Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra, both released in February 2022, represent different approaches within Samsung's flagship smartphone line. While sharing the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S22 offers a more compact experience, whereas the Galaxy S22 Ultra integrates advanced camera capabilities and the S Pen stylus, distinguishing it as a device for power users.

Both the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra were launched in February 2022, placing them in the same generation of devices. They were part of Samsung's policy to provide four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates.

• Software Longevity: Both models received their final major OS update to Android 16 (One UI 8) in late 2025. They are currently receiving quarterly security updates, which are expected to continue until sometime in 2027.
• Repairability: Independent assessments indicate that both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra are challenging to repair, scoring low on repairability scales. This is primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for the back cover and battery, making disassembly difficult and increasing the risk of damage during repairs.
• Practical Lifespan: While major OS updates have concluded, both devices will continue to receive security patches for a period, allowing for continued practical use. Users can expect these devices to remain functional for everyday tasks beyond their official update cycle, though without the newest software features.

The performance of the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra is driven by the same generation of internal components, though there are differences in memory and battery capacity that impact real-world usage.

• Processing Power: Both devices are equipped with a powerful processor designed to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphics-intensive games smoothly. Users can expect responsive performance across a wide range of tasks.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers more flexibility, with configurations including 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and storage options extending up to 1TB, which can benefit users who store large files or frequently switch between many applications.
• Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S22 features a 3,700 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra houses a larger 5,000 mAh battery. In typical use, the Ultra generally provides longer battery life, though its larger, higher-resolution display can also consume more power. Both support fast wired and wireless charging.

The display experience on the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra differs significantly in size, resolution, and adaptive refresh rate capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both models feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 has a 6.1-inch Full HD+ (1080p) display, offering clear visuals in a compact form factor. The Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch Quad HD+ (1440p) display, providing a sharper and more immersive viewing experience with greater detail.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra can reach up to 1750 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Both devices feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. However, the S22's refresh rate adapts between 48-120Hz, whereas the S22 Ultra's more advanced LTPO panel can dynamically adjust from 1-120Hz, potentially contributing to better power efficiency.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 features a flat display, contributing to its smaller overall footprint. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, in contrast, has a display with subtly curved edges, which can enhance the feeling of an expansive screen.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra share some common elements but diverge significantly in their telephoto capabilities and overall versatility.

• Main and Ultrawide Cameras: The Galaxy S22 features a 50MP main wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The Galaxy S22 Ultra steps up with a 108MP main wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. Both devices utilize pixel binning to produce detailed 12MP images.
• Telephoto and Zoom: A key differentiator is the telephoto setup. The Galaxy S22 includes a single 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital 'Space Zoom'. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is equipped with two 10MP telephoto lenses, providing both 3x and 10x optical zoom, and extending its digital 'Space Zoom' capability up to 100x. This gives the Ultra a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy S22 has a 10MP front camera, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 40MP front camera, which also bins down to 10MP for final images. Both phones are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The Ultra also benefits from laser autofocus for improved focusing in challenging lighting conditions.