Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked

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

Refurbished price:$387.13

Versus $1,199.00 new

See options
Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked
Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$629.99

Versus $1,399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (released in February 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (released in January 2024) represent different generations of Samsung's premium smartphone line, both featuring integrated S Pen functionality. While they share a similar design philosophy and core capabilities, the S24 Ultra introduces advancements in software longevity, display technology, camera versatility, and integrated artificial intelligence features. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a consistent user experience through Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which launched in January 2024. This two-year difference impacts their respective software support windows.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S24 Ultra benefits from Samsung's extended software commitment, offering seven years of major Android operating system updates and security patches. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, under Samsung's policy at its launch, was promised four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. This means the S24 Ultra will receive software support for a significantly longer period, extending its functional life.
  • Build Materials and Protection: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for display protection. The Galaxy S24 Ultra upgrades to a titanium frame, which is noted for its strength, and features Gorilla Glass Armor on the front display, offering enhanced scratch resistance and durability. The S24 Ultra also incorporates recycled materials in its construction, including cobalt, rare earth elements, and aluminum.

Release Year

2022

2024

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key consideration, encompassing how smoothly applications run, multitasking capabilities, and battery endurance.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a newer generation processor across all markets, providing improved performance for demanding applications and multitasking compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Users of the S24 Ultra can expect smoother operation and faster processing for intensive tasks like high-fidelity gaming and complex photo or video editing.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM, typically 12GB for most configurations, supporting efficient multitasking. Storage options are generous on both, with the S24 Ultra offering 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, while the S22 Ultra also provided 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
  • Battery Behavior: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S24 Ultra are equipped with a 5000 mAh battery. While the S22 Ultra generally offers good battery life, often lasting a full day for heavy users, the S24 Ultra's more efficient processor and display technology contribute to optimized power consumption, potentially leading to longer usage times under similar conditions.

Memory

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with several factors contributing to the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both models feature a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S24 Ultra's display is a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, which allows for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments. Both have a high resolution, providing sharp and detailed visuals.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Ultra's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S24 Ultra significantly enhances this, offering a peak brightness of 2600 nits, which improves outdoor readability and HDR content viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Protection: Both devices feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S22 Ultra's display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, while the S24 Ultra features the newer Gorilla Glass Armor, which offers improved scratch resistance and reduced reflections. The S24 Ultra also adopts a flat display, a departure from the S22 Ultra's curved edges.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S24 Ultra offer advanced camera systems designed for versatile photography and videography.

  • Main Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 108-megapixel main sensor, accompanied by a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 10-megapixel 3x optical telephoto lens, and a 10-megapixel 10x optical periscope telephoto lens. The Galaxy S24 Ultra upgrades the main sensor to 200 megapixels and includes a 12-megapixel ultrawide, a 10-megapixel 3x optical telephoto, and a 50-megapixel 5x optical periscope telephoto lens. While the S24 Ultra changes the longer telephoto to 5x optical, it still aims to deliver optical quality at 10x zoom through cropping.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices are capable of capturing detailed images in various conditions. The S24 Ultra's higher megapixel main sensor and improved processing can offer more detail and flexibility for cropping. Both excel in everyday photography with signature Samsung vividness and clarity.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both models support 8K video recording at up to 30 frames per second. The S22 Ultra has a 40-megapixel front camera, while the S24 Ultra features a 12-megapixel front camera.

Main camera

108 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S24 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi 7 standards, offering potential improvements in wireless speeds and stability compared to the S22 Ultra's Wi-Fi 6E. Both utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. They also support face recognition.
  • S Pen Functionality: Both the S22 Ultra and S24 Ultra feature an integrated S Pen stylus, allowing for precise input, note-taking, drawing, and remote control functions like a camera shutter. The S24 Ultra enhances S Pen capabilities with new AI-powered features such as auto-formatting, summarizing, spellchecking, and translation within notes, as well as the 'Circle to Search' feature.
  • Dimensions and Build: The Galaxy S22 Ultra measures 77.9 x 163.3 x 8.9mm and weighs 229g. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has slightly different dimensions at 79 x 162.3 x 8.6 mm and weighs 233g. The S24 Ultra's titanium frame contributes to its durability, and its flat display design may offer a different handling experience compared to the S22 Ultra's curved screen.

Weight

8 oz

8 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.8

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

Unlocked

User sentiment often highlights the Galaxy S22 Ultra as a highly capable device, praised for its comprehensive camera system, vibrant display, and the utility of its integrated S Pen, effectively continuing the legacy of the Note series. Common criticisms, particularly as it ages, sometimes point to its battery life not always meeting the demands of heavy users throughout an entire day, and its software update cycle being shorter than newer models.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, receives acclaim for its significantly brighter and flatter display, the robust titanium build, and the extended software support policy, which promises longevity. Its new AI features and refined S Pen capabilities are also frequently mentioned as key advantages. Some users might note the change in the longer telephoto lens from 10x to 5x optical zoom as a point of comparison, though the higher megapixel count aims to compensate.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, cutting-edge display technology, and integrated AI features will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its enhanced durability and brighter screen also cater to those who use their device extensively outdoors or require maximum resilience. Conversely, users who appreciate a curved display design and a still-powerful camera system, and who may not require the absolute latest software features or the longest update cycle, might find the Galaxy S22 Ultra to be a capable device. For those considering a quality-assured refurbished option, both models offer a sustainable choice to extend their lifecycle.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons