Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, is a flagship smartphone known for its expansive display and comprehensive feature set. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, offers a compact form factor with a focus on core performance within the Apple ecosystem. These devices represent distinct philosophies: a large, feature-rich Android experience versus a powerful, pocket-friendly iOS device.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022 is expected to receive iOS updates until at least September 2028, and potentially longer, given its powerful internal components. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has received its four promised major Android OS updates, up to Android 16, and is expected to continue receiving security updates until 2027, with quarterly updates as of February 2026.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, encased in an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone SE 2022 also incorporates durable glass on its front and back, similar to the iPhone 13 series, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores for the S22 Ultra are not widely publicized, the iPhone SE series has historically been noted for a moderate level of repairability, with its predecessor, the iPhone SE 2020, receiving a 6 out of 10 score.

Performance is a significant differentiator, with both devices offering capable hardware tailored to their respective platforms.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in some regions, Exynos 2200 in others) that delivers excellent performance for demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming. The iPhone SE 2022 features the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series, ensuring an extremely responsive user experience across all apps and games.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM and storage choices of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of heavy use for many users, with some reports indicating 6-8 hours of screen-on time. The iPhone SE 2022, with its 2018 mAh battery, typically offers around 6-9 hours of screen-on time and can last a full day with moderate usage, though some users find it to be average compared to other modern smartphones.

The visual experience on these two smartphones varies significantly due to their display technologies and dimensions.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2022 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S22 Ultra offers a high resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, resulting in a sharp pixel density of approximately 500 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 ppi.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The S22 Ultra's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a typical brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Both devices offer distinct camera systems, catering to different photography and videography needs.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization.
• Photography Features: The S22 Ultra includes advanced features like 100x Space Zoom, an enhanced Nightography mode for low-light conditions, and Expert RAW for more control over image editing. The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from computational photography powered by its chip, offering Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait mode, though its Portrait mode is primarily optimized for human subjects and it lacks a dedicated Night Mode.
• Video Capabilities: The S22 Ultra can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second and offers features like Director's View, allowing simultaneous recording from multiple cameras. The iPhone SE 2022 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with good stabilization, but lacks the advanced multi-camera video options of the S22 Ultra.