Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G vs iPhone SE (2022)

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S22 Ultra offers a large, feature-rich experience with an integrated stylus, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact form factor with a classic design. Both devices operate on their respective advanced mobile operating systems, Android and iOS, offering different user interfaces and ecosystem experiences.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone SE 2022 were both released in early 2022, meaning they have received similar durations of software updates since their launch. Apple is known for providing extended iOS support, with the iPhone SE 2022 expected to receive updates for several years, potentially until iOS 26 or beyond, as it was discontinued in February 2025 with the announcement of the iPhone 16e. Samsung typically offers several years of Android OS updates and security patches for its flagship devices, including the S22 Ultra.

• Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features an aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, offering robust protection. The iPhone SE 2022 uses aerospace-grade aluminum and glass, with Apple stating it has stronger glass than previous models, though not specifically Ceramic Shield.
• Water Resistance: Both devices offer good water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is rated IP68, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 has an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 has been noted for average repairability, with some components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible, though strong adhesive is used. The repairability of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is generally considered more complex due to its intricate design and integrated components.

The performance of both smartphones is robust, though they cater to different user expectations in terms of raw power and multitasking capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a high-end processor designed for demanding tasks, while the iPhone SE 2022 features a powerful chip that ensures smooth operation for its compact form factor.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra's advanced processor handles intensive applications, high-fidelity gaming, and complex multitasking with ease, providing a fluid user experience even under heavy load. The iPhone SE 2022's internal chip delivers excellent speed and responsiveness for everyday tasks, app launches, and casual gaming, benefiting from its optimized software.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers higher RAM configurations, supporting more applications running simultaneously without slowdowns, and comes with generous storage options up to 1TB. The iPhone SE 2022, with its efficient memory management, provides smooth multitasking for typical usage and is available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra houses a large 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of varied activity, though heavy use can reduce this. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery capacity (2018 mAh), which for heavy users may necessitate more frequent charging throughout the day, though it offers improved endurance over its predecessor.

The display experience on these two devices presents a significant contrast, primarily due to differences in technology, size, and refresh rates, influencing visual clarity and overall user interaction.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which offers good color accuracy and brightness for its class.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S22 Ultra boasts a high resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, resulting in a sharp image density of approximately 500 pixels per inch (ppi), ideal for detailed content. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels at 326 ppi, providing clear visuals for its screen size.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Ultra can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The iPhone SE 2022 offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

The camera systems of the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the iPhone SE 2022 are designed for different photographic needs, with one offering extensive versatility and the other focusing on streamlined performance.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra features a comprehensive quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to distant subjects. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera, relying on its powerful processor for image enhancements like Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The S22 Ultra excels in low-light conditions, capturing detailed and bright images, and supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps with advanced stabilization. While the iPhone SE 2022 performs well in good lighting, it lacks a dedicated Night mode, which can impact low-light photography. It records 4K video at up to 60fps, offering good quality and stabilization for its class.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 40MP front camera, capable of detailed selfies and 4K video recording. The iPhone SE 2022 features a 7MP front-facing camera, suitable for clear video calls and selfies in adequate lighting. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption, with the S22 Ultra's audio tuned by AKG.