1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm | S22+ is more compact and thinner, easier to handle and pocket. S21 Ultra is larger, may feel more cumbersome. |
| Weight | 227g | 195g | S22+ is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. S21 Ultra feels noticeably heavier in hand. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer excellent scratch protection. The "plus" variant on the S22+ likely offers a slight increase in durability, though both are robust. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. S22+ has a slightly smaller screen, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, resulting in finer details and crisper text. S22+ is still sharp, but not as much so as the S21 Ultra. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 393 ppi | S21 Ultra’s higher pixel density makes it a lot sharper, resulting in more detailed images and smoother text. S22+ looks good but not as crisp as the S21 Ultra. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and excellent contrast. No practical difference here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. No practical difference here. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ is noticeably brighter, which will be beneficial for viewing in direct sunlight. S21 Ultra is still bright, but not as effective outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22+ features a newer, more efficient processor, leading to improved speed and power management. S21 Ultra is still powerful but slightly behind in performance and efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 890,774 | S22+ scores significantly higher in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother gaming. S21 Ultra is still very capable, but not as fast as the S22+. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 920 | S22+ has a newer GPU, which offers improvements in graphics performance. S21 Ultra’s GPU is older and will perform worse in graphics intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S21 Ultra captures more detail due to the higher megapixel count. S22+ has slightly better low-light performance due to larger pixels. |
| Telephoto (3x/10x) | 10.8MP (3x), 10.8MP (10x) | 10MP (3x) | S21 Ultra offers greater zoom versatility with two telephoto lenses. S22+ offers a more basic telephoto option. |
| Ultra-Wide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm (with macro) | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.4µm | Both are capable, but the S21 Ultra includes macro capabilities within its ultrawide, which is not present on the S22+. S22+ has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | S21 Ultra has much higher resolution for selfies. S22+ uses larger pixels for better low light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Both offer similar high-quality video capabilities. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | 125 (Photo: 122, Video: 124) | The S22+ has an overall better camera according to DxOMark, particularly in video performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not tested | The S21 Ultra has a tested high-quality front facing camera. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Night Mode | Triple camera, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra is more versatile with a more complex camera system. S22+ is simpler but has "Ultra stable video". |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery, resulting in longer battery life. S22+ may require charging more often, especially with heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S22+ charges much faster, reducing charging times. S21 Ultra charges slower. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W | Wireless 15W, Reverse 4.5W, Bypass Charging | Both have similar wireless charging. The S21 Ultra offers faster reverse charging. The S22+ has the option for "Bypass charging" which bypasses the battery while plugged in to reduce battery wear. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 12 (up to 16) | S22+ has a newer software version and will receive an additional update. |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers a 512GB storage option for users who need maximum space. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM, which is ideal for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers enhanced audio quality and features for a more immersive experience. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S22+ offers eSIM support which can be more convenient for switching carriers. S21 Ultra does not have eSIM. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The S21 Ultra has a larger 6.8" display with higher 1440x3200 resolution and 515 ppi, resulting in a more detailed, immersive viewing experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: It features a more complex camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens with up to 10x optical zoom and macro capabilities within the ultrawide lens, allowing more creative freedom.
- More Storage: Up to 512GB storage option available.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM available
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life.
Superior Audio Features: Offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a noise cancelling microphone.
Practical Implications: Users who consume a lot of media, need a powerful zoom camera, need more storage, need more RAM, and need better audio will prefer the S21 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Newer, More Efficient Processor: The Exynos 2200 (4nm) chipset provides better performance and power efficiency compared to the S21 Ultra's Exynos 2100.
- Brighter Display: The 1750 nits brightness of the S22+ display is noticeably better for outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging reduces the time needed to recharge the phone.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: The S22+ is more comfortable for extended use and easier to pocket.
- Better Main Camera Performance: Slightly better low-light performance due to the main camera's larger pixels.
- Overall Better Camera: Higher scores in video and overall in the DxOMark tests for mobile camera.
eSIM support: Has an eSIM option for digital carrier switching
Practical Implications: Users who value speed, compact design, great outdoor visibility, and fast charging will prefer the S22+. The S22+ also has a slightly better overall camera.
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: Larger and heavier design, slightly slower processor, slower charging, not as bright of a display.
- S22+: Smaller display, lower display resolution, less zoom flexibility, less battery capacity, less RAM, and less built in storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal User: Media enthusiasts, photographers, power users who prioritize screen quality, zoom capabilities, large storage, and high RAM capacity.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a large, detailed screen.
- Capturing photos and videos with a versatile zoom lens.
- Playing demanding games or multitasking heavily.
- Need for maximum onboard storage.
- Need for high-quality audio experience.
- Price-to-Value: It will likely be available at lower price point, so offers great value for the feature set.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
- Ideal User: Everyday users, professionals, those who value speed, compact design, and better outdoor visibility with an improved camera experience.
- Use Cases:
- Fast and efficient everyday tasks.
- Taking photos and videos in varying lighting conditions, and those who want a great camera and video experience.
- Enjoying content outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Users who like the convenience of an eSIM
- Users who need their phone to charge faster.
- Price-to-Value: Newer model, likely to be more expensive, but offers improvements in key areas like processor and display brightness.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Do you value a bigger and sharper display, or a more compact and brighter phone?
- Do you require maximum zoom capability and maximum storage, or prioritize the latest hardware and overall better camera/video experience?
- Is fast charging a necessity for your daily life, or is longer battery life more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption & Photography Focus
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The larger, sharper display and more versatile zoom camera make it ideal.
- Scenario 2: Speed and Everyday Use Focus
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. The faster processor, brighter display, and faster charging will result in better day-to-day usability.
- Scenario 3: Balancing Features and Value
- Recommendation: Consider both, but lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if you can find it at a lower price point and value a more versatile camera system.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. Here's why:
Balance of Performance and Practicality: The S22+ offers a newer processor (Exynos 2200) which means more efficient and faster overall performance in everyday tasks. While the S21 Ultra offers slightly more raw power in terms of RAM, the S22+'s chip ensures that all apps and features run smoothly. This provides a better all-around user experience.
Improved Display Brightness: The 1750 nits brightness of the S22+ is a key factor for me. I often use my phone outdoors, and the increased visibility makes a significant difference. While the S21 Ultra has a great screen, the lower brightness is a big enough disadvantage.
Faster Charging: I value the convenience of faster charging (45W vs. 25W). It allows me to quickly top up the battery during the day and provides more flexibility in usage. The S21 Ultra's longer battery life is good, but the time I will save charging the S22+ is more valuable.
More Compact and Lighter: The S22+'s lighter and more compact design is better for day-to-day use. I carry my phone around all the time and value the more pocketable form factor.
Superior Camera Performance: The DxOMark scores indicate the S22+ has a slightly better camera, especially for video, which is important for me. Although the S21 Ultra's zoom is more flexible, the S22+’s improvements to image quality in other areas are better overall.
eSIM: The addition of eSIM is also a very good feature.
While the S21 Ultra has a more impressive screen on paper (resolution and size), and more zoom versatility, the daily user experience with the S22+ is likely to be better overall. The improvements in display brightness, processor speed, charging speed, camera performance, and ergonomics will likely translate into more practical benefits.
