Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
With its big display screen, four-lens digital camera system, top-notch zoom lens and an S Pen stylus that you may stow contained in the cellphone, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra is a tempting selection. But at $1,200, it is also probably the most costly telephones Samsung sells. That’s why it is essential to think twice about whether or not it is time to improve to the Galaxy S22 Ultra. In many circumstances, an important elements to think about will likely be digital camera high quality and the S Pen. If you have got a comparatively current cellphone just like the Galaxy S21 Ultra or Note 20 Ultra, you needn’t improve simply but. The S22 Ultra is extra of an iterative replace to these gadgets, and you will get extra to your cash by holding onto your gadget for an extended time frame.Read extra: The Exciting Gadgets We Want From Samsung This 12 monthsYou’re more likely to note the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s new options when coming from a cellphone that is at the very least 3 years outdated. That mentioned, it is also value noting that the older your cellphone is, the much less probably it’s to proceed getting the most recent software program updates. Samsung is guaranteeing 4 generations of Android working system updates on telephones in its households of Galaxy S22, S21 and Z gadgets, in addition to sure Galaxy A telephones. It beforehand dedicated to a few years of updates, which means some older telephones just like the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 could be near the top of their software program replace cycle.You’ll additionally wish to think about a few of the options current on older telephones that Samsung has eradicated on newer fashions. Samsung’s new telephones do not have expandable storage, for instance, however the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, S20 Ultra and Note 10 Plus do. Samsung additionally phased out MST help for Samsung Pay, the expertise that allows the cost service to work with older terminals that do not help NFC, beginning with the Galaxy S21 line within the US. (MST continues to be out there in choose international markets.)Read on to study extra about how the Galaxy S22 Ultra compares with Samsung’s older high-end telephones. The Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy S21 UltraIf you have got a Galaxy S21 Ultra, there is no must improve but. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is an iterative replace to its predecessor. It comes with a more recent processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Samsung’s newest Exynos chip relying available on the market), a digital camera that may carry out higher in low mild and an S Pen that you may retailer contained in the gadget. But these causes alone aren’t sufficient to spend on a brand new gadget, particularly since you should purchase an S Pen for the Galaxy S21 Ultra individually. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s improved low-light images is beneficial, however its digital camera system is in any other case similar to the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s. Both gadgets have a 108-megapixel essential sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses that present a 10x optical zoom. Their screens are equal in measurement and each help refresh charges of as much as 120Hz for smoother scrolling. That’s an in depth method to say the general expertise is actually the identical on the S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra, with some iterative upgrades to the digital camera and included S Pen. The backside line: There’s no main purpose to improve to the S22 Ultra you probably have the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The updates are largely iterative and will likely be extra noticeable when upgrading from an older cellphone. If you are a Galaxy Note fan trying to retailer your S Pen contained in the Galaxy S21 Ultra, you are higher off shopping for a case that features a storage slot for the stylus.Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Angela Lang/CNET
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy Note 20 UltraThe Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is lower than 2 years outdated, which implies it ought to have loads of mileage left in it. There is not a lot to be gained from the S22 Ultra apart from its digital camera enhancements, that are appreciated however probably aren’t sufficient to justify upgrading for most individuals. Both telephones have a 108-megapixel essential digital camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera, though the S22 Ultra has a more recent model of the primary sensor with higher autofocus and dynamic vary. Where they actually differ, nevertheless, is of their zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses, whereas the Note 20 Ultra solely has one 12-megapixel telephoto lens. As a outcome, the Galaxy S22 Ultra can obtain a better zoom each optically and digitally (10x optical zoom and as much as 100x digital zoom), in contrast with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (5x optical zoom, as much as 50x digital zoom).And in fact, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is lacking Samsung’s current enhancements to low-light images that debuted with the Galaxy S22 collection. The S22 Ultra additionally takes higher portraits than the Note 20 Ultra because it’s higher at distinguishing effective particulars, my colleague Lexy Savvides wrote in her current comparability of the 2 telephones. The Galaxy S22 Ultra additionally has a sharper 40-megapixel entrance digital camera than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s 10-megapixel selfie digital camera. That may not matter to everybody, however it could possibly be an essential consideration when you spent numerous time on video calls. The Galaxy S22 Ultra additionally comes with a more recent processor and a bigger battery, though the distinction does not appear to be game-changing. Both telephones are able to lasting a whole day, in line with CNET’s S22 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra comparability. The Galaxy S22 Ultra would sometimes have 20% of its battery left by the top of the day, whereas the Note 20 Ultra would have 10% to 15% of its battery remaining. Our check applies to the Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered model of those telephones, so it is attainable that the Exynos variations might differ. And each telephones include Samsung’s S Pen stylus for taking notes, drawing and marking up paperwork. There are additionally a few small trade-offs to be made by upgrading from the Note 20 Ultra to the S22 Ultra. Samsung’s latest high-end cellphone has a barely smaller display screen than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (6.8 inches versus 6.9 inches). It additionally lacks a microSD card slot for expandable storage, in contrast to the Note 20 Ultra, which might help as much as 1 terabyte of extra area. The backside line: You can hold on to your Galaxy Note 20 Ultra for a bit longer. Unless you actually desire a 100x digital zoom and barely longer battery life. Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20.Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy Note 20As soon as once more, the most important distinction between the Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy Note 20 is in its digital camera. The Galaxy S22 Ultra additionally has a bigger and sharper display screen, an even bigger battery and a more recent processor than the Galaxy Note 20. Most individuals in all probability do not must improve simply but. But there is a stronger case for upgrading from the Note 20 than from the Note 20 Ultra because the common mannequin additionally has a smaller display screen and fewer succesful digital camera than its greater sibling.The Galaxy Note 20 has three rear cameras: a 12-megapixel essential sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 64-megapixel telephoto lens. You get a 3x optical zoom on the Galaxy Note and as much as a 30x digital zoom. The Galaxy S22 Ultra improves on this in a number of methods. It comes with 4 rear cameras: a 108-megapixel essential sensor, two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. Since it has two telephoto lenses, the S22 Ultra can zoom as much as 10x optically and 100x digitally. And do not forget: Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup additionally boasts improved low-light images. In common, the Galaxy S22 lineup additionally has improved colour and distinction in contrast with different telephones, as I discovered throughout my testing. For most individuals, the Galaxy Note 20’s triple-lens digital camera will in all probability be sufficient. In my very own use, I’ve discovered that picture high quality turns into too blurry and noisy when zooming previous 30x. But if images is a essential precedence and also you regularly use your cellphone for skilled work, the S22 Ultra could possibly be value contemplating for its improved digital camera. The selfie digital camera can be sharper (40 megapixels versus the Note 20’s 10 megapixels), which could possibly be essential for many who take numerous video calls. Otherwise, you may additionally get a barely bigger display screen (6.8 inches versus 6.7 inches) that is additionally sharper because it packs 500 pixels per inch in contrast with the Note 20’s 393 pixels. You even have the choice to set the display screen to the next refresh fee of as much as 120Hz on the S22 Ultra for smoother scrolling, in contrast to the Note 20. Both telephones include Samsung’s S Pen stylus. But the Note 20 does have a much less premium plastic development than the pricier Note 20 Ultra. So upgrading to the Galaxy S22 Ultra additionally means you may get a design that feels extra polished and high-end. The backside line: You in all probability needn’t improve, however doing so makes extra sense than upgrading from the Note 20 Ultra. The Galaxy S22 Ultra brings digital camera enhancements and a bigger battery that may make a significant distinction to those that use their telephones for pro-grade images. If you meet that standards and may also rating an ideal trade-in deal, the S22 Ultra can be value it. If you largely need a greater digital camera and do not thoughts sacrificing the S Pen and a bit display screen area, I’d additionally advocate trying out the Galaxy S22 Plus. Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy S20 UltraThe Galaxy S20 Ultra is 2 years outdated, however it nonetheless has a lot to supply. The largest variations between the S20 Ultra and S22 Ultra are the latter’s inclusion of Samsung’s S Pen stylus, its newer processor and a few reasonable digital camera modifications. These are incremental enhancements that make the Galaxy S22 Ultra higher than its predecessors. However, there’s nothing that makes this cellphone really feel wildly completely different from the Galaxy S20 Ultra.Both telephones are across the identical measurement, however the S20 Ultra is barely bigger at 6.9 inches in contrast with the S22 Ultra’s 6.8-inch show. The S20 Ultra additionally packs extra pixels per inch, and every cellphone can increase its display screen’s refresh fee as much as 120Hz for a extra fluid expertise. Both gadgets additionally each have a 40-megapixel selfie digital camera and the identical battery capability. Both telephones even have 45-watt fast-charging, though you may must buy the required adapter individually.The Galaxy S22 Ultra and S20 Ultra have comparable digital camera programs, though there are some variations in terms of their zooming capabilities. Both telephones have a 108-megapixel essential sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. But the Galaxy S22 Ultra has two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses, whereas the S20 Ultra has one 48-megapixel telephoto lens and a depth sensor. That twin telephoto digital camera provides the S22 Ultra some benefits in terms of high quality and ease of use. You get a real optical zoom at both 3x or 10x on the Galaxy S22 Ultra, whereas the S20 Ultra has a hybrid optic zoom system that makes use of some digital cropping to realize the specified zoom degree. Zooming in must also really feel regular and extra easy on the Galaxy S22 Ultra in contrast with the S20 Ultra. The Galaxy S22-lineup telephones may also take clearer and brighter photographs at midnight and are typically higher with colour and distinction.
