Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$166.00

Versus $719.00 new

See options
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$331.97

Versus $1,199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, launched in February 2022, represent different generations of Samsung's premium smartphone offerings. While both devices run on the Android operating system and feature Samsung's One UI, the S22 Ultra introduces significant advancements in camera technology, display capabilities, and integrated features, reflecting its more recent development. The S10 Plus, on the other hand, offers a more traditional smartphone experience with some features no longer found in newer models.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, released in February 2022, benefits from a more recent launch, offering a longer potential period of official software and security updates from Samsung.
  • Software Longevity: The S10 Plus launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) and received updates up to Android 11 or 12. The S22 Ultra launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android updates for several more years, potentially up to Android 16, providing extended software longevity.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 Ultra has been noted by iFixit as being difficult to repair, scoring a 3 out of 10 due to strong adhesives and a design that complicates battery and screen replacements. Information on the S10 Plus's repairability is less prominent, but older models generally had slightly better repair scores than newer, more integrated designs. Both devices feature IP68 dust and water resistance, offering protection against environmental elements.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two Galaxy smartphones reflects the advancements in mobile processing technology over several years, impacting app responsiveness, multitasking, and overall user experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a significantly more advanced processor compared to the S10 Plus. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and more efficient handling of demanding tasks like high-fidelity gaming or intensive video editing.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: While both devices offer ample RAM for everyday use, the S22 Ultra's newer architecture and potentially higher RAM configurations (up to 12GB) allow for more seamless multitasking, keeping more applications active in the background without slowdowns. Users will experience a more fluid and immediate response across the system on the S22 Ultra.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage capacities. The S10 Plus also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature not present in the S22 Ultra. This means S10 Plus users have the flexibility to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps, while S22 Ultra users rely solely on the internal storage chosen at purchase.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the Galaxy S22 Ultra feature high-quality AMOLED displays, but the newer model incorporates several enhancements for an improved visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 522 ppi. The S22 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 500 ppi. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the S22 Ultra's '2X' designation indicates further refinements in color accuracy and contrast.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S22 Ultra significantly surpasses the S10 Plus in brightness, reaching a peak of 1750 nits, which greatly enhances outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing. The S10 Plus has a maximum brightness of around 1200 nits. Furthermore, the S22 Ultra features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to the S10 Plus's standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Screen Protection: The S10 Plus is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6. The S22 Ultra features the newer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering enhanced durability against drops and scratches.

Resolution

1440 x 3040

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S10 Plus and S22 Ultra showcase a clear evolution in mobile photography, with the S22 Ultra offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The S10 Plus features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The S22 Ultra significantly upgrades this with a quad-camera system, including a 108MP wide-angle main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom. This allows the S22 Ultra to capture much greater detail at long distances.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The S22 Ultra's larger main sensor and advanced processing contribute to improved low-light photography, often marketed as 'Nightography,' producing brighter and more detailed images in challenging conditions. Both phones can record 4K video, but the S22 Ultra also supports 8K video recording at 24fps and offers enhanced stabilization features.
  • Front Camera: The S10 Plus has a dual front camera (10MP wide and 8MP depth sensor) capable of 4K video recording. The S22 Ultra features a single, higher-resolution 40MP front camera, also capable of 4K video, which generally provides more detailed selfies.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S10 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0. The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside 5G network support, which the S10 Plus lacks. This provides faster wireless speeds and broader network compatibility for the S22 Ultra.
  • Ports and Sensors: A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the S10 Plus, a feature absent from the S22 Ultra. Both devices utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer, though the S22 Ultra features the faster USB Type-C 3.2 standard. Both include an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.
  • Design and Integrated S Pen: The S10 Plus has dimensions of 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm and weighs 175g (glass) or 198g (ceramic). The S22 Ultra is larger and heavier at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and 228g/229g, partly due to its integrated S Pen stylus. The S Pen offers unique functionalities for note-taking, drawing, and remote control, making the S22 Ultra a more productivity-focused device.

Weight

6 oz

8 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.4

6.8

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

User feedback for the Galaxy S10 Plus often praises its balanced design, the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage, and its capable camera system for its time. Common criticisms, especially in the current landscape, revolve around its aging processor and shorter software support compared to newer models. Users appreciate its vibrant display and solid everyday performance.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra receives high marks for its exceptional display brightness and smoothness, its highly versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen, which many find invaluable for productivity and creative tasks. Some users note its large size and weight as a potential drawback, and its repairability score is a concern for those who prioritize ease of maintenance.

Users prioritizing a compact design, a traditional headphone jack, and expandable storage may find the Galaxy S10 Plus aligns better with their needs. It remains a capable device for general use, media consumption, and casual photography. Conversely, users who require cutting-edge camera performance, a highly responsive and bright display, the advanced functionality of an integrated stylus, and longer software support will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra to be a more suitable choice. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering a sustainable choice for acquiring advanced technology.

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