S22+ vs S22 Ultra: Which Samsung Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking at top-tier devices. The Samsung Galaxy S22 series offers incredible performance and features, but deciding between the S22+ and the S22 Ultra can be a challenge. Both phones boast impressive specs, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy S22+ and the S22 Ultra. We’ll explore everything from design and display to camera capabilities and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone is the perfect fit for you.
Get ready to dive into the details and discover which Samsung powerhouse truly deserves a place in your pocket. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a power user, or simply seeking the best overall experience, this comparison of the S22+ vs S22 Ultra will guide you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | S22+ | S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.6 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels | 3088 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 40MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| S Pen Support | No | Yes (built-in) |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S22+: Features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, but the screen size is smaller compared to the Ultra.
- S22 Ultra: Boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and adaptive refresh rate. This provides a more immersive viewing experience, but might feel bulky for some.
- Winner: Ultra
Camera System
- S22+: Comes with a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.
- S22 Ultra: Offers a more advanced quad-camera system with a 108MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, two 10MP telephoto lenses, and a 100x Space Zoom. Provides superior zoom capabilities and overall image quality.
- Winner: Ultra
Processor
- S22+: Powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor (depending on the region). Delivers fast and efficient performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- S22 Ultra: Also utilizes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor. Offers similar powerful performance, but might experience more thermal throttling with extended use.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- S22+: Equipped with a 4,500mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life for moderate usage, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- S22 Ultra: Features a larger 5,000mAh battery. Offers significantly improved battery life, easily lasting a full day even with heavy usage.
- Winner: Ultra
Design and Build Quality
- S22+: Features a sleek design with a glass back and a metal frame. It’s more compact and easier to handle compared to the Ultra.
- S22 Ultra: Has a more boxy design with a built-in S Pen slot. It feels premium but is larger and heavier.
- Winner: Tie (Depends on preference)
S Pen Integration
- S22+: Does not include S Pen support.
- S22 Ultra: Features a built-in S Pen, offering enhanced productivity and creative capabilities, such as note-taking and drawing.
- Winner: Ultra
Charging Speed
- S22+: Supports 45W fast charging. Allows for relatively quick charging times.
- S22 Ultra: Also supports 45W fast charging. Offers similar charging speeds.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- S22+: Typically costs less than the Ultra, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- S22 Ultra: Is the more expensive of the two models, reflecting its advanced features and capabilities.
- Winner: Plus
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | S22 Ultra |
| Camera | S22 Ultra |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | S22 Ultra |
| Design | S22+ |
| S Pen Functionality | S22 Ultra |
| Overall Value | S22+ |
What They Have in Common:
- Processor: Both phones are powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region, offering similar levels of performance. This ensures smooth multitasking and handling of demanding apps.
- Display Technology: Both feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and high refresh rates for a fluid visual experience. They offer great viewing quality in various lighting conditions.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling fast download and upload speeds, ideal for streaming, online gaming, and staying connected. This ensures you’re ready for future network advancements.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated, offering protection against water and dust. This provides peace of mind in case of accidental spills or exposure to the elements.
- Wireless Charging: Both support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without the need for cables. They also offer reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
S22+ Vs S22 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
Both the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra boast impressive performance, but subtle differences exist. The S22 Ultra generally offers a slight edge due to its more efficient cooling system, allowing it to sustain peak performance for longer durations during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. Both phones use the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor (depending on the region), but the Ultra’s design helps mitigate thermal throttling. RAM configurations are similar, ensuring smooth multitasking capabilities on both devices. Consider your usage patterns; if you frequently engage in intensive tasks, the S22 Ultra’s thermal management might prove beneficial.
Camera Capabilities & Photo Quality
The S22 Ultra significantly elevates the camera experience. While the S22+ features a capable triple-lens system, the Ultra packs a more versatile quad-camera array, including a dedicated 108MP main sensor, a periscope telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and a wider dynamic range. The Ultra excels in low-light photography and offers superior zoom performance, allowing for capturing distant subjects with greater clarity. Both phones offer excellent image stabilization and video recording capabilities, but the Ultra’s hardware and software enhancements provide a noticeably richer and more detailed output, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The S22 Ultra is the clear winner for photography enthusiasts.
Display & Visual Experience
Both phones feature stunning AMOLED displays, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S22 Ultra, however, offers a slightly larger screen and a higher peak brightness, making it a bit more enjoyable to use outdoors in direct sunlight. The Ultra also boasts a slightly more advanced adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and improved battery efficiency. Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid animations. The S22 Ultra’s display, with its larger size, higher brightness, and subtle technological advantages, offers a more premium visual experience, particularly appealing to media consumption and gaming.
Battery Life & Charging Speeds
Battery life varies slightly depending on usage patterns and the specific processor variant. The S22 Ultra, despite its larger screen and more powerful features, generally provides similar battery life to the S22+ due to its larger battery capacity and optimized power management. Both phones support fast charging, but the S22+ charges slightly faster at 45W versus 45W on the Ultra. Wireless charging is also supported on both devices. Ultimately, battery life will depend on individual usage habits, but both phones offer all-day battery performance for most users, with the Ultra potentially offering a slight edge due to its optimizations. The charging speeds are nearly identical.
Design & Build Quality
Both phones feature premium build quality with a glass back and an aluminum frame. The S22+ offers a more streamlined design, while the S22 Ultra embraces a more boxy, Note-inspired aesthetic with integrated S Pen support. The S22 Ultra is noticeably larger and heavier, which some users might find less comfortable for one-handed use. The S22+ has a more pocketable form factor. Both phones are water-resistant to IP68 standards. The design preference is subjective; those who prefer a more traditional smartphone shape and lighter feel might favor the S22+, while those who value the S Pen and a more distinctive design will lean towards the S22 Ultra.
Price & Value Proposition
The S22 Ultra comes with a significantly higher price tag than the S22+. The price difference reflects the Ultra’s enhanced features, including the more advanced camera system, integrated S Pen, larger display, and more powerful hardware. The S22+ offers excellent value, providing flagship-level performance and features at a more accessible price point. The value proposition depends on individual needs and budget. If you prioritize the best possible camera experience, the S Pen, and a larger display, the extra cost of the S22 Ultra might be justified. Otherwise, the S22+ offers compelling value for its performance and features. Consider what features are important to you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s22+ If…
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable phone.
- You want a phone with excellent performance at a slightly lower price point.
- You don’t need the S Pen functionality.
- You prioritize a sleek design and ease of one-handed use.
Buy s22 ultra If…
- You want the best possible camera system with advanced zoom capabilities.
- You want the integrated S Pen for note-taking, drawing, and precise control.
- You need the largest display for media consumption and productivity.
- You require the most storage options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in camera specs?
The S22 Ultra boasts a more advanced camera system. It has a 108MP main sensor, a periscope telephoto lens offering significant zoom capabilities, and a wider dynamic range. The S22+ features a triple-lens system with a 50MP main sensor, offering great photos but lacks the Ultra’s versatile zoom and more detailed output, especially in low light. The Ultra’s camera excels in low-light and offers superior zoom performance.
Does the S22 Ultra include an S Pen?
Yes, the S22 Ultra comes with an integrated S Pen, offering a seamless writing and drawing experience. The S Pen can be used for note-taking, sketching, navigating the interface, and remote control features. The S22+ does not include an S Pen, and it is not compatible. The S Pen enhances productivity and creativity.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
Both phones offer all-day battery life for most users. The S22 Ultra, due to its larger battery capacity and optimized power management, may offer slightly better battery performance. Actual battery life varies based on usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. The battery life is very similar.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones handle gaming well, but the S22 Ultra might have a slight advantage due to its more efficient cooling system. This allows the Ultra to sustain peak performance for longer gaming sessions, reducing thermal throttling. The processor and RAM are very similar. Both phones offer a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
What are the screen sizes and display technologies?
The S22 Ultra has a slightly larger 6.8-inch display, while the S22+ features a 6.6-inch display. Both phones use AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. The S22 Ultra’s display is slightly brighter and offers a more advanced adaptive refresh rate. Both displays offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling.
How does the design differ?
The S22+ has a more streamlined design, while the S22 Ultra features a boxy, Note-inspired aesthetic with an integrated S Pen slot. The Ultra is larger and heavier. The design preference is subjective, with the S22+ offering a more compact feel, while the Ultra embraces a more premium and feature-rich design.
Which phone is more expensive?
The S22 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the S22+. The price difference reflects the Ultra’s enhanced features, including the more advanced camera system, integrated S Pen, larger display, and more powerful hardware. The S22+ offers excellent value at a more accessible price point. The price disparity is clear.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra clearly distinguishes itself as the superior device, particularly for those prioritizing camera capabilities, the S Pen, and a more immersive visual experience. While the S22+ remains a strong contender, the Ultra’s enhanced features and overall performance make it the more premium offering.
Winner: Galaxy S22 Ultra