S22 Ultra vs S24 Plus: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options on the market. If you’re considering a high-end Samsung device, you’ve likely narrowed your choices down to two titans: the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and the newer Galaxy S24 Plus. These phones boast impressive features and performance, but which one truly deserves your hard-earned money?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, known for its integrated S Pen and powerful camera system, set a high bar when it was released. Its successor, the Galaxy S24 Plus, brings advancements in processing power and potentially other areas. This comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two devices.
We’ll explore the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life of both the S22 Ultra and the S24 Plus. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to discover which Samsung champion emerges victorious in this ultimate showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s22 ultra | s24 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3088 pixels | 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S22 Ultra: Features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1750 nits. Offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, but can be power-hungry.
- S24 Plus: Equipped with a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, and potentially higher peak brightness. Known for its improved energy efficiency and excellent image quality.
- Winner: S24 Plus
Processor
- S22 Ultra: Powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 (depending on region). Performance is excellent for most tasks, but can experience thermal throttling under heavy loads.
- S24 Plus: Likely features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, or an updated Exynos variant. Expect significantly improved performance, efficiency, and sustained performance.
- Winner: S24 Plus
Camera System
- S22 Ultra: Boasts a versatile quad-camera system with a 108MP main sensor, ultrawide, telephoto (3x), and periscope telephoto (10x) lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with powerful zoom capabilities, but processing can sometimes be aggressive.
- S24 Plus: Expected to feature an updated camera system, potentially with improvements to image processing and low-light performance. May offer enhanced features and potentially upgraded sensors.
- Winner: S24 Plus
Battery Life
- S22 Ultra: Packs a 5000mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life for moderate usage, but heavy users might need to top up during the day.
- S24 Plus: Could feature a slightly larger battery or improved power efficiency. Expect longer battery life compared to the S22 Ultra, especially with the more efficient processor.
- Winner: S24 Plus
Design and Build
- S22 Ultra: Features a boxy design with a built-in S Pen, offering a unique and premium feel. It’s larger and heavier than the S24 Plus.
- S24 Plus: Likely has a more refined design, potentially with flatter sides and a more modern aesthetic. It is expected to be more compact and lighter, without the integrated S Pen.
- Winner: Tie
Software and Updates
- S22 Ultra: Launched with Android 12, and is receiving updates.
- S24 Plus: Ships with the latest Android version and longer software update support.
- Winner: S24 Plus
Charging Speed
- S22 Ultra: Supports 45W wired charging.
- S24 Plus: Likely supports similar or potentially faster wired charging speeds.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- S22 Ultra: Now available at a lower price point due to its age.
- S24 Plus: Will launch at a higher price point reflecting the latest technology.
- Winner: S22 Ultra
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | s24 plus |
| Display | s22 ultra |
| Camera Versatility | s22 ultra |
| Design | s24 plus |
| Software | s24 plus |
| Battery Life | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.
- Water Resistance: Both devices boast an IP68 rating, offering robust protection against water and dust. This means both phones can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
- Fast Charging: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S24 Plus support 45W wired charging, allowing for quick top-ups of their respective batteries. They also both support 15W wireless charging.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones offer 5G connectivity for blazing-fast download and upload speeds, ensuring a seamless online experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options without the need for cables.
S22 Ultra Vs S24 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chipset (depending on the region), offers robust performance suitable for demanding tasks. The Galaxy S24 Plus, however, boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400, providing significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The S24 Plus’s newer architecture also contributes to greater power efficiency, leading to longer battery life under heavy use. Consider your typical usage, as the S24 Plus is noticeably faster.
Display Quality and Features
Both phones showcase excellent displays, but the S24 Plus edges ahead. The S22 Ultra features a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate. The S24 Plus improves upon this with a brighter display and possibly more efficient technology. The S24 Plus may also boast features like a higher peak brightness and improved adaptive refresh rate, leading to better visibility in direct sunlight and smoother scrolling. Both offer great viewing experiences, but the S24 Plus offers a more refined and potentially more energy-efficient panel.
