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Here’s what separates each model in Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup

Here’s what separates each model in Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup

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From the smaller, entry-level model to the S22 Ultra

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A size comparison between the S22 Ultra, S22 Plus, and S22.
A size comparison between the S22 Ultra, S22 Plus, and S22.
Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

The latest iteration of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy series is official. The company announced the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra during its Unpacked event today, ending months of speculation, particularly regarding the S22 Ultra. The standard S22 starts at $799.99, while the S22 Plus and S22 Ultra are priced at $999.99 and $1,199.99, respectively. Each is available for preorder starting today and scheduled for release on February 25th.

The new S22 models look similar to the outgoing lineup, with a few iterative upgrades. They all offer screens with a max refresh rate of 120Hz, which allows for smooth scrolling, and feature an ambient light sensor that will automatically adjust color and saturation levels to match your environment. Samsung equipped each smartphone with IP68 waterproofing and Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on the front and back as well — a notable step up from the plastic panel that was featured on the back of last year’s base model.

Additionally, each US phone is equipped with Qualcomm’s new, powerful 4-nanometer processor, which Samsung says is its fastest chip yet. The cameras also come with new night-time photography features designed to emphasize details, capture colors better, and let in more light, as well as an improved portrait mode. All three models offer features like Samsung Wallet, too, as well as support for up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and various live-sharing features you can use with Google Duo.

Samsung says the S22 series’ night photography capabilities have improved, including the ability to take portrait mode photos in low light.
Samsung says the S22 series’ night photography capabilities have improved, including the ability to take portrait mode photos in low light.
Image: Samsung

The 6.1-inch S22 ($799.99) and 6.6-inch S22 Plus ($999.99) share the most in common, with screen size being the most obvious difference. Both come equipped with a 10MP front camera and triple-camera array on the rear, and each features 1080x2340 resolution. The S22 Plus, however, features a slightly bigger, 4,500mAh battery, as well as ultra wideband (UWB), which you can use to locate certain trackers with greater precision.

The S22’s display is 6.1 inches, while the S22 Plus comes in at 6.7 inches.
The S22’s display is 6.1 inches, while the S22 Plus comes in at 6.7 inches.

In contrast to the cheaper models, the 6.8-inch S22 Ultra ($1,199.99) allows for more memory and storage, offering a maximum of 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB in storage capacity. It also features a built-in S-Pen stylus — a remnant of the Samsung Galaxy Note — as well as an OLED display with 1440x3088 resolution and a better, 40-megapixel camera on the front. The other camera specs on the S22 Ultra are similar to the previous model as well, consisting of a 108-megapixel main, 3x and 10x telephoto cameras, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide. It’s also capable of shooting in RAW and, like the S22 Plus, can fast-charge at 45W.

Other differences on the S22 Ultra are more subtle. You can adjust the screen’s refresh rate between 1-120Hz, for instance, and the display is capable of achieving a peak brightness of 1,750 nits when in direct sunlight, allowing you to view your content more easily while outside on a sunny day (the S22 Plus can achieve the same brightness levels).

The Galaxy S22 Ultra, front and back
The front and back of the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

That’s just an overview, though. If you’re curious about raw specs, we’ve rounded up some of the finer hardware details below, from aperture and display resolution to connectivity.

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. S22 Plus vs. S22 Ultra

CategoryGalaxy S22Galaxy S22 PlusGalaxy S22 Ultra
OSAndroid 12 Android 12Android 12
Display6.1-inch OLED6.6-inch OLED6.8-inch OLED
Resolution1080x23401080x23401440x3088
Max refresh rateUp to 120HzUp to 120HzUp to 120Hz
Dimensions70.6 x 146 x 7.6 mm75.8 x 157.4 x 7.6 mm77.9 x 163.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 168g (5.93 ounces)196g (6.91 ounces)229g (8.08 ounces)
Battery capacity3,700mAh4,500mAh5,000mAh
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPUSnapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPUSnapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU
RAM8GB 8GB 8GB, 12GB
Storage128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear cameras50MP (f/1.8) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto50MP (f/1.8) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto108MP (f/2.2) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f2.4 / f4.9) telephoto
Front cameras10MP10MP40MP
Front video4K at 60fps4K at 60fps4K at 60fps
Rear video8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps
PortsUSB-CUSB-CUSB-C
S PenNoNoYes
BiometricsUltrasonic fingerprint sensor, facial recognitionUltrasonic fingerprint sensor, facial recognitionUltrasonic fingerprint sensor, facial recognition
Water and dust protectionIP68 IP68 IP68
UWBNoYesYes
Wireless chargingYesYes Yes
Wireless5G mmWave / sub-6GHz, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.25G mmWave / sub-6GHz, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz), Bluetooth 5.25G mmWave / sub-6GHz, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz), Bluetooth 5.2
Starting price$799.99$999.99$1,199.99

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