Brief Background on Samsung‘s Galaxy S Series
Samsung first launched their Galaxy S line of Android smartphones back in 2010 with the Samsung Galaxy S. Since then, new iterations have arrived annually, with the S22 Ultra representing the latest 2022 flagship release.
Within the S series, Samsung also introduced the Ultra variant starting with the S20 Ultra in 2020. As the name suggests, Ultra models represent the very best in terms of premium specs and performance that Samsung has to offer.
Let‘s take an in-depth look to see how last year‘s S21 Ultra stacks up against this year‘s S22 Ultra.
Display and Design
Displays
Both the S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra sport massive 6.8-inch curved dynamic AMOLED displays with a pixel density of around 500 ppi for incredibly sharp images. The default resolution for both is 3200 x 1440, capable of 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and motion.
In terms of brightness, the S22 Ultra edges out the S21 Ultra with a peak of 1750 nits versus 1500 nits. This gives the S22 Ultra better visibility in bright sunlight. The S22 Ultra also introduces a newer Gorilla Glass Victus+ for improved durability over the Victus glass of the S21 Ultra.
Ultimately though, both deliver best-in-class displays that make viewing content vibrant and immersive.
Design
The overall design language is quite similar between the S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra. Both sport metal frames sandwiched between curved glass on the front and back. The rear camera housing blends seamlessly into the metal rim.
Dimensionally, they are nearly identical with the S22 Ultra being ever so slightly shorter but thicker:
S21 Ultra dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9mm
S22 Ultra dimensions: 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm
Weight remains the same at 229g for both models.
The most noticeable difference comes from the S22 Ultra‘s integrated slot for the S Pen stylus, reminiscent of the old Galaxy Note series. This does give the S22 Ultra a slightly more squared-off look compared to the softer curves of the S21 Ultra.
Available colors include:
S21 Ultra: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver
S22 Ultra: Phantom Black, White, Burgundy, Green
Cameras
Rear Cameras
Both the S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra are stacked when it comes to rear camera systems:
S21 Ultra:
- 108MP wide angle
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 10MP telephoto (3x optical)
- 10MP telephoto (10x optical)
- Laser AF sensor
S22 Ultra:
- 108MP wide angle
- 12 MP ultra-wide
- 10MP telephoto (3x optical)
- 10MP telephoto (10x optical)
- Laser AF sensor
As we can see, everything looks the same on paper specification-wise. Even the 10x optical zoom capabilities have been carried over from the S21 Ultra.
Where the S22 Ultra pulls ahead is with improved image processing and updated hardware/software. This translates into better detail, less noise, improved dynamic range, and better low light performance. The differences aren‘t massive, but definitely noticeable when comparing shots side-by-side.
For videography, both models support up to 8K 24fps video capture. The S22 Ultra however now adds 60fps recording for 4K video which the S21 Ultra strangely omits.
Front Camera
A 40MP front facing camera handles selfies and video calls on both models. The S22 Ultra benefits from the same improved processing as the rear cameras for better quality self-portraits.
Performance
The S22 Ultra enjoys a specifications bump thanks to Qualcomm‘s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. This brings both CPU and GPU performance improvements over the Snapdragon 888 powering the S21 Ultra.
In terms of benchmarks, this translates to GeekBench 5 scores of:
- S21 Ultra: 3400 (single core), 12,754 (multi core)
- S22 Ultra: 1219 (single core), 3154 (multi core)
For graphics intensive gaming, the S22 Ultra‘s Adreno 730 GPU outpaces the S21 Ultra‘s Adreno 660.
Where the S21 Ultra counters is with memory, offering up to 16GB of RAM in top configurations versus just 12GB maximum on the S22 Ultra. Storage options are similar with both topping out at 512GB, although the S22 Ultra adds a 1TB tier.
Overall though, expect snappier response and faster loading times with the S22 Ultra thanks to the next-gen silicon. The average user however is unlikely to perceive huge differences in real-world use.
