The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a device that blurs the line between smartphone and productivity powerhouse. It’s not just an evolution of the Galaxy S series but also a spiritual successor to the Note lineup, complete with the iconic S Pen. From its striking design to its powerhouse performance, the S22 Ultra is built to impress, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Build

The moment you hold the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it’s clear that Samsung has prioritized premium craftsmanship. The phone features a sleek, industrial design with a matte glass back and a polished metal frame. Unlike the standard S22 models, the Ultra variant adopts a more angular, Note-like silhouette, which gives it a distinct identity. The device feels substantial in hand, weighing 228 grams, but the weight distribution is well-balanced, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance, a must-have for a flagship in this price range.

Display

Samsung’s prowess in display technology is on full display here—literally. The S22 Ultra boasts a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels. The panel supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and responsiveness. What’s truly impressive is the brightness—peaking at 1750 nits, it remains perfectly legible even under direct sunlight. The curved edges are subtle, reducing accidental touches while maintaining an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming HDR content or sketching with the S Pen, the display is nothing short of stunning.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Samsung’s Exynos 2200, depending on the region. Both chipsets deliver flagship-level performance, handling everything from multitasking to graphically intensive gaming with ease. The phone comes with up to 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to a whopping 1TB. Real-world usage is seamless, with apps launching instantly and no noticeable lag even when pushing the device to its limits. The vapor chamber cooling system does a decent job of managing thermals, though prolonged gaming sessions can still warm up the chassis.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the S22 Ultra’s versatile quad-camera setup. The headline act is the 108MP primary sensor, which captures incredibly detailed shots with excellent dynamic range. The 12MP ultrawide lens is perfect for expansive landscapes, while the dual 10MP telephoto lenses (one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x) offer unmatched versatility for zoom shots. Samsung’s software enhancements, like improved night mode and AI-based scene optimization, further elevate the photography experience. The 40MP front-facing camera delivers sharp selfies, though it’s not quite as groundbreaking as the rear setup.

S Pen Integration

One of the standout features of the S22 Ultra is the built-in S Pen, a first for the Galaxy S series. The stylus slots neatly into the bottom of the phone, just like on the Note devices. Latency has been reduced to an imperceptible 2.8ms, making writing and drawing feel incredibly natural. Whether you’re jotting down quick notes or editing photos with precision, the S Pen adds a layer of functionality that sets this phone apart from its competitors. The included software features, like Screen-off Memo and Air Actions, further enhance productivity.

Battery Life

With a 5,000mAh battery, the S22 Ultra offers solid endurance, though it’s not quite class-leading. On moderate usage, the phone easily lasts a full day, but heavy users might need to top up before bedtime. The 45W fast charging is decent, though it’s disappointing that Samsung hasn’t matched the faster charging speeds offered by some rivals. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are included, adding convenience for those invested in the ecosystem.

Software and Ecosystem

The phone runs on One UI 4.1 atop Android 12, offering a clean and intuitive interface. Samsung’s software has come a long way, with thoughtful features like DeX mode for desktop-like productivity and robust customization options. The ecosystem integration with other Samsung devices, like Galaxy Buds and Watches, is seamless, making it a great choice for existing Samsung users. However, the bloatware and duplicate apps (Samsung’s app store alongside Google Play, for instance) can be annoying.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a no-compromise flagship that excels in almost every area. Its stunning display, powerhouse performance, and versatile camera system make it one of the best smartphones on the market. The inclusion of the S Pen adds a unique productivity edge, though it might not appeal to everyone. Battery life and charging speeds could be better, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional package. If you’re looking for the ultimate Android experience and don’t mind the premium price tag, the S22 Ultra is hard to beat.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3088 x 1440, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 (region-dependent)

RAM/Storage: 8GB/12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB storage (no microSD)

Rear Cameras: 108MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP 10x telephoto

Front Camera: 40MP

Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless

OS: One UI 4.1 (Android 12)

Other Features: S Pen support, IP68 rating, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers