Samsung has built a strong reputation for pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology with each new Galaxy S series. In 2022, the Galaxy S22 Ultra combined the photography power of the S series with the productivity features of the Note line, marking a high point for Samsung fans. Fast forward to 2024, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra arrives, boasting major upgrades in design, performance, and AI features.
If you’re trying to decide between these two premium devices, you’re in the right place. This S22 Ultra vs S24 Ultra comparison covers all the details from build quality and display to camera performance, battery life, and software support.
Design and Build Quality
While both phones carry Samsung’s signature Ultra silhouette, their materials set them apart. The S22 Ultra sports a sturdy aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides. It’s sleek, solid, and still looks premium two years later.
The S24 Ultra takes durability a step further. It introduces a titanium frame, a first for the Galaxy S series paired with Gorilla Armor glass, which not only resists scratches but also reduces reflections for better outdoor visibility. The dimensions are very similar, but the S24 Ultra is a touch lighter despite its tougher build.
For users who value a luxury feel and long-term durability, the titanium construction of the S24 Ultra is a clear win.
Display Technology
Samsung’s AMOLED panels are legendary, and both devices prove why. Each offers a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support. However, the S24 Ultra pushes brightness up to 2600 nits compared to the S22 Ultra’s 1750 nits.
That jump in brightness is not just a spec-sheet brag; it makes the S24 Ultra far easier to use under harsh sunlight. The newer phone also comes with improved anti-reflective coating, so outdoor use feels smoother and more comfortable.
Whether you’re streaming HDR videos or editing photos, both screens are excellent, but the S24 Ultra is simply more adaptable in challenging lighting.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy S22 Ultra came with either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200 (depending on your region). Both were top-tier in 2022, but they can’t quite match the efficiency and raw power of today’s flagship chipsets.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a custom-tuned processor built on a 4nm process. This delivers not just faster performance, but also better thermal management and power efficiency. Heavy multitasking, mobile gaming, and AI-driven features feel noticeably snappier.
If your priority is keeping your device future-proof for years to come, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 makes the S24 Ultra a smarter long-term investment.
Camera Capabilities
Samsung’s Ultra series is known for pushing mobile photography forward, and here’s where the comparison gets interesting.
S22 Ultra Camera Setup:
- 108MP wide main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)
- 10MP periscope telephoto (10x zoom)
- 40MP selfie camera
S24 Ultra Camera Setup:
- 200MP wide main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)
- 50MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom)
- 12MP selfie camera
The most noticeable shift is in the periscope zoom. While the S22 Ultra had an impressive 10x zoom, the S24 Ultra opts for a 50MP 5x telephoto lens that captures more detail per shot. The massive 200MP main sensor also delivers sharper images, especially in daylight, while low-light shots benefit from improved AI image processing.
On the video front, both devices can record in 8K, but the S24 Ultra handles stabilization and HDR10+ more efficiently, especially when capturing moving subjects.
Battery Life and Charging
Both devices have a 5000mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Real-world battery life, however, tips in favor of the S24 Ultra thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
You can expect an extra hour or two of screen-on time compared to the S22 Ultra. While both charge to about 65% in half an hour, the S24 Ultra manages power drain better during gaming, video streaming, and camera use.
Software and Updates
The S22 Ultra launched with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI 4.1, promising 4 years of major OS updates. That means it will be supported until around 2026.
The S24 Ultra launches with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and Samsung has promised 7 years of software updates matching Google’s new Pixel policy. This longer support window is a huge plus for buyers who want to keep their phone for many years without worrying about security risks or outdated features.
Connectivity and Extras
Both phones offer IP68 water and dust resistance, S Pen integration, Samsung DeX, and stereo speakers tuned by AKG. The S24 Ultra adds Wi-Fi 7 support (compared to the S22 Ultra’s Wi-Fi 6e), making it more ready for next-gen networks.
Small but useful upgrades like improved GPS accuracy and better UWB (Ultra-Wideband) performance also give the S24 Ultra an edge in location-based services and device tracking.
Price and Value
The S22 Ultra has seen significant price drops since launch, making it a more affordable option while still offering high-end specs. For users who don’t need the brightest display or the latest processor, it’s still a great buy.
The S24 Ultra, however, is designed for those who want the very best Samsung offers right now: future-proof hardware, longer software support, and AI-assisted features that will evolve over time.
Final Verdict
If you already own the S22 Ultra, upgrading to the S24 Ultra makes sense if you value brighter displays, titanium durability, AI camera improvements, and longer update support.
For those buying new, the choice depends on your priorities:
- S22 Ultra – Best value for money, still powerful, and great for photography.
- S24 Ultra – The ultimate Samsung flagship, ready for the future with the latest hardware and software.
In short: The S22 Ultra is still a premium phone in 2024, but the S24 Ultra is the new king of Samsung’s lineup.
FAQs
Is it worth upgrading from the S22 Ultra to the S24 Ultra in 2025?
Yes, if you want a titanium frame, brighter 2600-nit display, better AI-assisted cameras, and 7 years of software updates. If your S22 Ultra still works well, you can wait another year.
Which phone is faster in real-world use?
The S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip handles multitasking, gaming, and AI features much better than the S22 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200.
Does the S24 Ultra’s camera beat the S22 Ultra in zoom?
Technically, the S22 Ultra has 10x optical zoom, but the S24 Ultra’s 50MP 5x telephoto captures sharper details in most lighting conditions.
How long will each phone get Android updates?
The S22 Ultra will get updates until around 2026, while the S24 Ultra will receive 7 years of updates, taking it well into 2031.
Which has better battery life in 2025?
Both have 5000mAh batteries, but the S24 Ultra lasts longer thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
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