Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
512 GB, Burgundy, 6.80", Dual SIM, 108 Mpx, 5G
Samsung Galaxy S22: Three new phones in two designs
9.2.2022
Translation: machine translated
Support: Stephanie Tresch
Cutter: Stephanie Tresch
Video: Dominik Bärlocher
The Samsung phones of the year are here. The S22 Ultra has a new S Pen, and the smaller models come in a nice design.
The Samsung Galaxy Note is dead. Long live the Samsung Galaxy Note. Elsewhere, that's just a phrase, but Samsung has made it its program from now on. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra comes with a built-in S Pen. That is not surprising, since the screens have become bigger and bigger over the years and there is no difference between the two models in terms of form factor.
That's why Samsung wants you to know: The stylus has migrated to the S series. But that is by no means the end of the story. The hardware specs of the phone lead us to expect a lot. I had the Ultra in my hands for about ten minutes today and share my first impressions with you. A more in-depth review will follow as soon as we get to test the devices in detail.
Samsung's top model: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
It is big. It is heavy. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a machine that relies on raw power. Weighing 229 grams, it's about the same weight in the hand as the iPhone 13 Pro Max at 240 grams. That should feel good if you want to film or take pictures and a steady hand is an advantage.
The design of the device is almost too minimalistic at first glance. Especially in light of the fact that the S21 Ultra had an exciting camera hump design. It wrapped around the device and the idea was that the frame would melt into the camera bump. It's a shame that element is gone. The new design isn't sorry, but in pictures it looks barren and lifeless Fortunately, the S22 and S22+ still feature the nice Camera Bump.
The S22 Ultra will be launched in four colors: Black, white, green and burgundy. Plus a few extra colors, but they will only be available exclusively on Samsung.com. The more I look at the burgundy S22 Ultra, the more I like the design. It definitely looks better in real life than it does in pictures. It's bold, it's minimalist, and it's iconic above all else. No other phone looks like this this season... as far as I know.
The S22 Ultra comes globally in four flavors:
- 12 GB RAM / 1 TB internal storage
- 12 GB RAM / 512 GB internal storage
- 12 GB RAM / 256 GB internal memory
- 8 GB RAM / 128 GB internal memory
In Switzerland, the following phones will be launched:
- 12 GB RAM / 256 GB internal memory
- 12 GB RAM / 512 GB internal memory
The S Pen of the S22 Ultra does what you know from the Note. Inputs become more precise than fingers could, you can handwrite on the screen and remotely control camera functions. Unfortunately, I could only test it very quickly due to time constraints. The first few scribbles on the wide, flat screen went quite well and I think the stylus feels far better than the last Note I had in my hands. It seems to me that the writing comes across more naturally on the screen.
The camera of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra in focus
There are four cameras at the back of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung puts special focus on large sensors this year. These want to recognize more colors and more light thanks to the new technology called Adaptive Pixel Technology. This is a new form of pixel binning that is used in every light situation.
The same is true for video. This sounds a bit strange. If you select the option, then the S22 Ultra can vary the frame rate. Depending on the lighting conditions, the camera can film in 4K in such a way that the frame rate dynamically adapts to the light incidence. So a file may start in 4K/60fps, then change to 4K/30fps, and then back again. So multiple framerates in one video. However, this is optional. It is not known if Adobe Premiere Pro or other editing programs can handle this mode. I will test this as soon as possible. "Fortunately, it's optional," says video producer Stephanie Tresch, who edits videos in Premiere Pro every day, "I can't work with something like this at all, even if Premiere Pro understands it. I rely on fixed frame rates."
The artificial intelligence of the camera system has been improved. New is the Pet Mode. It's supposed to make your cat pictures look even better. Hits the spot. I have two cats and a total of 1000 pictures of the critters. You know that for sure. Good news, demfall.
And as a special feature: The camera lenses are covered with Gorilla Glass DX. This is said to make the lenses more scratch-resistant and less smudgeable than those of the predecessor. A nice touch on the side that will most likely rarely be noticed.
The rest of the field: The Samsung Galaxy S22 and the S22+.
And then there are the slimmed-down versions. In the beautiful design of the S21 Ultra. There is hardly any talk about these two models at the presentation. They are smaller, perform less, cost less. But there, too: Samsung Exynos 2200, Amoled display, big battery - as big as it gets with a smaller screen - and Samsung's One UI.
In contrast to the flagship of the current S series, there is also the color "Pink Gold" and other exclusive colors at samsung.com.
I did not hold either the S22+ or the S22 in my hands for more than a few seconds. Not because the phones aren't interesting, but because I simply didn't have the time. That's why we'll keep this short:
Samsung Galaxy S22+ Specs
Samsung Galaxy S22 Specs
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