Battery Life and Charging
On paper, both models have a 5000 mAh battery which should provide all-day endurance even for power users. In benchmarks however, the S22 Ultra scores just a tad lower – likely due to the more powerful but less efficient processor.
In PCMark‘s Work 3.0 battery test for example, the S21 Ultra lasted 16 hours and 13 minutes versus 15 hours and 52 minutes for the S22 Ultra. Still, both easily make it through a full day of mixed use.
For charging, Samsung has dramatically improved replenishment times with the S22 Ultra. It now supports 45W wired charging versus just 25W on the S21 Ultra. In internal testing, Samsung found the S22 Ultra could charge from 0 to 100% in just 60 minutes. Comparatively, the S21 Ultra takes over 70 minutes.
So while battery capacities are equal, the S22 Ultra juicing up quicker is a nice bonus. Both phones also support fast 15W wireless charging.
Special Features
Arguably the most standout upgrade with the S22 Ultra is the integrated S Pen stylus and silo. Unlike the S21 Ultra, you no longer need a special case to carry around for the S Pen. It now slots right into the bottom edge of the phone.
Samsung also upgraded the stylus itself with reduced latency down to just 2.8ms for precision writing and drawing. Handwriting-to-text conversion is swift and accurate as well in supported apps.
For those who enjoy using an S Pen for notes and creative work, this inclusion gives the S22 Ultra a big leg up on the S21 Ultra.
Both phones otherwise offer similar special features like Samsung DeX for using your phone in a desktop-style environment when connected to an external monitor. AI-powered camera shooting modes are also prevalent across both models for things like better portraits and enhanced night photography.
One omission on the S22 Ultra is support for ultra-wideband which was available on the S21 Ultra for precise nearby location detection.
Pricing and Value Comparison
As the newer 2022 flagship release, the S22 Ultra carries a higher starting price than the now discontinued S21 Ultra:
S21 Ultra:
Launched at $1,199 USD
Now unavailable for purchase new
S22 Ultra:
Starts at $1,299 USD
Given the relatively small differences between the two overall, the S21 Ultra delivers tremendous value if you can find one new old stock or refurbished. It matches the S22 Ultra is most areas while being cheaper.
That said, if you want or need the integrated S Pen experience without a special case, the S22 Ultra is the only choice. Early adopters who always want the latest silicon can also justify splurging for it.
For many buyers though, the S21 Ultra remains an outstanding device that likely satisfies needs at a more budget-friendly price point.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Galaxy S22 Ultra takes what was great about the S21 Ultra and builds on it in meaningful yet subtle ways. You get a notable bump in camera performance along with faster charging. Integrating the S Pen also broadens the versatility and functionality.
But battle-tested staples like the display, core design, and battery life remain superb on the S21 Ultra even a year later after release. Unless you specifically value the S Pen or want to stretch every ounce of photographic capability from your smartphone, the S21 Ultra likely remains plenty outstanding for most.
For shoppers who want one of the best Android flagships money can buy, either Samsung model shines. But balancing price versus top-of-the-line specs positions the S21 Ultra as an especially compelling option even against its successor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the S22 Ultra have an SD card slot?
No, unfortunately Samsung still does not include microSD expandable storage on their Ultra models. This applies to both the S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra.
What colors does the S22 Ultra come in?
At launch, the S22 Ultra was available in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and Burgundy colorways. Additional Graphite and Sky Blue colors have also since released as Samsung exclusives.
How is the zoom capability on these phones?
Both phones feature a quadruple rear camera array with dual 10MP telephoto lenses supporting 3x and 10x optical zoom. This allows optical zoom up to 10x and Space Zoom up to 100x via AI-enhanced digital cropping.
Which phone has better water / dust resistance?
The phones boast identical IP68 ratings for dust and water protection. This means both can withstand submersion for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes safely. In practice, the minor design changes with the S22 Ultra seem unlikely to impact durability negatively.
