Galaxy S22 Ultra vs S21 Ultra: Which Phone Reigns?
The smartphone arena is a battlefield, and Samsung’s Ultra series has consistently been at the forefront. But how do the titans clash? We’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Galaxy S22 Ultra vs S21 Ultra to help you decide which powerhouse deserves your attention (and your money).
Both phones boast impressive specs and premium features, but significant advancements have been made in the newer model. This comparison aims to dissect the key differences, from performance and camera capabilities to battery life and design. Prepare to explore the nuances that separate these two flagship contenders.
Whether you’re a loyal Samsung user looking to upgrade or simply seeking the best Android experience, this guide will provide a clear understanding of what each phone offers. We’ll break down the features, weigh the pros and cons, and ultimately help you determine which Galaxy Ultra reigns supreme.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy S22 Ultra | S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| S Pen | Built-in | Supported |
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable | Android 11, upgradable |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Features a built-in S Pen, a flatter display, and a more boxy design reminiscent of the Note series. It has a Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back. Pros: Integrated S Pen, premium feel. Cons: Slightly less comfortable to hold for some due to the boxier shape.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a more rounded design with a contour-cut camera housing. Constructed with Gorilla Glass Victus front and back. Pros: More ergonomic design. Cons: No built-in S Pen.
- Winner: s22 ultra
Display
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: A 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1750 nits. Offers excellent color accuracy and visibility. Pros: Extremely bright and vibrant display. Cons: Similar to the S21 Ultra in many ways.
- S21 Ultra: A 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1500 nits. Provides excellent image quality. Pros: Bright and smooth display. Cons: Peak brightness is lower than the S22 Ultra.
- Winner: s22 ultra
Processor
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 (depending on the region). Offers significantly improved performance over the S21 Ultra. Pros: Faster and more efficient processor. Cons: Exynos version had initial thermal throttling issues.
- S21 Ultra: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 (depending on the region). Still a powerful processor, but less efficient than the S22 Ultra’s. Pros: Very capable processor. Cons: Can get warmer under heavy loads compared to the S22 Ultra.
- Winner: s22 ultra
Camera System
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Features a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto with 10x optical zoom. Improved low-light performance and better image processing. Pros: Excellent image quality in all conditions. Cons: Minor improvements over the S21 Ultra.
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto with 10x optical zoom. Delivers exceptional photos and videos. Pros: Versatile and high-quality camera system. Cons: Low-light performance is slightly behind the S22 Ultra.
- Winner: s22 ultra
S Pen Integration
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Features a built-in S Pen with a lower latency (2.8ms) for a more natural writing and drawing experience. The S Pen is stored within the phone’s body. Pros: Seamless S Pen integration. Cons: Requires the user to adapt to the stylus.
- S21 Ultra: Supports the S Pen, but the stylus is sold separately and there’s no built-in storage. You need to purchase a case to store the S Pen. Pros: S Pen functionality. Cons: Requires separate purchase and storage solution.
- Winner: s22 ultra
Battery Life
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: A 5,000 mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging (charger sold separately). Offers decent battery life, but can vary depending on usage. Pros: Fast charging speeds. Cons: Battery life can vary.
- S21 Ultra: A 5,000 mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging (charger sold separately). Provides good battery life for most users. Pros: Good battery life. Cons: Slower charging compared to the S22 Ultra.
- Winner: s22 ultra
Software & Updates
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Ships with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI 4. Offers a smooth and feature-rich user experience. Will receive more software updates. Pros: Latest software and longer update support. Cons: One UI can be considered bloatware by some users.
- S21 Ultra: Initially launched with Android 11 and received updates to Android 13. Still receives security updates. Pros: Mature software with ongoing support. Cons: Fewer remaining major OS updates.
- Winner: s22 ultra
Price & Availability
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Launched at a higher price point. Readily available. Pros: Newest phone, easily available. Cons: Most expensive option.
- S21 Ultra: Available at a reduced price, especially on the used market. Can be a great value. Pros: More affordable. Cons: May be harder to find in brand new condition.
- Winner: s21 ultra
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Galaxy S22 Ultra |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Display | Tie |
| Design | Galaxy S22 Ultra |
| Value | S21 Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both phones boast stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. You’ll enjoy a premium visual experience with either device.
- Camera System: Both devices feature a versatile quad-camera system with a 108MP main sensor, delivering exceptional photo and video quality in various conditions. They offer similar zoom capabilities.
- Battery Capacity: Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day power for heavy usage. You can expect similar battery performance between the two models.
- Water Resistance: Both the S22 Ultra and S21 Ultra are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind against accidental spills and exposure to the elements.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available. You’ll be able to take advantage of the latest network technology.
Galaxy S22 Ultra Buying Guide
Camera Performance
The Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a significantly improved camera system compared to the S21 Ultra. It features an enhanced main sensor and improved image processing, resulting in noticeably better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The S22 Ultra also offers improved video stabilization and a wider dynamic range, making it a superior choice for photography enthusiasts. The S21 Ultra still takes excellent photos, but the S22 Ultra pushes the boundaries further, offering more versatility and image quality enhancements.
Processor and Performance
The S22 Ultra typically features a newer and more powerful processor, either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200, depending on the region. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance compared to the S21 Ultra’s Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. The S22 Ultra is generally more future-proof, easily handling demanding tasks. The S21 Ultra remains a capable performer, but the S22 Ultra offers a clear advantage in raw processing power.
Display Quality
Both phones offer excellent displays, but the S22 Ultra refines the experience. The S22 Ultra often features a slightly brighter display, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. Additionally, the S22 Ultra may incorporate improved adaptive refresh rate technology, contributing to smoother scrolling and improved battery efficiency. While the S21 Ultra’s display is still top-tier, the S22 Ultra offers subtle but noticeable improvements for a superior viewing experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life can vary depending on usage, but the S22 Ultra often offers slight improvements. The newer, more efficient processor in the S22 Ultra can contribute to longer battery life, even with similar battery capacities. Both phones support fast charging, but the S22 Ultra might support faster wired charging speeds. Consider your typical usage patterns; however, the S22 Ultra generally offers a slight edge in endurance.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature premium designs, but the S22 Ultra often refines the aesthetic. The S22 Ultra incorporates a built-in S Pen, a key differentiator. The S22 Ultra may also have a slightly more refined design, offering a more modern look and feel. Both phones are constructed with high-quality materials, but the S22 Ultra’s design may be seen as more sophisticated and functional, particularly with the inclusion of the S Pen.
Software and Features
The S22 Ultra ships with a newer version of Android and Samsung’s One UI, offering updated features and a potentially longer software support lifespan. The S22 Ultra may also include exclusive software features. While the S21 Ultra receives software updates, the S22 Ultra benefits from the latest software innovations and a more extended period of security updates. Consider your preference for Samsung’s software features when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy S22 Ultra If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You want faster wired charging speeds.
- You value the integrated S Pen for enhanced productivity and creativity.
- You want a phone with a slightly more refined design.
Buy S21 Ultra If…
- You’re looking for a great phone at a potentially lower price.
- You’re satisfied with the performance of the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100.
- You don’t need the faster charging speeds of the S22 Ultra.
- You don’t need the built-in S Pen (but still want S Pen support).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the S22 Ultra and S21 Ultra?
The S22 Ultra boasts a newer processor, improved camera system (especially in low light), and a built-in S Pen. It often features a brighter display and may offer slightly better battery life. The S21 Ultra is still a fantastic phone, but the S22 Ultra offers notable upgrades in key areas, leading to an enhanced user experience across the board.
Is the S22 Ultra’s camera significantly better than the S21 Ultra’s?
Yes, the S22 Ultra’s camera offers significant improvements, particularly in low-light performance and image processing. It captures more detail and offers enhanced video stabilization. The main sensor and software enhancements contribute to better overall image quality. While the S21 Ultra’s camera is excellent, the S22 Ultra takes it to the next level.
Does the S22 Ultra have a better display than the S21 Ultra?
The S22 Ultra usually has a slightly brighter display, which enhances visibility in direct sunlight. It may also include advanced features like adaptive refresh rate technology, improving smoothness and battery efficiency. Both phones offer excellent displays, but the S22 Ultra provides a more refined viewing experience with subtle but noticeable improvements.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
Battery life can depend on usage patterns, but the S22 Ultra often offers a slight edge due to its more efficient processor. Both phones support fast charging. With similar battery capacities, the S22 Ultra’s optimized power management provides extended use. While both phones provide good battery life, the S22 Ultra may offer a slight advantage.
Is the S22 Ultra worth the upgrade from the S21 Ultra?
It depends on your priorities and budget. If you value a better camera, faster performance, and the S Pen, the upgrade is likely worth it. However, if you’re satisfied with your S21 Ultra and are not eager to spend more money, it may not be necessary. Evaluate your needs and the importance of the new features when making your decision.
What about the S Pen? Is it a big deal?
The S Pen is a major differentiator. The S22 Ultra’s built-in S Pen offers a more integrated and convenient experience for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the phone. If you appreciate the functionality of a stylus, the S22 Ultra’s integrated S Pen is a significant advantage. The S21 Ultra supported the S Pen, but the S22 Ultra features it integrated.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S22 Ultra is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and potentially improved GPU performance. This results in smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and better graphics. While the S21 Ultra is capable, the S22 Ultra provides a more immersive and responsive gaming experience, making it the preferred choice for serious mobile gamers.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers several key advantages over the S21 Ultra, including a better camera system, a more powerful processor, and the convenience of a built-in S Pen. While the S21 Ultra remains a strong contender, the S22 Ultra’s improvements in performance, display, and features make it the superior choice for most users seeking a premium Android experience.
Winner: Galaxy S22 Ultra