The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are flagship smartphones with large AMOLED displays, multi-camera systems, 5G connectivity, and 5,000 mAh batteries. The Galaxy S22 Ultra adds a newer processor, 45 W wired charging, and an integrated S Pen.
What are the general specifications?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra launched on 29 January 2021, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra launched on 25 February 2022. Both smartphones support 5G, dual Nano-SIM functionality, and Samsung's One UI software.
The processor differs by market. The Galaxy S21 Ultra uses the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra uses the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|
| Launch date | 29 January 2021 | 25 February 2022 |
| Brand | Samsung | Samsung |
| Processor | Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Operating system | Android 11, upgradeable | Android 12, upgradeable |
| SIM slots | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| SIM size | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Network | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
How do the performance and hardware compare?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, depending on the market. The Galaxy S22 Ultra uses the newer Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
Both smartphones offer flagship hardware, in-display fingerprint sensors, face recognition, stereo speakers, and IP68 water and dust resistance.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|
| Processor | Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Graphics | Mali-G78/Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920/Adreno 730 |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Security | In-display fingerprint, face recognition | In-display fingerprint, face recognition |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, barometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Protection | IP68 water and dust resistance | IP68 water and dust resistance |
The Galaxy S22 Ultra uses a newer processor generation and offers up to 1TB storage. The Galaxy S21 Ultra offers up to 16GB RAM, giving it a higher maximum RAM configuration.
How do the displays compare?
Both smartphones feature 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. A 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and compatible animations appear smoother.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+. The S22 Ultra also includes integrated S Pen support for writing, drawing, and other supported functions.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|
| Screen size | 6.8-inch | 6.8-inch |
| Screen resolution | 1440 × 3200 pixels | 1440 × 3088 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 20:9 | 19.3:9 |
| Pixel density | 515 ppi | 500 ppi |
| Display type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Touch screen | Capacitive, multi-touch | Capacitive, multi-touch |
The two displays have the same 6.8-inch size and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 Ultra adds integrated S Pen support, which makes it more suitable for note-taking and stylus-based tasks.
How do the cameras compare?
Both smartphones have quad-camera systems with 108MP primary cameras, 12MP ultra-wide cameras, and two 10MP telephoto cameras. Both offer 3x and 10x optical zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra adds laser autofocus and newer camera processing features. Its S Pen integration also makes it different from the Galaxy S21 Ultra for users who want stylus-based camera controls and other supported functions.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|
| Camera setup | Quad-camera | Quad-camera |
| Primary camera | 108MP wide | 108MP wide |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto cameras | 10MP + 10MP | 10MP + 10MP |
| Optical zoom | 3x + 10x | 3x + 10x |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes, Laser AF |
| OIS | Yes | Yes |
| Flash | LED flash | LED flash |
| Front camera | 40MP | 40MP |
| Video recording | Up to 8K at 24fps | Up to 8K at 24fps |
Both phones provide 3x and 10x optical zoom. Therefore, the camera comparison is not simply about zoom range. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has newer camera processing and laser autofocus, while the core camera arrangement remains similar.
How do connectivity features compare?
Both smartphones support 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G networks. They also support dual Nano-SIM functionality, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, VoLTE, and GPS.
Connectivity features can vary by regional variant, particularly for network bands and SIM configurations. Check the specifications of the exact model available in your market before buying.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|
| SIM size | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| SIM slots | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Network support | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
The listed wireless connectivity specifications are broadly similar. The main differences between these phones are more noticeable in their processor generation, S Pen integration, camera processing, and charging speed.
How do the batteries and charging compare?
Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy S22 Ultra have 5,000 mAh batteries. The Galaxy S21 Ultra supports 25 W wired charging, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra supports 45 W wired charging.
Both smartphones also support wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare. Wireless PowerShare lets you charge compatible accessories or devices using the phone's battery.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 45 W |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
The battery capacity is the same on both phones, but the Galaxy S22 Ultra supports a higher wired charging speed. Actual charging time can vary depending on the charger, cable, battery level, and device conditions.
