Alright, let’s talk about Samsung’s Ultra series—because if you’re dropping serious cash on a phone, you better know what you’re getting. I’ve spent way too much time analyzing and researching the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the S22 Ultra, and trust me, I have thoughts. Are the upgrades from the S22 Ultra worth it? Or is Samsung just slapping a new name on last year’s phone and calling it a day? Let’s break it all down.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S22 Ultra: The Verdict
If you’re impatient and just want the TL;DR, here’s the breakdown:
Best Camera: S23 Ultra – The 200MP sensor does capture more detail, but in most cases, the difference isn’t groundbreaking. If you love zoom shots and night photography, the S23 Ultra gives you a slight edge.
Best Battery Life: S23 Ultra – This is where the new chip actually makes a difference. The efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 means longer screen time and less worrying about your charger.
Best Performance: S23 Ultra – That upgraded chipset is no joke. Whether it’s gaming, multitasking, or just everyday use, the S23 Ultra feels snappier and runs cooler.
Best Value for Money: S22 Ultra – With price cuts and discounts, this phone gives you 90% of the S23 Ultra’s experience for a lot less money.
Overall Winner: It depends on your priorities, but if you’re coming from an older phone and want the best Samsung has to offer, the S23 Ultra is the way to go. But if you already own an S22 Ultra, don’t waste your money—the upgrade isn’t significant.
Keep reading to find the most important details.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S22 Ultra: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Release Date | February 25, 2022 | February 17, 2023 |
| Price | $1,199 | $1,199 |
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Resolution | 3088 x 1440 px | 3088 x 1440 px |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1750 nits | 1750 nits |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM Options | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.8) | 200MP (f/1.7) |
| Telephoto Cameras | Two: 10MP (3x), 10MP (10x) | Two: 10MP (3x), 10MP (10x) |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) |
| Front Camera | 40MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | Wired: 45W, Wireless: 15W | Wired: 45W, Wireless: 15W |
| Weight | 228 g (8.04 oz) | 234 g (8.25 oz) |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Build Material | Glass (Gorilla Glass Victus), Aluminum frame | Glass (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), Aluminum frame |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| S Pen Support | Yes | Yes |
Design & Build
At first glance, these two phones look practically identical. Same squared-off edges, same massive slab of glass, same ‘I mean business’ aesthetic. But hold up—Samsung did tweak the S23 Ultra’s design slightly, making the corners less sharp and the grip a little more comfortable. Is it a game-changer? No. But my pinky finger appreciates the effort.
Winner: Tie (unless you have sensitive hands, then S23 Ultra wins)
Display
Both phones have a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. They’re gorgeous, as expected, but the S23 Ultra gets an edge with better brightness and slightly improved durability thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Still, unless you’re staring at your screen side by side with both models, you won’t really notice a difference.
Winner: Tie (unless you drop your phone a lot, then S23 Ultra)
Performance & Speed
The S23 Ultra flexes its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, and let me tell you—it’s noticeably faster. The S22 Ultra was no slouch, but I experienced some occasional thermal throttling. The S23 Ultra, on the other hand, stays cool even when gaming or multitasking like a maniac.
Winner: S23 Ultra (finally, a real upgrade!)
Camera System
Alright, Samsung hyped the S23 Ultra’s 200MP main camera like it’s the second coming of smartphone photography. And yeah, the details are insane when you pixel-peep, but in real life? It’s marginally better than the 108MP shooter on the S22 Ultra. Low-light shots? Yes, the S23 Ultra is better, but it’s not night-and-day different.
Winner: S23 Ultra (but don’t expect a revolution)
Battery Life & Charging
Here’s where I actually felt an improvement. The S23 Ultra, despite having the same 5,000mAh battery, lasts longer—thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The S22 Ultra drains faster, especially if you push it hard. Charging speeds? No change. Still 45W wired and 15W wireless.
Winner: S23 Ultra (finally, some real-world gains!)
S Pen & Software
No changes here—the S Pen remains fantastic, and both phones run One UI 5.1 (with the S22 Ultra getting it via an update). If you’re an S Pen addict like me, you’ll be happy either way.
Winner: Tie
Price & Value
If you’re buying a new phone today, the S23 Ultra will cost you a premium. Meanwhile, the S22 Ultra has seen some killer discounts, making it an excellent deal. If you already own an S22 Ultra, upgrading isn’t worth it unless you need that extra battery life and processing power.
Winner: S22 Ultra (if you’re budget-conscious, this is the move)
Top 3 Accessories for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S22 Ultra
Your Ultra phone deserves Ultra accessories. Here’s what I recommend:
Present: The Modern Smartphone Docking Station
Present Docking Station is the ultimate blend of style and functionality. It serves as more than just a charging dock; it transforms your smartphone into a multitasking powerhouse. With its sleek design, it keeps your device at the perfect angle for video calls, productivity tasks, or streaming.
Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Pair your phone with top-tier earbuds for an immersive audio experience. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is perfect for Samsung users, offering excellent sound quality, seamless pairing, and active noise cancellation.
3. S Pen Pro
While both devices support the S Pen, the S Pen Pro elevates the experience with added precision and functionality: The S Pen Pro connects to both the Fold 6 and S24 Ultra without needing to re-pair when switching devices.
It is slightly larger than the standard S Pen, it’s more ergonomic for prolonged use, especially when navigating the Fold’s expansive inner display.
Conclusion
So, which one should you buy? If you have the S22 Ultra already, you’re fine sticking with it—unless you’re desperate for better battery life and a slightly faster processor. But if you’re coming from an older phone and want the best Samsung has to offer? The S23 Ultra is the way to go.
Either way, both are absolute beasts—just don’t let Samsung’s marketing fool you into thinking the S23 Ultra is leaps and bounds better. It’s more of a refinement than a revolution.
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
