Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra line has become the epitome of premium smartphones. With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G on February 17, 2023, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra which was released on February 25, 2022. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Specs shows that both phones offer top-tier features, but there are some notable differences. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of these two flagship devices.
Galaxy S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Specs Compared
| Specification | Galaxy S22 Ultra | Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Price | $1,199 | $1,199 |
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD AMOLED | 6.8-inch QHD AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 1 – 120Hz adaptive | 1 – 120Hz adaptive |
| Rear Cameras | 108MP main (f/2.2), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4), 10MP 10x telephoto (f/4.9) | 200MP main (f/1.7), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4), 10MP 10x telephoto (f/4.9) |
| Front Camera | 40MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired / 10W wireless | 45W wired / 10W wireless |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Size | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm (6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches) | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm (6.4 x 3.0 x 0.35 inches) |
| Weight | 228g (8.04 ounces) | 233g (8.2 ounces) |
| Colors | Phantom Black, White, Burgundy, Green | Phantom Black, Cotton Flower, Botanic Green, Mystic Lilac |
Design and Build
At first glance, the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra look very similar, maintaining Samsung’s signature sleek design. Both phones are built with durable materials: Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the S22 Ultra and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the S23 Ultra. Each has an aluminum frame that provides a premium feel.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Weighs 228g, measures 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm, and comes in colors like Phantom Black, White, Burgundy, and Green.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: Slightly heavier at 234g, dimensions are almost identical, but introduces new colors like Lavender and Cream.
In terms of design, both phones are well-built, but the S23 Ultra features subtle improvements in materials and more color options.
Display
Both phones boast stunning displays, continuing Samsung’s tradition of leading the pack with their screen technology.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and 1,750 nits peak brightness. It also supports HDR10+ for vivid colors.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: Retains the same 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and resolution, but Samsung has made slight improvements in brightness and color accuracy for outdoor visibility.
While both devices offer excellent displays, the S23 Ultra edges ahead with marginal gains in color and brightness.
Performance
The most significant difference between these two phones is under the hood. The Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers better performance thanks to its newer chipset.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US) or Exynos 2200 (global). RAM options range from 8GB to 12GB with storage options from 128GB to 1TB. This setup is capable, but some thermal throttling can occur under heavy loads.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: Equipped with the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, it offers a substantial boost in performance. The RAM remains the same, but storage starts at 256GB, ensuring faster processing and better energy efficiency.
For those who prioritize speed and multitasking, the S23 Ultra is the clear winner with its more powerful processor.
Camera System
Samsung’s Ultra line is known for its excellent camera systems, and both models excel in this area, though the S23 Ultra takes a step forward.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, 10MP periscope telephoto (10x zoom), 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide. The selfie camera is 40MP, delivering sharp, clear images.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: The S23 Ultra pushes the envelope with a new 200MP main sensor, delivering even more detail in photos. The rest of the setup mirrors the S22 Ultra, but improvements in image processing enhance overall picture quality.
For photography enthusiasts, the S23 Ultra’s 200MP sensor offers crisper photos and superior zoom capabilities.
Battery and Charging
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Battery life is solid, but heavy users might experience quicker drains during intense usage.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: Also features a 5,000mAh battery but benefits from the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which extends battery life slightly. Charging speeds remain the same, but users can expect better endurance overall.
Both phones are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage throughout the day.
Software and Features
Both devices run on Samsung’s One UI, but the S23 Ultra comes with the latest version, bringing slight improvements in user experience.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Launched with Android 12 and One UI 4.1.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: Ships with Android 13 and One UI 5, offering smoother animations and enhanced multitasking.
Conclusion
(image 3 credit tomsguide.com) The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra remains a powerful and capable device, offering top-tier performance, design, and camera quality. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Specs reveal that the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, with its upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, improved camera system, and longer battery life, is a better choice for users looking for the latest and most powerful technology. If you’re upgrading from an older device, the S23 Ultra 5G offers the best experience. But if you already own the S22 Ultra, the decision to upgrade depends on how much you value the improved processor and camera system.