Camera Capabilities and Image Quality
The S22 Ultra is renowned for its versatile camera system, featuring multiple lenses for various shooting scenarios, including a 108MP primary camera and a dedicated telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities. The S24 Plus may offer improvements in image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better low-light performance, improved detail, and more natural-looking colors. The S24 Plus may also offer new features like AI-powered editing tools. Both phones offer excellent cameras, but the S24 Plus likely provides a more advanced and polished experience.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery life is crucial, and the S22 Ultra offers a solid battery that can last a full day for most users. The S24 Plus, with its more efficient processor and potentially improved battery optimization, could provide longer battery life. Charging speeds are also important. Both phones support fast charging, but the S24 Plus might offer slightly faster charging capabilities. The S24 Plus’s better power efficiency and faster charging make it a compelling choice for users who need a phone that can keep up with their busy lives.
Design and Build Quality
The S22 Ultra features a premium design with a built-in S Pen stylus, offering a unique and functional advantage for productivity and creativity. The S24 Plus maintains a premium design, possibly with refinements in materials and build quality. The S24 Plus might also adopt a more modern aesthetic. Consider whether the S Pen functionality is important. If you value a more modern design or if the S Pen is not a necessity, the S24 Plus is an excellent choice.
Software and User Experience
Both phones run on Samsung’s One UI, built on top of Android, offering a feature-rich and customizable user experience. The S24 Plus will launch with the latest version of Android and One UI, guaranteeing the latest features, security updates, and potentially a longer software support lifecycle. The S22 Ultra will be updated, but will eventually receive fewer updates. The S24 Plus provides a more up-to-date software experience and potentially longer support, making it the preferred choice for future-proofing your investment.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s22 ultra If…
- You want a phone with a built-in S Pen stylus for enhanced productivity and creative tasks.
- You prefer a larger display for a more immersive viewing experience.
- You desire a phone with a more versatile camera system, including a 108MP main sensor and two telephoto lenses.
- You want the option for a 1TB storage model.
Buy s24 plus If…
- You prioritize the latest processor for top-tier performance and efficiency.
- You prefer a more compact and modern design.
- You value the latest software with the newest version of Android.
- You want longer software support and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The S24 Plus, with its newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 processor, offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the S22 Ultra. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. The S24 Plus’s more advanced architecture also leads to better power efficiency, extending battery life. The S24 Plus provides a noticeable performance boost.
How does the camera system compare?
Both phones have excellent camera systems. The S22 Ultra boasts a versatile setup with a 108MP primary sensor and impressive zoom capabilities. The S24 Plus likely improves upon this with enhanced image processing, potentially resulting in better low-light performance, improved detail, and AI-powered editing features. The S24 Plus probably has a more refined camera experience.
Which phone has better battery life?
While the S22 Ultra offers solid battery life, the S24 Plus is likely to provide even longer battery life due to its more efficient processor and improved battery optimization. The S24 Plus’s power efficiency contributes to a longer battery life, making it a better choice for users who demand all-day battery performance under heavy usage. Charging speeds are also probably slightly faster on the S24 Plus.
What about the display quality?
The S24 Plus likely boasts a brighter and more efficient display compared to the S22 Ultra. It may also offer a higher peak brightness and improved adaptive refresh rate. Both phones offer vibrant AMOLED displays. The S24 Plus’s display offers a more refined viewing experience, especially in direct sunlight, and potentially better energy efficiency.
Is the S Pen a significant factor?
The S Pen is a key feature of the S22 Ultra, offering functionality for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks. The S24 Plus does not include the S Pen. If the S Pen is important for your workflow, the S22 Ultra is the better choice. If you don’t use a stylus, this is not a factor.
How does software support differ?
The S24 Plus will ship with the latest Android and One UI version, guaranteeing the most up-to-date features and security updates. The S22 Ultra will receive updates, but it won’t receive them for as long as the S24 Plus. The S24 Plus offers a longer software support lifecycle, making it a more future-proof option and ensuring the latest features and security.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S24 Plus has a more powerful processor and GPU, resulting in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. The improved performance translates to faster frame rates, more detailed graphics, and reduced lag. The S24 Plus is the superior choice for gamers who demand the best possible performance and visual fidelity.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced performance, improved display, likely better camera capabilities, and longer software support. While the S22 Ultra remains a strong contender, the S24 Plus offers a more refined and future-proof experience with its advanced features and cutting-edge technology.
Winner: Galaxy S24 Plus