Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Vs. S22 Ultra: Is This Year's Flagship Worth The Upgrade?

When it comes to the Samsung S series, the battle between the generations never ceases to captivate tech enthusiasts. This time, we dive into the fascinating realm of S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra, pitting these two formidable contenders against each other.

As we explore the latest advancements in Samsung's flagship lineup, we unravel the question on everyone's mind: has the Galaxy S23 Ultra raised the bar to dethrone its predecessor and reigned supreme in the realm of best Android phones?

With each iteration, Samsung pushes the boundaries of innovation, and the unveiling of the S23 Ultra in the Samsung Unpacked Event 2023 promises to be a testament to that pursuit. Boasting cutting-edge features, including a groundbreaking 200-megapixel primary shooter and an enhanced 12MP front camera, it entices mobile photography enthusiasts to capture moments like never before.

Furthermore, the S23 Ultra showcases a lightning-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, available globally, unlike the alternate Exynos chip in past generations.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Specs

Samsung S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: Pricing Comparison

The Galaxy S22 Ultra, with 128GB of storage and 8GB RAM, can be yours for the retail price of A$1799. Similarly, the Galaxy S23 Ultra price, with 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM, starts at A$1949 on Samsung's website.

But if you're looking for a great deal on these Samsung flagships, Phonebot offers massive discounts on the Refurbished Samsung S22 Ultra and Refurbished Samsung S23 Ultra models.

For instance, the Samsung S22 Ultra's price, featuring 128GB of storage, starts from just A$819 through Phonebot. Likewise, the Refurbished Samsung S23 Ultra, also with 128GB of storage, starts at A$1379, providing Australian buyers with substantial savings on refurbished Samsung phones compared to the retail price of A$1649.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra: Design And Display

When it comes to appearances, the S23 Ultra takes a page from its predecessor's book, sporting a similar look. However, keen eyes will spot a few notable differences.

One striking change is the slightly larger camera array on the back, thanks to the inclusion of an impressive 200MP camera. But fear not, it's not obnoxiously huge; instead, it blends seamlessly into the phone's overall design.

Next, the S23 Ultra features a display with a more gentle curve, providing a more natural and comfortable experience when using the S Pen. No more awkward angles or cramped hands as you approach the phone's edges.

Samsung has beefed up the S23 Ultra's protection game with the introduction of Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This fancy glass is found on the display and the rear of the phone. This upgrade should give you peace of mind if you're prone to accidental drops or scratches.

The S23 Ultra measures a tad narrower but is slightly heavier than its predecessor. It clocks in at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm and weighs 234g, while the S22 Ultra stands at 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm and weighs 229g.

When it comes to colours, the S23 Ultra entices with Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender, while the S22 Ultra offers Phantom Black, Phantom White, Burgundy, and Green.

Regarding displays, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra have quite a lot in common. Both phones boast a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with QuadHD+ resolution that offers crisp details and vibrant colours.

With an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz, both the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra adapt to the content you're viewing, making everything look fluid and lag-free.

Both phones' screens can reach a maximum brightness of 1,750 nits, ensuring good visibility even under bright sunlight.

Difference Between S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra: Durability and Rating

Regarding durability, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are designed to withstand the rigours of daily use.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra takes advantage of the latest Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, starting with the front and back protection. This cutting-edge glass technology offers enhanced resistance to scratches and drops over the S22 Ultra's Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus+.

Both the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra are IP68 rated, meaning they are dust and water-resistant. With an IP68 rating, both phones can withstand submerging water up to 1.5 metres deep for 30 minutes.

In terms of the overall build, both the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra feature an armour aluminium frame. This frame provides a solid and sturdy feel and offers improved drop resistance.

So, in the Samsung S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra comparison, you can expect similar durability with both devices featuring protective glass, IP68 dust, water resistance, and an armour aluminium frame.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: Cameras

The Galaxy S23 Ultra takes a substantial leap forward in the camera department compared to its predecessor, the S22 Ultra. Samsung has introduced a new 200MP sensor powered by their Isocell HP2 image sensor, making it a noteworthy upgrade over the already impressive 108MP sensor found in the S22 Ultra.

This enhancement positions the S23 Ultra as one of the best Android camera phones available, with the potential to capture stunningly detailed and high-resolution images.

While the primary sensor steals the spotlight, the rest of the camera setup remains similar between the two models. The S23 Ultra retains a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x zoom, and a 10MP periscope lens capable of an impressive 10x zoom.

However, Samsung has made an exciting change by replacing the S22 Ultra's 40 MP selfie camera with a 12MP unit. Despite this adjustment, the S23 Ultra promises to deliver exceptional camera performance.

Main Cameras:

We witness a few improvements when comparing the primary cameras of the Samsung S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra.

Both phones deliver commendable image quality in ideal lighting conditions, capturing stunning details that can genuinely bring moments to life. However, the S23 Ultra captures more intricate and nuanced details in the resolution realm.

The S23 Ultra's 200MP sensor occasionally produces images with a touch of graininess, indicating that Samsung still has room for refinement in this area. However, what truly sets the S23 Ultra apart is its impressive focus optimization, which kicks into action swiftly, ensuring that your subjects are captured with high clarity.

Ultrawide Cameras:

In daylight, the S23 Ultra's ultrawide camera showcases its prowess by capturing sharper photos compared to its S22 Ultra counterpart.

While the differences may not be overly dramatic, the edges in ultrawide images from the S23 Ultra exhibit less blurriness, resulting in a crisper and more defined look.

However, the disparities become more pronounced when it comes to low-light environments. In such conditions, the S23 Ultra's ultrawide lens outshines its predecessor by delivering superior image quality.

The S23 Ultra also excels in capturing true-to-life colours, accurately representing the atmosphere and ambiance of a scene.

Whether you're capturing a dimly lit cityscape or a cosy evening gathering, the S23 Ultra's ultrawide lens ensures that the essence of the moment is faithfully preserved, making it one of the best mobile cameras in Australia.

Selfie cameras:

While the S23 Ultra features a lower megapixel count with its 12MP sensor, it outperforms its 40MP predecessor in terms of image quality.

Selfies taken with the S23 Ultra exhibit improved sharpness and detail compared to the S22 Ultra. Notably, the S23 Ultra produces selfies with less blurriness and enhanced overall clarity, showcasing finer textures and details.

For instance, in the given selfie the S22 Ultra tends to apply more smoothing effects to beard and skin textures, resulting in a slightly smoother appearance. On the other hand, the S23 Ultra captures selfies with a more natural and true-to-life representation, preserving the authentic textures and characteristics of the subject.

S22 Ultra:

[Source: Notebookcheck]

S23 Ultra:

[Source: Notebookcheck]

Low Light Performance

The low light performance of the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra is enhanced by a remarkable feature called Night Solution in portrait mode.

Through advanced multi-frame processing and the Image Signal Processing (ISP) algorithm, these phones capture multiple images, select the best ones, and intelligently enhance specific spots with more light and detail.

As a result, the low-light photos appear brighter and boast sharper details. Unlike simply brightening the entire picture, the software's targeted optimization ensures that important elements are enhanced, resulting in impressive low-light images on both the S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra.

To compare the low-light performance of Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra, look at the low-light images below.

S22 Ultra

[Source: Android Authority]

S23 Ultra

[Source: Android Authority]

Night Portrait 

In Night portraits, the S22 Ultra captures brighter images with realistic hues; in comparison, the S23 Ultra brings out sharper details with slightly saturated colours and a darker exposure.

Both phones are equipped with night mode, and the S22 Ultra delivers a notably brighter shot but with some loss of detail due to noise reduction. On close inspection, the S23 Ultra reveals more intricate details.

Ultimately, the S22 Ultra's brightness works in its favour when considering the overall scene, while the S23 Ultra excels in capturing finer details in low light conditions.

Night Video

On S22 Ultra, the low-light videos shot in 8K appear as good as 4K, but it occupies a large chunk of space. On the other hand, switching to 4K in low light gives equally impressive video quality and saves on space.

The low-light video quality captured by the main and the ultrawide cameras of the S22 delivers exceptional detail and an impressive dynamic range.

The shadows are skillfully boosted, while highlights and light sources are well-controlled, resulting in a visually pleasing outcome. Additionally, the level of noise is impressively minimal.

Overall, the S22 Ultra's 3x telephoto camera delivers commendable video quality in low-light conditions.

The low-light video capabilities of the S23 Ultra are also impressive across its camera lineup.

The primary camera excels with its wide dynamic range, preserving highlight details without excessive haloing and handling shadows with minimal noise. The colours remain vibrant and true to life even in low-light conditions.

Surprisingly, the ultrawide camera, which may shine less during the day, delivers above-average results at night, maintaining good detail and overall quality.

However, the telephoto cameras struggle a bit in darker environments, producing slightly noisy videos, but they're still usable.

Astro Hyperlapse

One notable difference between the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra is the inclusion of the Astro Hyperlapse feature.

This feature, available only on the S23 Ultra, allows you to capture breathtaking time-lapse videos of the night sky, showcasing star trails and celestial objects.

To use this feature, the S23 Ultra utilises its advanced 200MP ISOCELL HP2 image sensor and the ExpertRAW app.

With customizable recording options and an AR sky guide, you can easily target specific elements in the night sky.

Improved Stabilisation

The primary camera and the ultrawide on the S23 Ultra offer excellent electronic stabilisation. Walking shake is smoothed well, hand holding the phone and pointing it in one direction makes for nearly flawless steadiness, and pans don't introduce any unwanted abrupt movements.

Both teles show an improvement in stabilisation, and where the S22 Ultra had some residual fine shake in its zoomed-in clips, the S23 Ultra minimises that to just a gentle floatiness.

8K Video

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has an improved capability to capture 8K videos at 30 frames per second, a notable enhancement over the Galaxy S22 Ultra's 8K@24fps recording limit.

The increased frame rate significantly elevates the 8K video quality, but it's just one of the many valuable advancements distinguishing the S23 from its 2022 counterparts.

Expert RAW

Expert RAW enables users to capture images in RAW format, providing room for extensive post-processing to unlock the full potential of the photographs.

With access to essential camera settings like Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture, and White Balance, as well as advanced features like Auto Focus and Auto Exposure Lock, photographers can fine-tune their shots precisely.

Both phones can download the Expert RAW app through the stock camera app or Samsung Galaxy Store, but a few features are unavailable in the S22 Ultra's Expert RAW app.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the Expert RAW experience to the next level, offering a 50MP shooting mode compared to the S22 Ultra's 12MP. It also excels further by offering 360-degree audio recording for an immersive audiovisual experience.

This enhancement will attract photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum control and flexibility in their shots.

Both Ultras offer "special shooting techniques" such as Astrophoto and Multiple Exposure when using Expert RAW.

Multi Exposure

The Multi Exposure feature on the Galaxy S23 Ultra combines multiple exposures into a single captivating image.

Users can experiment with combinations to achieve unique and abstract results with options for Manual or Continuous shutter and four blending modes (Additive, Average, Bright, and Dark).

The feature supports capturing two to nine exposure shots, enabling photographers to express their thoughts and emotions more imaginatively and artistically.

Astrophoto

The astrophotography mode on the Galaxy S22 takes you on a cosmic journey. It carries out a six-step process, from searching the celestial realm to composing the perfect shot, adjusting camera settings, and capturing a series of meticulously timed images.

The mode even offers an AR guide to help you navigate the constellations in real time. However, Samsung highly stresses the need for a tripod stand to work with this mode.

[Source: Samsung.com]

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra camera: Zoom comparison

The telephoto camera hardware on both phones is identical, featuring a 10MP 3x telephoto camera and a 10MP 10x periscope shooter, equipped with the same Sony IMX754 sensor.

When it comes to zoom capabilities, there is very little discernible difference between the two Galaxy models. The S22 Ultra model even holds a slight advantage in this regard.

However, at higher zoom levels, such as 30x and 100x, the Galaxy S23 Ultra exhibits slightly improved image processing compared to its predecessor.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Performance

There are notable differences and commonalities when comparing the chips inside the S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra. The S23 Ultra takes the lead by introducing the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, which promises more clock speed and the fastest graphics performance available on the phone. This means smoother gaming experiences and snappier overall performance.

In contrast, the S22 Ultra relied on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which performed decently but had some thermal issues.

Samsung boasts a 40% boost in graphics and AI performance with the S23 Ultra with the new chip. The S23 Ultra also features a larger vapour cooling chamber to ensure sustained performance.

Both phones offer a choice of 8GB or 12GB of RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking, and both can be equipped with up to a whopping 1TB of storage.

However, the S23 Ultra sets itself apart by removing the 128GB storage option and starting with 256 GB.

Samsung S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: Software

The S23 Ultra comes with Android 13 pre-installed, while the S22 Ultra comes with Android 12, but you can easily upgrade it to the latest Android version. Both phones can access Samsung's One UI 5.1 out of the box.

Android 13 brings an updated media player, allowing for a seamless and customizable bedtime mode to help your eyes adjust before sleep. Additionally, spatial audio support enhances the headphone listening experience.

Samsung's One UI 5.1 software, available on both devices, also brings noteworthy upgrades. One UI 5.1 introduces Bixby Text call, enabling users to respond to incoming calls with a text message. Bixby can answer the call on your behalf, and then you can dictate your response.

Furthermore, the software update introduces a Routines option, which triggers a sequence of actions on your device, streamlining your daily tasks. Another handy feature is the ability to co-edit Samsung Notes while on a Google Meet call.

Both Samsung phones promise four years of Android OS and five years of security updates. But since S22 Ultra is a year older, sticking to S23 will cover you with software and security updates for an extra year. For instance, S23 Ultra is expected to receive upgrades until Android 17, whereas S22 Ultra's upgrades will likely stop at Android 16.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Processor

The Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra processor comparison reveals notable differences.

The S22 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) chip, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration consisting of a 3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 core, three 2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 cores, and four 1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. The Adreno 730 GPU accompanies it.

On the other hand, the S23 Ultra steps up its game with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) processor. This enhanced chip features an octa-core CPU configuration, including a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.36 GHz, two 2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 cores, two 2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 cores, and three 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 cores.

This means the S23 Ultra's processor is designed to deliver faster performance than its predecessor. The S23 Ultra also incorporates the Adreno 740 GPU to complement the improved CPU, offering enhanced graphics capabilities.

The higher clock speeds across the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 cores improve overall performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the S22 Ultra.

Samsung S23 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra: Battery And Charging

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra offer identical battery and charging features. Both phones come equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which can be charged wirelessly at 15W and through wired charging at up to 45W using PD3.0 fast charging standard. Additionally, they both support reverse wireless charging at a rate of 4.5W.

However, despite the identical specifications, the real-world charging experience differs between the two models. The S22 Ultra faced thermal issues during charging, which prevented it from maintaining the maximum 45W charging speed for extended periods.

In contrast, the S23 Ultra has improved its cooling system, enabling it to sustain its peak charging speeds for longer durations.

Thus, it stands out as one of the top choices for users seeking fast-charging phones.

Furthermore, Samsung claims that the S23 Ultra's processor, memory, and storage enhancements improve energy efficiency, resulting in better overall battery performance.

Samsung asserts that the S23 Ultra's battery is 20% more efficient than the S22 Ultra. This increased efficiency adds to the S23 Ultra's appeal as one of the best battery life phones on the market.

Notably, the S23 Ultra has a higher battery capacity than the rest of the S23 models. Check out our Samsung S23 vs. Plus vs. Ultra guide for more S23 series differences.

Samsung S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Pros & Cons

Both phones offer specs that are on par with one another. However, the S23 Ultra brings upgraded features and improves overall performance.

Here's how the pros and cons weigh for the Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra faceoff.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: For

• Excellent battery life, faster charging without heating up
• unmatched zooming capability
• a whopping 200MP camera
• powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
• 50MP mode in Expert RAW
• vapour cooling chamber
• software and security updates for an extra year

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Against

• only slight upgrades over S22 Ultra, Very similar

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: For

• bright display
• better performance in low-light photos
• slightly better 3x and 10x zoom results

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Against

• Poor battery life compared to the S23 Ultra
• heats up during fast charging
• selfie camera applies too much smoothing
• less intricate camera results compared to S23 Ultra

FAQs

Explore our FAQs section below for answers to common queries.

Can S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra shoot underwater?

The IP68 rating makes both phones water resistant up to 1.5m under the water for 30 minutes. However, this doesn't make the phones waterproof. This protection only covers accidental situations; you should refrain from repeatedly using them underwater.

Does the Samsung S23 Ultra have an SD card slot?

No, it has no SD card slot to expand the storage. The same is the case with the S22 Ultra.

Is the S23 Ultra dual SIM in Australia?

Yes, it is dual SIM compatible.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra: Which Phone Should You Buy?

As we saw, the S22 Ultra doesn't do much better than the S23 Ultra for us to prefer the predecessor over the current flagship. The S23 Ultra does bring some desirable new features and improvements that S22 Ultra lacked.

The upgraded Qualcomm chip is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra. Next in line is the massive jump from 108MP to 200MP. The S23 Ultra also has better battery life and faster charging as it tackles heating better than S22 Ultra. Other peripheral improvements, such as 8K video recording at 30fps and 50MP shoots in Expert RAW, may not be necessary for everyone.

If the lack of these upgrades concerns you, you should go for the S23 Ultra because you'll receive software and security updates even after the S22 Ultra has stopped getting them.

If the question "Is it worth upgrading from S22 Ultra to S23 Ultra" is bothering you after knowing the features of the S23 Ultra, then you should read our guide on whether to upgrade to a brand new phone every year.

But if the new specs of the S23 Ultra tempt you to upgrade, you should look for deals at cheaper rates. Looking for a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra would be a wiser move, not just because it's a cheaper option but also because they're seemingly new and have been slightly used only.

Another thing to do if you want to upgrade to a better phone is to wait for the upcoming phones for this year to release. For instance, wait for the iPhone 15 to see if it brings enough upgrades to consider upgrading to it, and if you want to switch to iPhone, be sure to check our guide on moving from Android to IOS.