Released in February 2022, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 series is the hottest Samsung Galaxy release to date. While Android users were excited and anxious to see the differences between the S21 and the S22 series, does this mean that it’s worth the upgrade?

It depends on what you want and need out of a phone. Even if you don’t upgrade from a Galaxy S21 or Galaxy Note 20 Ultra phone to one of the three available S22 phones, what’s the deal with the Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. the S22 Ultra?

The screen is much bigger on the Ultra and it features unique capabilities like being able to intelligently switch back and forth between different display refresh rates. So, it’s definitely an upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ Specs At-a-Glance

The S22+ is the middle-tier S22 phone. The S22 series is as follows from cheapest to most expensive (and, coincidentally, from smallest to largest):

• • Samsung Galaxy S22
• • Samsung Galaxy S22+
• • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

This means you can expect a slight upgrade from the basic Galaxy S22 but not all of the features you’ll find in the more expensive Ultra version. What kinds of features are we talking about for the S22+?

Namely, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ features the following specs:

• • 6.6-inch AMOLED display
• • 50 MP main camera
• • 10 MP telephoto camera
• • 12 MP ultra-wide camera
• • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processing chip
• • 4,500 mAh battery with 15W wireless charging

Those all combine to ensure that the Galaxy S22+ is a pretty powerful phone. But how does it stack up to the Galaxy S22 Ultra? When released, the price difference between the two phones was only about $200. This isn’t much, so is it worth upgrading?

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Specs At-a-Glance

Before comparing the two phones to see if the S22 Ultra is worth the additional $150, let’s take a quick look at the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra specs. 

While we’ll get into these more in-depth below, use this quick Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra guide for the basic specs to easily compare them to the ones listed above for the S22+:

• • 6.8-inch AMOLED display
• • 108 MP main camera
• • 10 MP telephoto camera
• • 10 MP second telephoto camera (yes, there are two)
• • 12 MP ultra-wide camera
• • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processing chip
• • 5,000 mAh battery with 15W wireless charging

As you can see, the biggest upgrade here is in the main camera. The S22 Ultra features an impressive 108-megapixel main camera, so it has twice the power as the main camera does on the S22+.

We’ll talk about what that means for those interested in smartphone photography below. For the additional $150 to $200, that’s quite a steal, honestly. For now, let’s break down the individual differences on the Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra debate.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Build

When we talk about build we’re talking about the design of the actual phone body and the glass screen. When it comes to the S22+ vs. the S22 Ultra, the build is the same. Both phones are made with an Armor Aluminum frame, 

 the strongest of any Samsung phone.

Likewise, both phones feature the new Gorilla Glass Victus+ screens and panels on both the front and the back of the phones. This ensures that regardless of which Samsung Galaxy S22 phone you purchase, you’re getting a strong, drop-resistant phone.

In terms of other design features, both phones come with in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors that have performed equally in user testing settings. The S22+ and the S22 Ultra both also feature IP68 certification.

This certification means that the device has been tested and proven to be fully waterproof and dustproof. The "6" in IP68 stands for protection against water, while the "8" indicates that the device can withstand being submerged in water at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. 

IP68-certified devices are well-equipped to handle accidental spills or drops in the pool, making them a reliable option for outdoor activities or harsh environments.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Display

Aside from the build of the S22 series phones, what can you expect from their display? Namely, it comes down to the size of the screen.

As mentioned above, the S22+ boasts a 6.6-inch screen. This is only slightly smaller than the S22 Ultra's 6.8-inch screen. The resolution of the S22 Ultra is slightly better at 1440 pixels versus the resolution of the S22+ which is 1080 pixels.

In terms of display, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the clear winner as it boasts a larger Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display. 

In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and enhanced touch sensitivity. Overall, both phones have impressive displays, but the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra takes it to the next level.

The S22+ also features an adaptive refresh rate. The ​​phone boasts a 48-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. 

It’s nothing compared to the S22 Ultra’s ability to seamlessly switch between 1fps and 120fps depending on the on-screen content.

If you want to use the Samsung S Pen, the S22 Ultra is the only option as it’s the only phone in the S22 series that supports this function.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Processing Chip

There’s not much difference when it comes to the chipset in the Galaxy S22 series. All three S22 phones feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. 

This chipset offers advanced AI capabilities and improved CPU and GPU performance. It also has a larger processor cache, allowing faster operation and better power efficiency. All phones come with a base RAM of 8 GB.

