The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has officially arrived, and tech enthusiasts are buzzing about its potential to outshine its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra. While the S22 Ultra has been a flagship powerhouse, the S25 Ultra brings a host of improvements in design, display, performance, and battery life that could make upgrading irresistible for many users. But is it truly worth the investment?
In this detailed comparison, we break down everything you need to know about Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S22 Ultra, from design tweaks to camera performance, to help you make an informed decision.
Design & Build: Evolution Meets Elegance
The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra marks a significant departure from the S22 Ultra. Samsung has moved from the boxier, squared-off look of the S22 Ultra to a more refined, rounded aesthetic, giving the device a sleeker feel in the hand. Despite the larger 6.9-inch display, the S25 Ultra is actually lighter, narrower, and thinner than its predecessor, improving ergonomics and one-handed usability.
- Frame & Materials: The S25 Ultra features a robust titanium frame, flat Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on the front and back, and an IP68 rating, ensuring durability against water and dust.
- S Pen Integration: The stylus is fully supported, although some users note that Bluetooth air gestures are no longer available, unlike the S22 Ultra.
- Weight & Dimensions: By shaving off a few grams and streamlining the profile, Samsung has created a device that feels premium without the bulk.
Overall, the design philosophy of the S25 Ultra emphasizes comfort and premium materials while maintaining the high-end feel that Galaxy Ultra users expect. The choice of titanium and reinforced glass adds both elegance and resilience, making it a standout in Samsung’s lineup.
Display: Bright, Crisp, and Immersive
The display on the S25 Ultra takes a significant leap forward, not just in size but also in brightness and clarity. While both the S25 Ultra and S22 Ultra feature Dynamic AMOLED technology with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, the S25 Ultra boasts:
- Peak Brightness: 2,600 nits, compared to the S22 Ultra’s lower peak, providing excellent outdoor readability even under direct sunlight.
- Size: Slightly larger at 6.9 inches, offering a more immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and productivity tasks.
- Anti-Reflection Coating: Reduces glare significantly, enhancing visibility in bright environments.
Real-world benefits of this display include sharper text, vibrant colors, and smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Whether you’re streaming video, playing games, or working on documents, the S25 Ultra’s display delivers a premium visual experience that feels markedly superior to the S22 Ultra, especially in high-brightness scenarios.
Performance & Hardware: Powerhouse Redefined
The Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a new standard for flagship performance. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm), it offers significant improvements over the S22 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Samsung has also introduced the ProVisual Engine, which enhances camera processing and AI-powered features, making the device not only faster but smarter.
- CPU & GPU Performance: The S25 Ultra boasts a 37% faster CPU, 30% improved graphics performance, and a 40% faster NPU for AI tasks compared to the S22 Ultra.
- RAM & Storage: Both devices offer similar RAM options (8GB/12GB) and storage capacities (128GB–1TB), but the S25 Ultra’s optimized memory management delivers smoother multitasking.
- Benchmarks: Geekbench 6 scores show the S25 Ultra at 3,137 (single-core) and 9,769 (multi-core), nearly doubling the S22 Ultra’s 1,656 and 3,551. 3DMark Extreme scores confirm a major jump in gaming and graphics performance.
- Thermal Management: Samsung has increased the vapor chamber size by 40% to better dissipate heat, but sustained high-performance tasks may still trigger minor throttling.
In day-to-day use, the S25 Ultra excels at gaming, video editing, and AI-assisted photography. The combination of improved CPU, GPU, and NPU ensures that tasks are handled with minimal lag, while the device’s AI enhancements streamline camera processing and real-time image adjustments.
Also Read S22 Ultra vs S25 Edge: Specs, Camera & Battery Compared
Battery & Charging: Endurance Meets Speed
Battery life has been another area where the S25 Ultra outperforms its predecessor. Both devices are equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, but the S25 Ultra’s hardware efficiency and software optimization significantly extend endurance.
- Battery Life (PhoneArena Tests):
- Browsing: S25 Ultra ~20h 49min vs S22 Ultra ~13h 17min
- Video Playback: S25 Ultra ~8h 54min vs S22 Ultra ~7h 27min
- Gaming: S25 Ultra ~14h 21min vs S22 Ultra ~7h 15min
- Charging Speeds: Wired 45W (~1h 9min full charge) and Wireless 15W (~1h 58min full charge), comparable to the S22 Ultra, but efficiency improvements make real-world charging feel faster.
- User Feedback: Reports from users indicate the S25 Ultra maintains longer battery life under heavy use, reducing the need for mid-day charging compared to the S22 Ultra.
Overall, the S25 Ultra delivers a combination of high-capacity battery, efficient hardware, and optimized software, which translates into a device that can comfortably handle a full day of heavy use, gaming sessions, and multimedia consumption without worrying about running out of power.
Camera System: Professional-Grade Photography
The Galaxy S25 Ultra elevates smartphone photography with an advanced multi-lens setup and AI-powered features. Samsung has revamped the camera system to deliver better low-light performance, sharper zoom, and enhanced video capabilities compared to the S22 Ultra.
