Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£149.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£295.00

Versus £1,445.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G were both released in early 2022 as the flagship offerings in Samsung's smartphone lineup. While they belong to the same generation and share a similar design language, they are built for very different types of users. The standard S22 is designed as a compact, easy-to-handle device for everyday tasks, whereas the S22 Ultra is a large-format phone that incorporates features previously found in the Note series, such as an integrated stylus. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI interface, providing a consistent software experience across both models.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the S22 Ultra 5G share a similar trajectory for software support and physical longevity due to their simultaneous release.

  • Software Support: Both models are eligible for four generations of Android operating system updates and five years of security patches from their original launch date. This ensures that both devices will remain functional, secure, and compatible with the latest applications until at least 2027, making them reliable long-term choices.
  • Build Quality: Each device features a robust frame made of reinforced aluminium and toughened glass on both the front and back. While the Ultra model is physically larger and heavier, both phones carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against accidental submersions and environmental exposure.
  • Repairability: As high-volume flagship devices, replacement parts like screens and batteries are widely available for both models. Professional repair services can easily service these devices, which helps extend their practical lifespan well beyond the initial years of use.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones provide a responsive experience for modern mobile tasks, the Ultra model offers more headroom for intensive multitasking and professional workflows.

  • System Responsiveness: Both devices handle everyday applications, social media, and web browsing with fluid transitions and quick loading times. However, the Ultra variant is available with higher memory configurations, which allows it to keep more apps open in the background without needing to refresh them, benefiting power users who jump between many tasks.
  • Battery Behavior: The standard S22 features a smaller battery designed for a compact frame, which typically requires a charge by the end of the day for moderate users. In contrast, the Ultra houses a significantly larger battery that provides more endurance, often lasting through a full day of heavy use including navigation and video streaming.
  • Productivity Tools: A major performance differentiator is the integrated stylus found only in the Ultra model. This tool allows for precise input, handwritten notes, and document signing, transforming the device into a mobile workstation that the standard model cannot replicate.

Memory

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display technology used in both phones is of a high standard, but the viewing experience differs greatly in terms of scale and technical sophistication.

  • Display Technology: Both phones utilize advanced OLED panels that offer deep blacks and vibrant colour reproduction. The Ultra model, however, uses a more advanced backplane technology that allows the refresh rate to scale down further when the screen is static, which helps manage power consumption more effectively than the standard model.
  • Size and Clarity: The S22 features a 6.1-inch flat display that is ideal for one-handed use and fits comfortably in most pockets. The Ultra provides a much larger 6.8-inch curved screen with a higher resolution, offering more screen real estate for watching films, editing photos, or reading long documents with greater detail.
  • Outdoor Legality: Both screens are designed to be used comfortably in bright environments. While both can reach high brightness levels for outdoor visibility, the Ultra is capable of slightly higher peak brightness, making it easier to see under direct, harsh sunlight during the middle of the day.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two devices represent the biggest functional gap, with the Ultra offering a more versatile array of lenses for photography enthusiasts.

  • Zoom and Versatility: The standard S22 has a capable triple-camera setup that covers wide, ultra-wide, and 3x optical zoom perspectives. The Ultra expands on this with a quad-camera system that includes a dedicated periscope lens, allowing for much clearer images when capturing subjects from a significant distance.
  • Sensor Performance: The Ultra model uses a larger primary sensor that can capture more light and detail. This results in improved performance in low-light conditions and a more natural background blur for portrait shots, whereas the standard S22 relies more on software processing to achieve similar effects.
  • Video and Audio: Both smartphones record high-quality video with effective image stabilisation and clear stereo audio. The Ultra's advanced autofocus system is particularly useful for keeping moving subjects in sharp focus, and its multiple microphones do an excellent job of isolating voices during calls or video recordings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical considerations like physical handling and connectivity play a large role in how these devices fit into a user's daily routine.

  • Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy S22 is notably light and slim, making it a preferred choice for those who value portability and ease of use. The Ultra is a much larger and heavier device that usually requires two hands for comfortable operation, which may be a trade-off for its extra features.
  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data, along with modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for stable connections to accessories and home networks. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, following the modern industry standard.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Security is handled by a fast and accurate ultrasonic fingerprint sensor located under the display on both models. This technology works well even if fingers are slightly damp, providing a consistent and secure way to unlock the phone or authorize payments.

Weight

167 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User consensus from various tech communities and forums suggests that the choice between these two devices often comes down to a preference for size versus utility. The Galaxy S22 5G is frequently praised for being one of the few high-performance smartphones that remains truly pocketable, though users often note that its battery requires more frequent attention. On the other hand, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is lauded for its expansive screen and the convenience of the built-in S Pen, though some find its boxy design and weight to be a bit cumbersome for long-term handheld use.

Users prioritizing portability, one-handed operation, and a traditional smartphone experience will find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who require the most advanced camera tools, a massive display for media, or the productivity benefits of a stylus may lean toward the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option is a sustainable choice that allows users to access these high-end features while reducing electronic waste. Both models remain highly capable in the current market, and opting for an eco-friendly alternative ensures you get a thoroughly tested device that performs like new. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prefer a compact daily companion or a feature-rich mobile workstation.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons