Galaxy S22+ 5G vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in early 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in early 2024, represent different generations of Samsung's premium smartphone offerings. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Ultra introduces significant advancements in camera technology, display durability, and long-term software support.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it a two-year-old device at the time of the S24 Ultra's launch in January 2024. This age difference directly impacts the remaining period of official software support.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was initially promised up to four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning support is expected to extend through the Android 17 cycle. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sets a new standard with a commitment to seven years of both OS and security updates, significantly extending its usable lifespan from a software perspective.
• Repairability and Build: The Galaxy S24 Ultra has demonstrated a high repairability score in teardowns, often rated around 9 out of 10, partly due to features like easily replaceable batteries with pull tabs. Its titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor also contribute to enhanced scratch and drop resistance. The S22 Plus 5G features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for protection, offering robust build quality for its generation. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, affecting everything from app responsiveness to gaming experiences.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a newer generation processor, providing a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency for demanding applications, advanced AI features, and multitasking. Users can expect smoother operation and faster load times across the board. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, powered by its generation's flagship processor, delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and most games, though some users reported occasional heating and throttling during intensive use.
• Battery Behaviour: The S24 Ultra, with its 5000 mAh battery and highly efficient processor, offers exceptional battery life, often lasting well over a full day even with heavy usage, with some tests showing over 16 hours of screen-on time. The S22 Plus 5G, equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage might require more frequent charging.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S24 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless multitasking and handling numerous open applications. The S22 Plus 5G usually offers 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs. Both devices offer ample internal storage options, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The S24 Ultra boasts a higher QHD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels) on its 6.8-inch screen, resulting in a sharper image compared to the S22 Plus 5G's FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels) on its 6.6-inch display.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S24 Ultra achieves a peak brightness of 2600 nits, coupled with a new Gorilla Glass Armor that significantly reduces reflections, making it exceptionally easy to view in bright outdoor conditions. The S22 Plus 5G offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, which is also very bright and provides good visibility outdoors.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S24 Ultra's LTPO technology allows its refresh rate to scale down to 1Hz, contributing to better power efficiency, while the S22 Plus 5G scales down to 48Hz. The S24 Ultra also features a flat display, which some users find enhances S Pen usability and reduces accidental touches.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices offer different strengths in photography and videography.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens, offering enhanced zoom capabilities and improved detail, especially at longer ranges. The S22 Plus 5G has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, providing strong performance for everyday photography.
• Low-Light and Zoom Performance: The S24 Ultra benefits from a newer processor and advanced AI processing, leading to improved low-light photography and more detailed zoomed shots, including lossless 10x digital zoom. The S22 Plus 5G also offers good low-light performance for its generation and features optical zoom for clearer distant shots compared to its predecessors.
• Video Recording and Features: Both phones support 8K video recording, with the S24 Ultra capable of 8K at 30fps and the S22 Plus 5G at 8K at 24fps. The S24 Ultra introduces more advanced AI-powered video features and improved stabilisation. Both devices offer a 10MP or 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.