- Main Camera: 200 MP sensor with advanced image processing and ProVisual Engine, providing superior detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Telephoto Lenses: 50 MP 5× periscope and 10 MP 3× telephoto lenses. The 5× periscope excels in medium-range zoom, while the 3× lens improves flexibility for portrait and distance shots.
- Ultrawide & Front Camera: 50 MP ultrawide (outputs 12 MP via pixel-binning) and 12 MP front camera. Compared to S22 Ultra, the S25 Ultra front camera captures more natural colors and better detail.
- Video Capabilities: Supports 10-bit HDR recording, Galaxy Log format, and AI-assisted stabilization. PhoneArena notes S25 Ultra delivers more consistent and detailed video than the S22 Ultra.
- AI Features: Audio Eraser isolates audio types during video recording, improving post-production control. Generative AI tools enhance photos and video, including real-time scene optimization.
Real-world testing shows the S25 Ultra excels in zoom performance, low-light shots, and video consistency. While the S22 Ultra remains capable, the S25 Ultra’s advanced sensors and AI processing create clearer, more vibrant images with less noise and motion blur.
Software, AI & Support: Smarter Experience
Beyond hardware, the Galaxy S25 Ultra emphasizes software intelligence and long-term support. Samsung has integrated several AI-powered tools and ensured a robust update policy:
- One UI & Android: Latest One UI version with Android 15 (upgradeable), offering smoother interactions and enhanced multitasking.
- AI Features: Tools like Now Bar, Now Brief, and generative AI for image and video edits streamline content creation directly on the device.
- Update Policy: Samsung promises 7 years of software updates, including major Android upgrades and security patches, compared to S22 Ultra’s 4 years.
- Smart Performance: AI optimization manages battery, processor load, and camera functions, making everyday tasks faster and more efficient.
For users, this means a device that not only performs well today but remains relevant and secure for years. The S25 Ultra’s software enhancements work hand-in-hand with the hardware to deliver a smoother, smarter, and more reliable experience, whether you are gaming, capturing media, or performing daily tasks.
Audio & Haptics: Immersive and Responsive
The Galaxy S25 Ultra improves on an already impressive audio experience found on the S22 Ultra. Samsung has fine-tuned the stereo speakers to deliver louder, richer sound with deeper bass and clearer highs.
- Speakers: Dual stereo setup provides immersive audio for gaming, video, and music.
- Haptic Feedback: Precision vibrations enhance typing, gaming, and general device interactions. The S25 Ultra feels slightly more responsive compared to the S22 Ultra.
- Headphone & Bluetooth Support: High-quality audio via USB-C or Bluetooth, with support for advanced codecs for audiophiles.
User Sentiment: Pros and Cons
Real-world feedback highlights both the strengths and minor drawbacks of the S25 Ultra compared to the S22 Ultra.
- Pros:
- Exceptional performance in gaming and multitasking
- Long-lasting battery and efficient charging
- Outstanding camera performance, especially in low-light and zoom
- Sleek, ergonomic design with durable materials
- Generous 7-year software update support
- Cons:
- High price may not justify the upgrade for S22 Ultra users
- S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth air gestures
- Some users report camera module vibration and minor focusing issues at high zoom
- Device may warm slightly during extended gaming sessions
Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
For those using the S22 Ultra, the decision to upgrade depends on priorities:
- Upgrade if: You want the latest performance, longer battery life, brighter display, enhanced cameras, and AI-powered features that will remain supported for 7 years.
- Stay with S22 Ultra if: Your current device meets your needs and you want to avoid spending over $1,200 for incremental improvements.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse that refines what made the S22 Ultra great while addressing its limitations. It is ideal for power users, photographers, and tech enthusiasts seeking longevity and cutting-edge features.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers meaningful upgrades over the S22 Ultra, particularly in performance, display brightness, camera capabilities, and software longevity. While the S22 Ultra remains a competent flagship, the S25 Ultra delivers a more refined, future-proof experience. By balancing design, hardware, and intelligent software features, Samsung has crafted a device that stands out in the ultra-premium smartphone category.
FAQs on Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S22 Ultra
Does the S25 Ultra have better battery life than the S22 Ultra?
Yes, due to hardware efficiency and software optimization, it offers longer usage across browsing, video, and gaming.
Will the S22 Ultra stop receiving updates soon?
Yes, S22 Ultra is expected to receive 4 years of major updates, likely ending around early 2026, while S25 Ultra offers 7 years.
How much better is the camera on the S25 Ultra?
The S25 Ultra has a 200 MP main sensor, improved telephoto lenses, and AI enhancements that deliver sharper, more vibrant photos and videos, particularly in low light and zoom scenarios.
Is the S25 Ultra too expensive to justify the upgrade?
It depends on your needs. For S22 Ultra users, the upgrade is worthwhile for power users and photography enthusiasts, but casual users may not find the improvements cost-effective.