Rather than change its flagship smartphone drastically, Samsung improved its Galaxy phone with several noteworthy upgrades across all models. Even the entry-level Galaxy S22 has a better camera and screen than its predecessor, and the features only improve with the premium Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy Ultra phones. The S22+ is a solid mid-range option that balances performance and battery life for a reasonable price. If you want a premium screen, a better camera, and more storage space, the S22 Ultra is your best bet. It's also the most expensive. Here's a closer look at what each phone has to offer.
Galaxy S22
Samsung's entry-level Galaxy phone is more compact and lighter than the S22+ and the S22 Ultra. It's the most affordable of the bunch yet shares many of the same features as its pricier siblings, including a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and a highly durable aluminum frame. All Galaxy phones also have shatterproof displays and are water-resistant with an IP68 rating. You'll find the same 10MP Selfie Camera on the 22 and 22+ ? the Ultra has a 40MP camera ? and a 12MP ultrawide rear camera across the lineup. From capturing stunning natural scenery to taking your best selfie yet, the S22 is well-equipped to snap high-quality shots.
Galaxy S22+
You're paying more for the S22+ than the S22, and a few additional features come with that bump in pricing. For example, the screen is slightly larger. It measures 6.6 inches, compared to the smaller 6.1-inch display on the S22. Both models share Flat FHD+ screens, which make your streaming content look great. But what's arguably even more impressive is the 1,750 nits brightness, which is also found on the S22 Ultra. It's an improvement over the 1,500 nits on the S21 Ultra and is more than the 1,300 nits on the entry-level 22. With such a vivid screen, tasks such as playing games, watching movies, checking emails, and obsessing over your latest selfies are easier even when you're outside on a bright, sunny day.
Galaxy S22 Ultra
If you want the best screen Samsung has to offer, consider the S22 Ultra. Compared to the S22+ and S22, which have Flat FHD+ displays, the Ultra has Edge Quad HD+ technology. If you do a lot of reading on your phone, the higher resolution can make text crisper and may help reduce eye strain. The overall image quality is also better since there are more pixels. The result is clearer and sharper images for an improved viewing experience.
However, the better screen can also take up more battery juice, which is one reason why the Ultra also has the largest battery. It's 5000mAh, compared to the 4500mAh battery on the S22+ and the 3700mAh battery on the base model.
Another cool feature that's exclusive to this phone is that it's the first Galaxy S with a built-in S Pen. Taking notes, scribbling, and working on the go just got easier.
Camera
If you're obsessed with selfies and taking high-quality photos in general, the Ultra is the clear winner. It's equipped with a 40MP Selfie Camera, compared to the 10MP technology on the S22 and the S22+. All three phones have a 12MP ultrawide rear camera, but only the Ultra has a 108MP wide-angle camera to capture more of life's greatest moments. The Ultra also has 100X Space Zoom to see finer details more clearly. Both the S22+ and the S22 share a 30X Space Zoom.
Storage
All your selfies, games, and documents need to be stored somewhere, and the S22 Ultra has the most storage. It's available in 1TB and 512GB capacities, while the S22+ and S22 have a maximum 256GB storage capacity. To put those numbers into perspective, a 1TB hard drive can hold up to 500 hours of HD 1080p videos or about 20 days' worth.
Sizing
The S22 is the most portable model, measuring 70.6 x 146 x 7.6mm, and weighing 168g. You can easily slide it into a pocket or purse without feeling weighed down. The S22+ measures 75.8 x 157.4 x 7.6mm and weighs 196g. The Ultra is the largest phone, measuring 77.9 x 163.3 x 8.9mm. It weighs 229g and is the heaviest and bulkiest in the lineup.
Durability
Despite our best intentions, smartphone accidents are nearly inevitable. Whether your phone takes a tumble off the counter or ends up in the hands of your curious little one, bumps, scratches, spills, and falls can happen in an instant. The good news is that the Galaxy lineup is fortified against life's mishaps with a tough-as-nails Armor Aluminum frame. It's standard across the lineup, so your phone will be equally protected regardless of its price tag.
Screen guards offer peace of mind, but even the best can't guarantee that your screen will withstand every fall. The entire Samsung Galaxy lineup also features Gorilla Glass, which is thin and resists scratches and damage.
Price
The S22 is the cheapest option, with a starting price of $799 with 128GB storage and $849 for 256GB. Expect to pay $999 for the 128GB S22+ and $1,049 for the 256GB option. The premium Ultra costs $1,199 (128GB) or $1,299 for 256GBs. If you need more storage, you'll pay $1,399 for the 512GB phone and $1,599 for the 1TB model.