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All of those modifications make the S22 Ultra really feel like a step ahead, however the Galaxy S20 Ultra already has a superb digital camera. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s modifications enhance picture high quality relatively than including drastically completely different options and capturing modes. However, when you’ve been annoyed by the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s autofocus points, you would possibly end up in additional of a rush to improve. What you may actually must ask your self is whether or not it is value upgrading for the S Pen. That’s the important thing distinction between the S22 Ultra and the S20 Ultra. The S Pen appears like a pleasant bonus relatively than a necessity for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. But given the recognition that Samsung’s Galaxy Note has cultivated during the last decade, I think about there are many individuals who would possibly disagree. The S Pen permits you to jot down notes (even when the display screen is turned off), sketch, mark up screenshots and different paperwork and translate textual content, amongst different duties. The stylus may even perform as a distant management for the cellphone’s digital camera.The backside line: Unless you actually need the S Pen, there is not a serious purpose to improve to the Galaxy S22 Ultra from the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Both telephones have a large display screen with a excessive refresh fee for smoother scrolling, they usually have comparable cameras. They even have the identical battery capability. The Galaxy S22 Ultra does get some digital camera enhancements, notably when zooming or taking low-light photographs. But the modifications aren’t drastic sufficient to encourage most individuals to improve simply but.Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 Plus.
Angela Lang/CNET
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy Note 10 PlusSimply as with the opposite telephones on this checklist, the most important purpose to improve from the Galaxy Note 10 Plus to the Galaxy S22 Ultra is its digital camera. But the upgrades are greater than incremental this time. The Galaxy Note 10 Plus’ triple-lens digital camera has a way more restricted zoom vary than the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s, and it is also lacking the 108-megapixel essential sensor that debuted on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. For the needs of this text, we have determined to check the Note 10 Plus as a result of it has a noticeably bigger display screen than the common Note 10 (6.8 inches versus the usual mannequin’s 6.3-inch show). That makes it a extra simple comparability towards the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung’s new top-of-the-line cellphone has 4 essential digital camera lenses: a 108-megapixel essential sensor, 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses. The Galaxy Note 10 Plus, comparatively, has a 12-megapixel extensive digital camera, a 16-megapixel ultrawide digital camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto digital camera and a depth sensor. For informal photographers, the Note 10 Plus’ triple digital camera could be satisfactory sufficient. But those that prioritize digital camera high quality will discover lots to like concerning the S22 Ultra. It can zoom as much as 10x optically and 100x digitally, whereas the Galaxy Note 10 Plus solely has a 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. That’s an enormous distinction that can really feel important to anybody who regularly takes photographs from a distance, as maybe at sporting occasions or live shows.Otherwise, the Galaxy S22 Ultra brings extras like a 120Hz refresh fee display screen, a sharper 40-megapixel selfie digital camera, help for 8K video recording, a a lot newer processor and a bigger battery. That mentioned, each telephones have massive and vibrant 6.8-inch screens that are perfect for studying and watching video, they usually each include the S Pen. But the Galaxy S10 Plus additionally has extra reminiscence and storage on the base degree than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, and there is no microSD card slot on Samsung’s latest Ultra cellphone.The backside line: Yes, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is well worth the improve you probably have the Galaxy Note 10 Ultra, notably if you will discover trade-in deal. But the reply will rely in your wants and preferences. If images is a large precedence, the S22 Ultra’s upgraded digital camera will really feel like a serious enchancment. The drastically improved zoom, higher low-light efficiency and general enhancements to paint and distinction make it a extra versatile and succesful digital camera general. But when you largely simply care about having a lovely cellphone with an enormous display screen, you possibly can in all probability get by together with your Note 10 Plus for a bit longer. If you have got the non-5G mannequin, the S22 Ultra provides you much more of a purpose to improve. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G.
