If you’re trying to decide between the S22 Ultra and the S24 Ultra, you’re not alone. Samsung’s top-tier phones are always eye-catching, and both offer a lot for anyone looking to upgrade. But which one comes out on top in the real world? In this S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra guide, we’ll break down the major differences and similarities so you can make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Design and Feel
You notice the design as soon as you pick up either phone. The S22 Ultra comes with a smooth aluminum frame and curved edges. It looks modern and feels solid. The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, swaps in a titanium frame and goes for straighter lines with a bit more heft. While both are big phones, the S24 Ultra feels more squared-off and a little more substantial in your hand.
Colors differ too. The S22 Ultra brings deep hues like Phantom Black and Burgundy, while the S24 Ultra offers new titanium-inspired finishes, plus some cool Samsung-exclusive shades like Green and Orange.
Displays: What You See
Both of these devices have 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screens with sharp resolution and 120Hz refresh rates. That means you get brilliant colors and smooth scrolling on either flagship. The S24 Ultra stands out for peak brightness: up to 2,600 nits, making it easier to read outdoors. It also has Corning Gorilla Armor instead of Victus+, which means it’s more scratch-resistant. If you spend a lot of time using your phone outside or you’re a bit hard on your tech, the S24 Ultra edges ahead.
S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Performance Face-Off
Processing power is a big reason people take the S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra debate seriously. The S22 Ultra runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, a strong performer for gaming, multi-tasking, and daily use. However, as apps get more demanding, the S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers snappier performance, better battery management, and keeps cool under pressure.
The S24 Ultra also comes with faster memory and storage standardsLPDDR5X and UFS 4.0so loading big files or switching between heavy apps feels instantaneous. If you’re into intensive mobile games, photo editing, or want to future-proof your device, the S24 Ultra has a clear edge here.
Camera Battle: More Than Just Megapixels
Samsung’s camera upgrades always draw a crowd, and S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra is no different. The S22 Ultra packs a solid 108MP main sensor. Alongside it you get dual telephoto lensesone offers 10x optical zoom, the other 3x which makes it a true zoom champion. Selfies come thanks to a 40MP front shooter.
The S24 Ultra bumps up the main camera to a massive 200MP. Zoom has been reworked with a 50MP periscope lens at 5x optical. While you lose the 10x optical zoom, the extra detail from the high-resolution camera makes digital zoom viable without losing sharpness. The ultrawide camera remains 12MP, and the front cam shifts to 12MP but with better software tricks for low light.
Which is better? If you love detail and versatility, the S24 Ultra takes the lead. The S22 Ultra, however, is still seriously impressive for zoom enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging
Both phones use a 5,000mAh battery. For most users, this means a day or more of charge, sometimes two, if you’re careful. The S24 Ultra, thanks to its more efficient chip and display, tends to squeak out a few extra hours. Charging is the same on both: 45W wired and 15W wireless. You won’t be left waiting on either device.
Software and Smart Features
S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra isn’t just about raw power software matters. Both get Samsung’s One UI and the usual blend of nice-to-have features. The S22 Ultra started life with Android 12 and will see updates for four years. The S24 Ultra starts with Android 14 and promises a class-leading seven years of updates. So, if you plan to use your phone for a long while, the S24 Ultra is the better bet.
A big difference is Galaxy AI. The S24 Ultra brings features like Circle to Search, instant photo editing, and real-time translations. These aren’t coming to older models. While most day-to-day stuff works the same, that little bit of extra smartness can save time or boost creativity.
Price and Value
At launch, the S22 Ultra was about $1,200 for the base model, while the S24 Ultra entered at a slightly higher $1,300. S22 Ultra prices have come down or you might find deals, which makes it appealing if you don’t need the newest tech.
In the S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra showdown, value comes down to priorities. If you want the latest and greatest, or care about software support, battery life, and camera versatility, the S24 Ultra is worth the money. If you’re budget-focused and want a still-excellent flagship, the S22 Ultra delivers.
Wrapping Up
Choosing between the S22 Ultra and S24 Ultra isn’t easy, and that’s the point: both are worthy of the “Ultra” title. In the S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra battle, the S24 Ultra leads in performance, display, battery, and software support. The S22 Ultra, meanwhile, packs plenty of power and great zoom for less money.
Think about how you use your phone. If you love long batteries, crave a sharper camera, and want new features for years, the S24 Ultra will keep you happy. But if you’re looking for flagship quality without spending top dollar, the S22 Ultra is still an outstanding choice. Either way, you’re getting a truly premium smartphone.
FAQs
Which phone has the better camera?
The S24 Ultra features a 200MP main camera for more detail and better low-light photos, while the S22 Ultra impresses with its 10x optical zoom.
Is the S24 Ultra worth upgrading from the S22 Ultra?
If you want longer software support, faster performance, and Galaxy AI features, upgrading makes sense. Otherwise, the S22 Ultra is still excellent.
Do both phones support stylus input?
Yes, both devices support the S Pen for drawing and note-taking.
How do battery lives compare?
Both have 5,000mAh batteries, but the S24 Ultra lasts longer thanks to a more efficient processor.
Which one is more durable?
The S24 Ultra uses a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor for improved strength over the S22 Ultra’s aluminum build.
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