Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra Comparison

You need a Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra comparison to see how Samsung has upgraded its flagship phone. Our Samsung S23 review shows the key differences between the S22 and S23 series. The Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out with its 200-megapixel main camera that beats the 108MP camera on the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

If you are looking for a new phone, check out our tests: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S23 Ultra. We also compare the iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max to help you decide. If you want a smaller phone, read our iPhone 14 Pro review and iPhone 14 Pro Max review. And if you want a cheaper option, see our iPhone 15 Pro review.

In this review, we compare the S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra and tell you what’s new, what’s the same, and whether the S23 Ultra is worth your money.

Key Takeaways:

• The S23 Ultra has a 200-megapixel main camera that outperforms the 108-megapixel camera on the S22 Ultra.
• The S23 Ultra also has a larger battery, faster charging, and more storage options than the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
• The S22 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra share the same design, display, resolution, and S Pen support.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Similarity and differences

Certainly! Let’s delve into the S22 Ultra and the S23 Ultra, two flagship smartphones that epitomize cutting-edge technology. These devices, while sharing a lineage, exhibit distinct features that cater to diverse user preferences. Here’s a comparison of their similarities and differences:

S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: what’s the same?

• Premium Design: Both phones look incredibly sleek with their glass and metal build. Expect polished finishes and elegant curves.
• Stunning Displays: You’ll enjoy vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth 120Hz refresh rates on their stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays.
• High Resolution: Get crisp visuals for streaming or editing at a Quad HD+ resolution.
• S Pen Power: Unleash your productivity and creativity with the integrated S Pen on both devices.
• Multimedia Ready: Immerse yourself in movies or music with their powerful stereo speakers.
• Pro-Grade Cameras: Both phones capture amazing photos and videos, excelling in low-light and offering impressive zoom.

S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: what’s different?

• Performance Beast: The S23 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor makes it a true powerhouse, handling demanding apps and games without breaking a sweat. The S22 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still great, but not quite as snappy.
• Camera Champion: The S23 Ultra’s 200MP main camera is a game-changer, delivering detail and improved low-light performance. The S22 Ultra’s camera is excellent, but lacks that extra resolution.
• Longer Battery Life: The S23 Ultra’s larger battery gives you extra peace of mind that you’ll easily get through the day.
• Cooler Under Pressure: With its improved thermal management, the S23 Ultra stays cooler than the S22 Ultra during those long gaming sessions.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Spec

Best Deals

• Samsung S22 Ultra: At Amazon
• Samsung S23 Ultra: At Amazon

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Pros and cons

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Price

The S23 Ultra hit the market on February 17, 2023, almost a year after its predecessor, the S22 Ultra. Given the economic downturn, the S23 Ultra’s pricing might not sit well with everyone, particularly those who remember the S22 Ultra’s launch price.

Here’s a quick comparison of the prices:

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Design

At a glance, the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra might seem indistinguishable. Don’t be fooled – Samsung packed upgrades into the new flagship. The larger camera array houses a powerful 200MP sensor, promising stunning image quality.

The S23 Ultra’s refined display curve delivers a superior S Pen experience. Handwriting and drawing feel more natural, though precision at the extreme edges can still be a slight challenge.

Durability gets a boost too. The S23 Ultra incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced protection against life’s inevitable mishaps. It maintains a premium feel with subtle differences in dimensions compared to its predecessor.

Core colorways include Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender – classic elegance. While the S22 Ultra offered several eye-catching exclusives, those seem to be phased out.

If you’re seeking cutting-edge camera capabilities, refined design, and top-tier durability, the S23 Ultra sets a compelling new standard.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Display

Both the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra deliver vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED displays with QuadHD+ resolution and adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rates. That peak 1,750 nit brightness ensures perfect visibility, even in harsh sunlight. While lab tests suggest slightly lower peak brightness for the S23 Ultra, in everyday use, you’ll hardly notice the difference.

Samsung prioritizes user comfort with the S23 Ultra. Eye strain from nighttime screen use is reduced with adjustable color tones and contrast levels. Additionally, the Vision Booster now offers three adaptive settings for exceptional glare reduction in any lighting condition.

Whether you choose the S23 Ultra or S22 Ultra, you’re guaranteed a superb display experience. However, the S23 Ultra does have the edge when it comes to features designed for long-term viewing comfort.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Camera

The S23 Ultra’s headline camera upgrade is that massive 200MP sensor – a significant leap from the S22 Ultra’s impressive 108MP shooter. However, real-world tests show both deliver consistently excellent results, with the S23 Ultra edging ahead in low-light performance.

Beyond the main sensor, the S23 Ultra retains the S22 Ultra’s versatile camera array: a 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 10MP 10x periscope lenses. Surprisingly, the front-facing camera sees a downgrade from 40MP to 12MP. Don’t let the numbers fool you – this actually yields well-balanced selfies with striking dynamic range.

Serious photographers will appreciate the S23 Ultra’s ability to capture 50MP Expert RAW shots (compared to 12MP on the S22 Ultra). That said, software updates could extend this capability to the older model.

The S23 Ultra offers noticeable camera improvements for low-light and Expert RAW photography. If those are priorities, it’s the clear winner. Otherwise, the S22 Ultra still holds its own in the camera department.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Performance

The S23 Ultra breaks new ground with its exclusive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. This overclocked chip promises a tangible speed boost over the standard version, delivering the fastest mobile graphics available today.

Samsung backs this up with confident numbers: 40% faster graphics and AI performance compared to the S22 Ultra’s already potent setup. Additionally, a larger vapor cooling system translates to reliable, sustained performance even during intensive gaming or extended video editing.

While the S22 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is undeniably powerful, the S23 Ultra takes performance to the next level. Both phones offer 8GB or 12GB RAM options, but the S23 Ultra ups the ante with double the base storage at 256GB. Need even more capacity? Each phone offers a 1TB variant, though the S22 Ultra version may be harder to track down.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Software

Samsung has a strong track record when it comes to long-term software support. Like its predecessor, the S23 Ultra is guaranteed four years of Android updates and a robust five years of security patches. While Samsung may not always be the first to roll out major Android updates, you can expect both the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra to receive them around the same time.

The S23 Ultra enjoys an advantage here, shipping with the latest Android 13 and Samsung’s refined One UI 5.1. Naturally, the newer model will have a longer lifespan in terms of official support. However, if you’re currently an S22 Ultra user, fret not – you’ll still receive ample software updates.

In short, For the absolute longest software support, the S23 Ultra is the way to go. But even S22 Ultra owners can rest assured that their device remains well within Samsung’s update cycle.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Battery and charging

Specs might show the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra sharing the same 5,000 mAh battery, but that’s where the similarities end. The S23 Ultra’s optimized Snapdragon chip delivers a significant real-world battery boost.

Our rigorous web-surfing battery tests prove it: the S23 Ultra clocked in at an impressive 12 hours and 20 minutes – landing it amongst the top smartphones for battery life. The S22 Ultra lagged a full 2 hours behind, even with its dynamic refresh rate disabled. That’s a difference you’ll notice.

The S23 Ultra sticks with 45W fast charging, claiming a 65% charge in 35 minutes (adapter sold separately). In our tests, it fell slightly short with 57%, but that’s still substantial. Wireless charging speeds remain unchanged.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Which one should you get?

In the showdown between the S23 Ultra and the S22 Ultra, a few game-changing elements take center stage. The leap from a 108MP to a 200MP main camera is a pivotal upgrade for the Ultra, catapulting image quality to new heights. The debut of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is another major player, with its stellar graphics performance and its role in boosting the new phone’s battery life.

For those who frequently wield the S Pen, the S23 Ultra’s sleeker display will likely be a hit. But is it enough to warrant an upgrade? Given the hefty price tag, probably not. However, with the S22 Ultra still gracing some shelves, it’s crucial to know these key differences to ensure you snag the flagship that’s the perfect fit for you.

Editor’s Recommended Versus

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