Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, represent different tiers within Samsung's flagship smartphone offerings. While both operate on the Android platform, the S21 Ultra was positioned as the top-tier device of its generation, featuring a larger display and a more advanced camera system, whereas the S22 5G is the standard model of its series, offering a more compact form factor and updated internal components. These differences cater to distinct user preferences regarding size, photographic capabilities, and overall performance.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and Samsung's software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was released in January 2021, while the Galaxy S22 5G followed in February 2022. This one-year difference directly impacts their software support lifecycles.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G received its final major Android OS update, Android 15-based One UI 7.0, in the first half of 2025, and its last security update was released in November 2025. As of February 2026, the S21 Ultra series no longer receives regular software updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G, launched with Android 12, has received all four major OS updates promised by Samsung, with Android 16 being its last major OS upgrade. It is expected to receive security updates until February 2027.
• Repairability: Both devices present challenges for repair. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive for the battery, display, and rear panel, making disassembly difficult and increasing the risk of damage. Similarly, the Galaxy S22 5G also scored a low 3 out of 10 in iFixit's repairability index, with battery replacement being particularly challenging due to strong adhesive.
• Practical Lifespan: Users can expect the Galaxy S22 5G to have a slightly longer practical lifespan in terms of official software and security support compared to the S21 Ultra 5G, due to its later release date. However, both devices are built with durable materials, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus (S21 Ultra) or Victus+ (S22) on the front and back, and an aluminum frame, offering good physical resilience against daily wear and tear.

The performance of both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G is designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking, though there are distinctions in their underlying hardware and real-world usage.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers strong performance for its generation, capable of smooth multitasking and running graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy S22 5G features a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced efficiency and slightly improved performance for everyday tasks and more demanding applications.
• Memory and Storage: The S21 Ultra 5G offers more flexible RAM configurations, including 12GB and 16GB options, alongside storage choices of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The standard Galaxy S22 5G comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Users who frequently run many applications simultaneously or require extensive local storage for large files might find the S21 Ultra's higher RAM and storage options more accommodating.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times, with many users reporting it lasts a full day even with heavy use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery. While it can last a full day for average use, heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S22 5G feature high-quality displays, but they differ in size, resolution, and peak brightness, impacting the overall viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 Ultra 5G features a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a high pixel density. The S22 5G has a more compact 6.1-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S21 Ultra provides a more expansive and detailed viewing area, particularly beneficial for media consumption and productivity.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S21 Ultra's refresh rate can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz, while the S22 5G can scale from 48Hz to 120Hz. The S21 Ultra 5G offers a peak brightness of 1500 nits. The S22 5G has a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The S21 Ultra's higher peak brightness can offer better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S21 Ultra's larger screen is well-suited for users who prioritize an immersive viewing experience for videos, gaming, or working with multiple apps. The S22 5G's smaller screen makes it more manageable for one-handed use and easier to carry in smaller pockets, appealing to users who prefer a compact device.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S22 5G offer capable camera systems, but the S21 Ultra provides a more versatile setup, particularly for zoom capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This dual-telephoto arrangement allows for greater flexibility and detail at various zoom levels. The Galaxy S22 5G comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While the S22's main sensor offers good image quality, it lacks the extended optical zoom range of the S21 Ultra.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra is praised for its detailed photos, especially with its 108 MP sensor and impressive zoom capabilities, performing well in various lighting conditions, including low light. The S22 5G also delivers strong photographic results, with improvements in low-light performance and more natural color reproduction compared to older Samsung models. Both devices are capable of recording 8K video at 24fps and 4K video at 30/60fps.
• Front Camera and Audio: The S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a 40 MP front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies. The S22 5G features a 10 MP front camera. Both phones offer stereo speakers for media consumption and good microphone quality for calls and recording.