Angela Lang/CNET
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Galaxy S10 5GThe Galaxy S10 5G was Samsung’s high-end flagship cellphone from 2019, and it has lots in frequent with the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. With that in thoughts, comparable recommendation applies you probably have a Galaxy S10 5G. It’s well worth the improve, notably when you love taking photographs and prioritize having a cellphone with top-notch zooming capabilities. But you may as well in all probability get by together with your present cellphone when you do not essentially care about having one of the best digital camera and bought the S10 5G largely for its big display screen.The Galaxy S10 5G has a 12-megapixel extensive digital camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto digital camera, a 16-megapixel ultrawide digital camera and a depth sensor, similar to the Note 10 Plus. As such, all the advantages talked about above apply to these upgrading from the Galaxy S10 5G, too. Samsung’s latest premium cellphone brings considerably higher zoom, improved photographs in low mild, a sharper selfie digital camera and higher general picture high quality in contrast with the S10 5G, plus 8K video recording and a bigger battery. The distinction in efficiency can be prone to be extra noticeable when upgrading from a 3-year-old cellphone just like the S10 5G. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s display screen can be barely bigger than the S10 5G’s (6.8 inches versus 6.7 inches). But extra importantly, you possibly can improve the refresh fee as much as 120Hz to make scrolling really feel extra seamless. And in fact, it additionally comes with Samsung’s S Pen stylus to make higher use of that enormous display screen.The backside line: Yes, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is value upgrading when you personal a Galaxy S10 5G. The Galaxy S22 Ultra brings options which can be legitimately new relatively than incremental upgrades, akin to an included S Pen and an overhauled digital camera with considerably higher zoom. If you do not care about these options, you will get by together with your Galaxy S10 5G for a short while longer. But for many who prioritize images in a digital camera and are prepared for one thing new, the S22 Ultra will not disappoint.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. older Samsung telephones
Galaxy S22 Ultra
Galaxy S21 Ultra
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Galaxy Note 20
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Galaxy Note 10 Plus
Galaxy S10 5G
Display measurement, decision
6.8-inch AMOLED, 3,088×1,440 pixels
6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3,200×1,440 pixels
6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3,088×1,440 pixels
6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus, 2,400×1,080 pixels
6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3,200×1,440 pixels
6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 pixels
6.7-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 pixels
Pixel density (per inch)
500ppi
515ppi
496ppi
393ppi
511ppi
498 ppi
505 ppi
Dimensions (millimeters)
77.9×163.3×8.9mm
75.6×165.1×8.9mm
164.8×77.2×8.1mm
161.6×75.2×8.3mm
76×166.9×8.8mm
162.3×77.2×7.9mm
162.6×77.1×7.94mm
Weight (ounces, grams)
8.07 oz; 229g
8.07 oz; 229g
7.33 oz, 208g
6.84 oz, 194g
7.76 oz; 220g
6.91 oz; 196g
6.98 oz; 198g
Mobile software program (shipped at launch)
Android 12
Android 11
Android 10
Android 10
Android 10
Android 9
Android 9
Camera
108MP (extensive), 12MP (ultrawide) 10MP (3x telephoto) 10MP (10x telephoto)
108MP (extensive), 12MP (ultrawide), 10MP (3x telephoto), 10MP (10x telephoto)
12MP (ultrawide), 108MP (wide-angle), 12MP (telephoto)
12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (wide-angle), 64MP (telephoto)
108MP (wide-angle), 48MP (telephoto), 12MP (ultrawide), time-of-flight digital camera
12MP (wide-angle), 16MP (ultrawide-angle), 12MP (telephoto), 3D depth (HQVGA)
12MP (wide-angle), 16MP (ultrawide-angle), 12MP (telephoto), 3D depth (HQVGA)
Front-facing digital camera
40MP
40MP
10MP
10MP
40MP
10MP
10MP, 3D depth (HQVGA)
Video seize
8K, 4K
8K, 4K
8K, 4K
8K, 4K
8K, 4K
4K
4K
Processor
Snapdragon 8 gen 1
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
RAM/storage
8GB + 128GB ; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB+512GB; 12GB+ 1TB
16GB + 512GB; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 128GB
12GB + 128GB; 12GB + 512GB
8GB + 128GB
12GB + 128GB; 12GB + 256GB; 16GB + 512GB
12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB
8GB + 256GB; 8GB + 512GB
Expandable storage
None
None
Up to 1TB
None
Up to 1TB
Up to 1TB
None
Battery/charger
5,000 mAh
5,000 mAh
4,500 mAh
4,300 mAh
5,000 mAh
4,300 mAh
4,500 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
In-display
In-display
In-display
In-display
In-display
In-display
In-display
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Special options
5G (mmw/Sub6), bundled S Pen, IP68 ranking, 120Hz show, UWB, Wireless Power Share, 100x Space Zoom (digital), 10x optical zoom, 45W charging help (offered individually)
5G (mmw/Sub6), S Pen help (not included), IP68 ranking, 120Hz show, UWB, Wireless Power Share, 100x Space Zoom (digital), 10x optical zoom
5G (mmw/Sub6), 5x optical zoom, 120Hz show; UWB sharing, S Pen included, Wireless PowerShare, IP68 ranking
5G (mmw/Sub6); S Pen included; Wireless PowerShare; waterproof (IP68)
5G (mmw/Sub6); 120Hz refresh fee; 100X zoom (digital); Wireless PowerShare; IP68 ranking
5G (mmw/Sub6 on 5G mannequin); S Pen included; Wireless PowerShare; IP68 ranking
5G (mmw/Sub6); Wireless PowerShare; 3D depth cameras (not for face unlock); IP68 ranking