OS update for both devices, with security patches continuing until the first quarter of 2027.
  • Repairability: Both models received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit. This is primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, which makes battery replacement and screen repairs challenging and potentially costly.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and receive critical security updates for several years. However, the difficulty in replacing components like the battery might influence the practical lifespan for those who prefer to extend device usage beyond typical upgrade cycles.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are equipped with the same generation of powerful processors, ensuring robust performance for daily tasks.

  • Processing Power: Both devices feature a current-generation octa-core processor, which translates to smooth operation for everyday applications, efficient multitasking, and capable handling of graphically intensive games.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers more flexibility, with configurations including 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, providing more headroom for demanding users and extensive media libraries.
  • Battery Behavior: The S22 Ultra houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, while the S22 Plus has a 4500 mAh battery. While both support fast wired and wireless charging, user experiences regarding battery life have been varied, with some reporting rapid drain under heavy use or on mobile data, particularly with the Exynos variants in certain regions.

Memory

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is vibrant, though with key differences in size and resolution.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density and sharper visuals. The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels).
  • Refresh Rate: The S22 Ultra offers a more adaptive refresh rate, scaling from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency for static content. The S22 Plus has a refresh rate that adjusts between 48Hz and 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and S22 Plus 5G offer distinct capabilities, with the Ultra model providing a more versatile photography experience.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, highlighted by a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, capable of up to 100x digital zoom. The S22 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices deliver strong everyday photography results with good clarity and color reproduction. The S22 Ultra's additional telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom provides a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects with greater detail. User reviews for the S22 Plus often praise its camera for general use.
  • Video and Audio: Both models are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. They also feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Design and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a distinct design reminiscent of the Galaxy Note series, featuring a more angular shape and an integrated S Pen stylus. It is also larger and heavier, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 228g. The Galaxy S22 Plus has a more traditional rounded S-series design, with dimensions of 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 195g, making it slightly more manageable for some users.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering fast and reliable wireless connections. Neither model includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Unique Features: The most significant distinguishing feature of the S22 Ultra is its integrated S Pen, which allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities. Both phones include an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication.

Weight

228 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, while sharing a common foundation, cater to different user preferences. User feedback often highlights the S22 Ultra's exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its zoom, and the utility of the integrated S Pen as major praise points. Its expansive, high-resolution display is also frequently lauded for media consumption and productivity. However, some users have noted concerns regarding battery life, especially with certain processor variants, and its larger size and weight can be a consideration for one-handed use.

The Galaxy S22 Plus is often praised for its balanced size, premium feel, and strong overall performance for daily tasks. Its display is also highly regarded for brightness and clarity. Criticisms sometimes mirror those of the Ultra regarding battery longevity for heavy users, and some find its camera system, while capable, less versatile than its Ultra counterpart.

Users prioritizing advanced photography features, a larger and sharper display, and the unique functionality of an integrated stylus will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a slightly more compact device with a premium feel, excellent screen quality, and a capable camera for general use may lean toward the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices represent solid choices within the Android smartphone market, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model.

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