Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

I’ve tested the latest smartphones, and after spending extensive time with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I’m ready to share my thoughts. Over the past few weeks, I’ve used it for everything from daily tasks to work-intensive activities, and it’s proven itself as a top-tier flagship.

From the 108MP camera to its 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the Galaxy S22 Ultra brings impressive features, but it’s not without its limitations. How does it stack up against rivals like the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Google Pixel 7 Pro?

Let’s dive into my real-world experience with the Galaxy S22 Ultra and see if it’s worth your investment.

Galaxy S22 Ultra Specs

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s key specifications, which match most modern flagships.

Pros and Cons of Galaxy S22 Ultra

Pros

• Impressive Camera System: The 108MP main camera captures sharp, detailed photos, with zoom capabilities that outshine competitors like the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
• Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200 chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM, ensures fluid multitasking and gaming without lag.
• Dynamic Display: The 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers a smooth, vibrant viewing experience.
• All-Day Battery: The 5,000mAh battery can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use.
• S Pen Integration: The built-in S Pen adds versatility, especially for productivity tasks like note-taking and editing.

Cons

• Bulky Design: Its large size makes it difficult for one-handed use, a common issue in Samsung’s Ultra line.
• No Expandable Storage: Lack of microSD card support means users must rely solely on internal storage.
• Expensive Price Tag: The premium cost may be prohibitive for budget-conscious buyers.

Key Features of the Galaxy S22 Ultra

1. Camera System

The 108MP primary camera on the Galaxy S22 Ultra is remarkable. Daytime shots are crisp, with colors that pop and details that can be zoomed in on without much loss of quality. The 100x Space Zoom feature is still as impressive as it was on the S21 Ultra, letting you capture distant subjects with more clarity.

In comparison to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung still leads in zoom capabilities, but in low light, the Google Pixel 7 Pro with its superior computational photography does a slightly better job of handling complex lighting.

2. Performance

With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200, depending on your region), the S22 Ultra delivers top-notch performance. Whether it’s multitasking or gaming, I didn’t experience any lag. Running multiple apps, editing videos, and even using graphic-intensive programs felt effortless.

Comparing it to the Google Pixel 7 Pro (with the Google Tensor chip), the S22 Ultra felt slightly more responsive when handling heavy tasks.

3. Display

Samsung is known for its incredible displays, and the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED on the S22 Ultra is a visual treat. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel fluid, and the brightness levels are excellent for outdoor viewing.

While the iPhone 13 Pro Max also offers a fantastic display, Samsung’s colors are slightly more saturated, which I personally enjoy, though others might prefer the more neutral tones of the iPhone.

4. Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery is substantial enough to power the S22 Ultra through a day of heavy usage. I found that even with intense gaming, GPS navigation, and streaming, the phone lasted the entire day. However, under lighter conditions, it can stretch into the next day.

In terms of battery endurance, it’s comparable to the Google Pixel 7 Pro but slightly lags behind gaming phones like the Asus ROG Phone 6.

5. S Pen

The inclusion of the S Pen is what sets the S22 Ultra apart from other flagships. I found it useful for everything from quick sketches to precise photo editing. For fans of the old Note series, the S Pen integration will be a welcome addition, something lacking in the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Google Pixel 7 Pro.

Final Thoughts

After spending weeks with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I can confidently say it’s one of the top contenders in the smartphone market. Its camera system, powerful performance, and built-in S Pen make it a unique choice for productivity-focused users.

That being said, its size and high price tag might deter some potential buyers. If you need a flagship that excels in display quality, camera performance, and productivity, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is a solid option, but be prepared for its premium cost.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities—whether it’s the camera, performance, or S Pen support. The S22 Ultra shines in all these areas, making it one of the best smartphones of 2022 and a reliable device even today.