The main difference in processing power is the upgraded cooling solution you’ll find in the S22 Ultra. The phone features a new Gel-TIM thermal paste that can help transfer heat faster and cool your phone faster than predecessors.

Do note that in real-world testing situations, this hasn’t made much of a difference. It cools slightly faster, but the other S22 versions don’t seem to heat that much.

The Galaxy S22 phones also have a new graphics processing unit, capable of rendering high-resolution graphics with the latest gaming technology. 

Overall, the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra promise a smooth and efficient user experience thanks to this powerful chipset. It's just one more feature that sets the Galaxy S22 phones apart as top-of-the-line smartphone options.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Performance

Now that you know a little about what’s powering these phones, how do they compare in real-world testing situations? 

Performance is a key difference between the two models. Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon processor powers both phones, but you can find the S22 Ultra with 12GB of RAM on certain versions.

This means that the S22 Ultra can handle more complex tasks and multitask more easily. 

The S22 Ultra also boasts a larger display with a sharper resolution and improved refresh rate, making it the better option for gaming and streaming. 

In terms of graphics processing, the S22 Ultra sets itself apart with its Adreno 730 GPU for more advanced gaming capabilities. Qualcomm, the producer of the GPU, claims that the Adreno 730 offers 30% improved performance compared to the previous GPU in the series.

Overall, both phones offer strong performance capabilities, but for those looking for even more power and storage, the S22 Ultra may be a better choice. That 

said, this is only a difference if you use your phone professionally or game and stream quite a bit.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Camera

Want to take professional-quality photos? Either one of these Galaxy S22 phones is a great option. The S22 Ultra is the only one featuring a quad-camera setup and an impressive 108-megapixel main camera.

To put that into perspective, some of Sony’s high-end cameras feature between 40 to 50 megapixels. While comparing full-frame cameras to smartphone cameras is hard, a 108 MP camera on a smartphone is a big deal. 

The S22+ likewise boasts a triple-camera system with 50MP main, 10MP telephoto, and 12 MP ultra-wide lenses. 

The S22 Ultra takes it one step further with a quad-camera system featuring 108MP main, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP "laser focus" lenses. 

Both phones also have front-facing cameras for stunning selfies. The difference is that the selfie camera on the S22 Ultra is an impressive 40MP camera, while you can count on a 10 MP camera for the S22+ (it’s the same for the regular Galaxy S22 as well, if you were wondering).

You can still enjoy the 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens with phone smartphones. The only small difference is that the S22 Ultra features a slightly larger sensor which improves the photo quality by just a bit.

While the S22 Ultra has more advanced camera capabilities, the S22+ offers plenty of options for photographers on a budget. It depends on your personal needs and preferences for capturing those perfect shots.

You likely won't notice the difference if you use your phone to take regular photos of friends and family and don’t need it for anything too big.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Battery Life

With such impressive cameras, you might be snapping selfies and taking photos all the time. Is this going to drain the battery for either phone? Nope. You can count on the S22+ and the S22 Ultra to have a great battery life.

The S22+ has a 4500 mAh battery, while the S22 Ultra boasts a 5000 mAh battery. In real-world battery usage tests, the S22 Ultra lasted over 12 hours with regular usage, while the S22+ lasted about ten and a half hours.

Both phones also have 45W fast charging capabilities, with 45W charging capabilities for both. It’s also worth noting that the S22+ and the S22 Ultra also feature 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge your other devices on the go.

The reverse wireless charging capabilities still aren’t that advanced. So, don’t count on using either phone as a battery source for other devices.

If you prioritize longer battery life and use your phone throughout the day, Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra may be the better choice. There isn’t much difference between the two if you just use your phone for messaging and basic browsing.

Both versions do improve slightly upon the S22 battery life. So, in that context, it’s worth the upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Price

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S22+ and the S22 Ultra, price is one of the major differences between the two. The Samsung Galaxy S22+ starts at $999, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra starts at $1,199. These days, you can find all the S22 versions cheaper, though.

The Samsung Galaxy S22+’s price has gone down to $899 in some cases. Plus, you can now find used phones that allow you access the top-tier Galaxy smartphones at a lower price.

It’s worth noting that there are some notable differences in features that do justify the varying prices. The Samsung Galaxy S22+ has a 6.6-inch display and triple rear cameras, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display and quad rear cameras. 

