Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked

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

Refurbished price:$332.99

Versus $1,073.99 new

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Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$106.00

Versus $237.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, launched in June 2023, are both smartphones offering 5G connectivity and integrated stylus functionality. While the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G represents a premium flagship experience with advanced camera capabilities and a high-resolution display, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 focuses on delivering a balanced feature set, including a stylus, for everyday use. Both devices operate on the Android platform, though they offer distinct user interfaces and software update policies.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, making it an earlier model compared to the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, which launched in June 2023. This difference in release date means the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has already received more software updates and is closer to the end of its official support cycle.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides several years of Android version updates and security patches for its flagship devices, often extending beyond what many other manufacturers offer. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, while shipping with a more recent Android version (Android 13), generally receives fewer major OS updates, with Motorola often promising only one major Android upgrade. This suggests the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G may still receive security updates for a comparable or slightly longer period, despite its earlier release, due to Samsung's extended support policy for its premium line.
  • Repairability: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 has a noted repairability score of 5 out of 10, indicating a moderate level of ease for repairs. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is less readily available, but flagship devices often present more complex repair challenges due to their intricate designs and premium materials.

Release Year

2022

2023

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone impacts how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the user experience.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a processor designed for high-end performance, allowing it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-rich games with considerable ease and fluidity. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023, while capable for daily tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming, may show some instances of lag or slower loading times with more intensive applications or when juggling many apps simultaneously.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G typically comes with higher RAM configurations (8GB or 12GB), which contributes to its ability to keep more applications open in the background without needing to reload them. It offers internal storage options up to 512GB. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 usually features 6GB of RAM and offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's battery generally provides a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage, especially on 5G networks, can lead to more frequent charging. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 is often praised for its long-lasting battery, with some users reporting up to a day and a half or even two days of use depending on activity.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and differences in technology and specifications can significantly impact the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels). This technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, resulting in a very sharp and immersive viewing experience. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 has a 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). While still offering good clarity for its class, it does not match the contrast or color depth of an AMOLED display.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a high peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations while optimizing power consumption. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 also offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, and its display is generally readable outdoors, though colors may appear somewhat washed out in direct sunlight compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution AMOLED screen of the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G provides a more expansive and detailed canvas, particularly beneficial for media consumption, detailed work with the S Pen, and gaming. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023's screen offers a good viewing experience for everyday tasks and content, with its 120Hz refresh rate enhancing general navigation.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key differentiator, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features 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 offering 10x optical zoom. This system is designed for high detail, excellent zoom capabilities, and strong performance across various lighting conditions. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide sensor that also functions for macro and depth sensing.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G excels in capturing detailed and vibrant photos, with its advanced sensors and processing contributing to strong low-light performance and impressive zoom clarity. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 produces respectable photos in good lighting conditions, with bright and colorful results. However, its low-light performance and detail retention when zooming are generally not as robust as the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports 8K video recording and features a 40MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing high-quality selfies and video calls. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second and has a 16MP front camera. User feedback on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2023's selfie camera sometimes notes a smoothing effect.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast network speeds. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, along with a USB-C port. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 features Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.1, and notably includes a 3.5mm headphone jack in addition to its USB-C port.
  • Stylus Integration: A key feature for both is the integrated stylus. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's S Pen offers advanced functionality, including pressure sensitivity and gesture controls, making it suitable for detailed drawing, precise note-taking, and navigation. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023's stylus provides basic pointing and note-taking capabilities, without the advanced features like pressure sensitivity found in the S Pen.
  • Design and Sensors: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a premium design with a larger, heavier build and features like an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition. It also has an IP68 rating for water resistance. The Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 has a water-repellent design (without an official IP rating) and incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Weight

8 oz

202 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.8

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

T-Mobile

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G often praises its exceptional display, versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen for productivity and creativity. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, while generally lasting a full day, may not extend much further for heavy users, especially with 5G enabled. Some users have also noted potential long-term hardware concerns.

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 is frequently lauded for its strong battery life, smooth performance for everyday tasks, and the inclusion of a stylus at its price point. Users appreciate the 120Hz display and expandable storage. Criticisms often revolve around its camera performance, particularly in low light and for selfies, and Motorola's more limited software update policy. Some users have also expressed concerns about pre-installed applications.

Users prioritizing a premium display, advanced camera features, and a highly functional stylus for detailed work will find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Its robust performance makes it ideal for power users and those who engage in demanding mobile tasks. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, a capable device for general use with the added utility of a basic stylus, and expandable storage may lean towards the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023. It offers a practical and approachable experience for everyday communication and content consumption.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative, providing access to these technologies while supporting sustainable consumption.

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