Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Review

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a former flagship that's a ridiculous value at $450. You get a pro-grade camera, all-day battery, a built-in S-Pen, and a stunning display. Performance is still in the top tier. Its only real flaw is its large size. If you don't need the absolute latest chip, this is the phone to buy.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a bit of a classic at this point, but that doesn't mean it's lost its edge. It's the phone that fully committed to the 'Ultra' name, blending the Note series' S-Pen with the Galaxy S line's camera tech into one big, beautiful slab. If you're looking for a flagship that's been battle-tested, has a stylus tucked inside, and can now be found for a fraction of its original price, this is where your search should start.

This phone is for the power user who wants everything in one package. You get a massive, sharp screen for media, a processor that still holds up for gaming and multitasking, and a camera system that can go toe-to-toe with much newer phones. The built-in S-Pen is the real differentiator, turning it into a digital notebook or a precise remote shutter for photos. It's not trying to be the thinnest or lightest phone on the block, it's trying to be the most capable.

What makes it interesting now is the price. At $450, you're getting a device that was a $1,200 flagship not too long ago. Our database shows it still scores in the 79th percentile overall, which means it's punching way above its weight class for the cost. It's a compelling argument against buying a brand-new mid-ranger when you can get last-gen's top-tier tech.

Let's talk numbers. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor lands this phone in the 97th percentile for performance. In plain English, that means it's still faster than almost every other phone out there. Apps open instantly, and you can jump between a dozen of them without a stutter. For gaming, it handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact at high settings without breaking a sweat. The 8GB of RAM is the one spec that feels a bit 'last-gen' compared to newer flagships with 12GB or 16GB, but for 99% of users, it's more than enough.

The real-world implication of that 97th percentile score is simple: you won't feel like you're using an old phone. The experience is still slick and responsive. Where you might notice a difference is in sustained performance under heavy load, as the chip can get warm and throttle a bit more than the latest silicon. But for everyday use, social media, streaming, and even most photo editing, it feels every bit as fast as it did on day one.

This is where the S22 Ultra absolutely shines. At $450, it's a steal. You're getting a phone that was designed and priced to compete with the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but for less than half the price of a new iPhone 16. Our data shows its overall score is still in the 79th percentile, meaning it outperforms the vast majority of phones on the market, especially in its new price bracket.

Compared to new phones at this $450 price point, you're trading the absolute latest chip for last year's flagship-tier everything else: a better build, a far superior camera, a higher-resolution display, and wireless charging. For most people, that's a fantastic trade. You're not buying a compromised mid-ranger; you're buying a slightly older king.

Stacked against its main competitors, the S22 Ultra makes a strong case. The Google Pixel 10 will have a better camera for computational photography and cleaner software, but it likely won't have a stylus or this level of raw hardware polish at a similar price. The OnePlus 15 might beat it in raw charging speed and have a newer chip, but it traditionally lags in camera performance and doesn't offer an S-Pen.

The trickier comparison is with something like the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. That phone will have a newer processor and longer software support, but you'll likely sacrifice the premium build, the high-resolution display, the S-Pen, and possibly some camera capabilities. It comes down to whether you want the latest specs in a more plastic body or last year's top-shelf materials and features. For anyone who values the pen or the sheer luxury feel, the S22 Ultra is the clear pick.

If you have smaller hands or prioritize a phone you can use comfortably with one hand, look elsewhere. The S22 Ultra's size and weight are its most significant compromises. You'd be better served by a standard Galaxy S model, a Google Pixel, or an iPhone Pro (not Max). Also, if you're the type who needs the absolute latest and greatest chip for benchmark bragging rights or the absolute longest future-proofing, a newer mid-range phone like the Galaxy S25 FE might be a better fit, even if you sacrifice some premium features.

If you want a do-it-all Android flagship without paying flagship prices, buy the S22 Ultra. It's especially perfect for students, creatives, or professionals who will use the S-Pen for note-taking or sketching. The combination of stellar battery life, a gorgeous screen, and a pro-grade camera system means there's very little it can't do, and at $450, it feels like you're getting away with something.

You should skip this if you have small hands, hate big phones, or absolutely need the absolute longest possible software support. Its size is a real commitment. Also, if you're a mobile gamer who plays for hours on end, the thermal performance of the older chip might be a slight drawback compared to a brand-new mid-ranger with a more efficient processor. For everyone else, this is one of the smartest buys in the phone market right now.