Ultimately, whether or not the additional features and slightly higher price of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are worth it will depend on individual needs and preferences.

Aside from the price difference between the two phones, how does the price of the S22 Ultra compare to other similar smartphones on the market? For example, how does the price of the S22 Ultra compare to the new iPhone 14 Pro Max?

The iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at around the same price. The cheapest version is $1,099 for 128 GB of storage. Both devices have impressive specifications and features, but some key differences exist.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a larger screen size at 6.8 inches compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 6.7-inch screen. The Galaxy also boasts a higher resolution quad-camera system, while the iPhone offers a triple camera setup with an improved Night mode feature. 

Why You Need a Samsung Galaxy S22+

Are you looking for a reliable and functional phone that won't break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy S22+ may be the perfect fit. It has all the essentials, including a high-performance processor, storage space, and a top-notch camera. 

Plus, it's slightly more affordable than the S22 Ultra. If you're not interested in fancy extras like foldable screens or extra sensors, the S22+ is an excellent option. It offers everything you need at a fraction of the price of other Samsung phones. Who is this phone best for? It’s great if you want a screen larger than the S22 but not too large for it to be difficult to handle. It’s also perfect for users interested in a high-quality camera but don’t require professional-quality zoom functions.

Overall, this phone is great for those who want to improve their mobile photography game or enjoy streaming content on the go without breaking their budget.

Why You Need a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

If you’re tech-savvy and want the latest and greatest smartphone on the market, then the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra might be the best option.

Not only does it have an improved camera with 108MP and 10x optical zoom, but it also has a larger screen size at 6.8 inches compared to the S22+'s 6.6 inches. 

Plus, it comes with more storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, allowing you to store all your favorite apps, documents, and photos without running out of space. This is important if you’re planning on harnessing the power of the S22 Ultra camera system.

Remember, with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, you can enjoy a 108MP main lens, 40 MP front camera, and 100x Space Zoom for crystal clear shots from afar. Overall, this phone is the clear winner. The added features aren’t essential for all users.

The slight price increase might be worth it for this phone if you are a:

• • Amateur photographer
• • Gamer
• • Tech-savvy smartphone lover

If you only have the budget for a phone that costs less than $1,000, then the Galaxy S22+ is still amazing, top-of-the-line phone as well.

What to Know About Samsung Galaxy S22 Phone Cases

Is there anything special you need to know about Samsung Galaxy S22 phone cases? Nothing except that you've got plenty of options to choose from. This is the case (pun intended) for all phone versions, including the S22+ and the S22 Ultra. 

However, it's worth noting that you'll want to check to ensure you're buying the right case for your phone. Because each version of the S22 comes with slightly different screen sizes, the S22 cases only fit their respective phone. This means that a phone case for a Galaxy S22+ won't fit an S22 Ultra phone.

Other than that, what are your choices? What should you consider when browsing online for a Galaxy S22 phone case?

When it comes to protecting your Galaxy S22 phone, consider the material. Do you want a hard, durable plastic case or a soft, flexible silicone case? Next, think about the design. Would you prefer a clear case that shows off the design of your phone, or a patterned case with its unique look?

Finally, consider any extra features. For example, does it offer extra grip for handling and improved drop protection? Take all 

these factors into account before picking out the perfect Galaxy S22 phone case. To provide you with some context, here are two examples of our standout S22 cases customers know and love.

UB Pro

Providing ultimate protection, the UB Pro phone case for your S22+ or S22 Ultra offers 360° casing to keep your phone safe against drops, bumps, and impact. It's made of high-quality polycarbonate and includes a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing. Available in a range of colors and sizes, the UB Pro is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable phone protection case.

UB Edge

The UB Edge phone case is a unique and innovative design, combining both convenience and protection. This is a better option for Galaxy users interested in high-quality protection but less bulky coverage. Regardless, the case offers shock absorption and durable defense against drops and scratches. The UB Edge is lightweight, thin, and compatible with wireless charging.

Get a Samsung Galaxy S22+ Case

When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra debate, one thing is for sure. Regardless of which phone you choose, you need to ensure you protect it properly. After all, with such a powerful processing chip, camera system, and battery life, why wouldn't you want to protect your investment?

At SUPCASE, we offer a variety of scratch-resistant, military-grade cases that have, in some cases, won CNET’s Annual Drop Test with the highest total feet. Ready to start browsing to find your perfect case? Click here to check out all of our Samsung Galaxy S22+ cases.