Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 13, 1969 in Suwon, South Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
| Products | Smartphones, tablets, consumer electronics |
| Website | www |
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup represents a collection of premium Android smartphones engineered, produced, and promoted by Samsung Electronics under its flagship Galaxy S brand. This series succeeds the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup, excluding the S21 FE variant. Samsung introduced these three models during its Galaxy Unpacked event held on February 9, 2022, with availability commencing on February 25, 2022.
The range includes the standard Galaxy S22, the larger Galaxy S22+, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which emphasizes advanced camera capabilities and incorporates an integrated S Pen, marking it as the direct successor to the Galaxy Note 20 and effectively continuing the Note series legacy. Compared to their predecessors, these devices offer significant enhancements including upgraded hardware specifications, a refined camera system capable of capturing 8K video at 24 frames per second, and for the Ultra model, an advanced super-resolution zoom ranging between 30x and 100x. Notably, this series introduces a new model numbering convention "SM-S123X," where "S" denotes the series, "1" indicates device class, "2" refers to generation, "3" specifies device type, and "X" signifies the target market region if applicable—replacing previous formats such as "SM-GxxxE" or "GT-XXXXX."
At launch, pricing for the Galaxy S22 lineup was set at $799.99 for the base model, $999.99 for the S22+, and $1199.99 for the Ultra variant.
The Galaxy S22 series was eventually succeeded by the Galaxy S23, which Samsung announced on February 1, 2023.
History
On February 8, 2022, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S22 series as the follow-up to the Galaxy S21 lineup. The overall design of these devices largely mirrors that of the previous year’s models, except for the S22 Ultra, which adopts a distinct rectangular shape and eliminates the individual camera bumps. Unlike the original S21, which featured a polycarbonate back on its base model, the S22 returns to a glass rear panel. Both the S22 and S22+ share similar hardware, software, and build characteristics with their predecessors, exhibiting only slight modifications. However, the S22 Ultra underwent a significant redesign, effectively replacing the discontinued Galaxy Note series. This model boasts a rectangular chassis, an upgraded display with higher resolution, an enhanced camera system, and notably incorporates an integrated S Pen—an iconic feature of the Note lineup. Positioned as the premium professional option, the S22 Ultra succeeds the S21 Ultra, while the standard models continue as successors to the S21 and S21+, respectively.
Lineup
The Galaxy S22 range is composed of three distinct smartphones. At the entry-level is the Galaxy S22, featuring a 6.1-inch (155 mm) display and positioned as the most affordable option. The Galaxy S22+ offers comparable internal components but comes in a larger size with a 6.6-inch (168 mm) screen, faster charging capabilities, and an expanded battery capacity. At the top tier is the Galaxy S22 Ultra, equipped with a 6.8-inch (173 mm) display and the largest battery within this series. It also includes a more sophisticated camera configuration and higher resolution screen relative to its siblings. Importantly, this model is the first in the entire S Series to integrate an embedded S Pen.
Design
The design language of the Galaxy S22 series remains consistent with earlier models in the S lineup, featuring an Infinity-O display that incorporates a centrally located circular cutout for the front-facing selfie camera. All variants employ Gorilla Glass Victus+ on their back panels, marking an upgrade from the smaller S21’s plastic rear cover. On both the S22 and S22+, the rear camera module is framed by metallic accents. In contrast, the S22 Ultra distinguishes itself with individual protruding lenses for each camera component.
| Galaxy S22 and S22+ | Galaxy S22 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Base colors |
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| Online exclusive colors |
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Chipsets
The trio of devices in the S22 lineup feature different hardware configurations depending on region. Specifically, most European countries along with some African markets are equipped with Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chipset featuring a new AMD-powered GPU. Conversely, models sold in regions including Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, India, Mexico, and the United States utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
Display
The S22 lineup is equipped with "Dynamic AMOLED 2X" screens featuring HDR10+ compatibility alongside "dynamic tone mapping" capabilities. Each model incorporates a second-generation ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
| Model | Screen size | Resolution | Maximum refresh rate | Variable refresh rate range | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S22 | 6.1 in (155 mm) | 2340×1080 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz to 120 Hz | Curved edges |
| S22+ | 6.6 in (168 mm) | ||||
| S22 Ultra | 6.8 in (173 mm) | 3088×1440 | 24 Hz to 120 Hz | Flat edges |
Storage
| Models | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy S22+ | Galaxy S22 Ultra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | Internal Storage | RAM | Internal Storage | RAM | Internal Storage | |
| Option 1 | 8GB | 128GB | 8GB | 128GB | 8GB | 128GB |
| Option 2 | 8GB | 256GB | 8GB | 256GB | 12GB | 256GB |
| Option 3 | - | - | - | - | 12GB | 512GB |
| Option 4 | - | - | - | - | 12GB | 1TB |
The Galaxy S22 and S22+ come with 8 GB of Random-access memory and offer internal storage choices of either 128 GB or 256 GB. The S22 Ultra provides an 8 GB RAM variant with 128 GB storage, plus a 12 GB RAM option paired with 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of internal storage. Unlike the previous S21 Ultra, the S22 Ultra does not include a 16 GB RAM model. None of the three devices support expandable storage via microSD cards.
Batteries
The battery capacities for the S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra are respectively 3,700 mAh, 4,500 mAh, and 5,000 mAh using Lithium polymer battery technology. Wired charging on the S22 maxes out at 25W through USB-C with USB Power Delivery, whereas the S22+ and S22 Ultra support faster wired charging at up to 45W. However, practical testing has shown minimal difference between charging speeds of 25W and 45W. All models feature Qi wireless charging at speeds up to 15W and include "Wireless PowerShare," enabling reverse wireless charging of other Qi-enabled devices at up to 4.5W.
Connectivity
Each device supports both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes on 5G networks. The Galaxy S22 is compatible with IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth version 5.2, while the S22+ and S22 Ultra upgrade Wi-Fi support to IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E) alongside Bluetooth 5.2. Additionally, the S22+ and Ultra models include Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for short-range communication akin to Bluetooth, distinct from the mmWave variant of 5G that Verizon markets as Ultra Wideband. Samsung utilizes UWB in its "SmartThings Find" service and integrates it with the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+.
Cameras
| Model | Galaxy S22 & S22+ | Galaxy S22 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide | Specifications | 50 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 24 mm focal length, 1/1.56" sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | 108 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 24 mm focal length, 1/1.33" sensor size, PDAF, Laser Autofocus, OIS |
| Sensor model | Samsung S5KGN5 | Samsung S5KHM3 | |
| Ultrawide | Specifications | 12 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 13 mm focal length, 1/2.55" sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF on S22 Ultra | |
| Sensor model | Sony IMX563 | ||
| Telephoto | Specifications | 10 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 70 mm focal length, 1/3.94" sensor size, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 10 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 70 mm focal length, 1/3.52" sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom |
| Sensor model | Samsung S5K3K1 | Sony IMX754 | |
| Periscope Telephoto | Specifications | - | 10 MP, f/4.9 aperture, 240 mm focal length, 1/3.52" sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom |
| Sensor model | Sony IMX754 | ||
| Front-facing | Specifications | 10 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 26 mm focal length, 1/3.24" sensor size, PDAF | 40 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 26 mm focal length, 1/2.8" sensor size, PDAF |
| Sensor model | Sony IMX374 | Samsung S5KGH1 | |
The Galaxy S22 and S22+ models feature a 50-megapixel wide camera sensor accompanied by a 10-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Meanwhile, the S22 Ultra maintains the previous generation's 108-megapixel main sensor with support for 12-bit HDR imaging. It is equipped with dual 10-megapixel telephoto lenses providing both 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. For selfies and video calls, the front camera uses a 10-megapixel sensor on the S22 and S22+, whereas the Ultra variant boasts a higher-resolution 40-megapixel front-facing camera.
All models in the Galaxy S22 lineup are capable of recording video in HDR10+ format and support the High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF).
Video recording capabilities
The Galaxy S22 series accommodates various video capture modes including:
- 8K at 24 frames per second (fps)
- 4K at both 30 and 60 fps options
- 1080p resolution at frame rates of 30, 60, 120, and 240 fps
- 720p at an ultra-slow motion of up to 960 fps (note that on the S22 Ultra the native maximum is 480 fps with interpolation applied to reach 960 fps)
Additionally, still images can be extracted from high-resolution video recordings to serve as standalone photos.
S Pen
The Galaxy S22 Ultra marks the first inclusion of an integrated S Pen within an S series device—traditionally a signature feature exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Note series. The stylus exhibits a latency of just 2.8 milliseconds—a significant reduction from the Note20’s 26 milliseconds and Note20 Ultra/S21 Ultra’s approximately 9 milliseconds (the latter supported S Pen input but did not include the stylus). This generation introduces an 'AI-driven coordination prediction system' enhancing pen responsiveness. The S Pen also supports Air gestures and integrates with Samsung’s Air Action functionality.
Software
At launch, the Galaxy S22 series operated on Android 12 paired with Samsung's One UI version 4.1 interface. Enhanced security is provided through Samsung Knox, including a dedicated enterprise edition for business environments. Samsung has committed to delivering four major Android OS upgrades—suggesting software updates will continue through Android version 16—and five years of security patches extending support potentially until the year 2027.
On October 28, 2022, Samsung commenced deployment of One UI version 5.0 across all Galaxy S22 devices. This update introduced features such as complete disablement of the RAM Plus virtual memory function (previously only reducible to a minimum of 2 GB), redesigned lock screen customization options reminiscent of iOS 16, expanded application of Material You dynamic theming to most Google and Samsung applications as well as compatible third-party apps for enhanced personalization options. Furthermore, One UI 5 provided refreshed iconography to present a more polished user interface.
In August of 2024, the Galaxy S22 lineup received the One UI version 6.1.1 update built upon Android 14, coinciding with its rollout on the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. This iteration introduced novel AI-driven functionalities exclusive to this generation and subsequent Galaxy S models; however, despite this update’s availability on these devices it still reports as version 6.1 due to certain features being limited to foldable phones and tablets.
By May of 2025, Samsung officially released the One UI version 7 update based on Android 15 for all members of the Galaxy S22 family.
Controversy over performance throttling
Investigations conducted by the benchmarking tool Geekbench alongside the technology news outlet Android Police revealed that Samsung's Game Optimizing Service (GOS) was deliberately limiting device performance in several widely used applications, while permitting full performance for benchmarking tools. In one particular experiment involving the S22+, a modified version of Geekbench 5 was disguised as Genshin Impact to bypass GOS detection. This test showed a reduction of 45% in single-core and 28% in multi-core performance compared to an unaltered benchmark version. Following these findings, Geekbench decided to permanently remove the entire Galaxy S22, S21, and S10 series from its platform. Subsequently, Samsung issued an update enabling users of the S22 to deactivate GOS on their smartphones.
Gallery
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Rear view of the Galaxy S22
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Rear view of the Galaxy S22 Ultra
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Galaxy S22 lineup
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Galaxy S22 model
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Galaxy S22+
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Galaxy S22 Ultra device
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Components of the Galaxy S22 Ultra
See also
References
External links
- Galaxy S22 5G – official site
- Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G – official site
- Galaxy S22 user manual – download official user guide