Samsung has just presented its Galaxy S22, high-end smartphones available in three versions, which concentrate all the innovations of the manufacturer by displaying high claims in photo and video.
Samsung is experiencing a start to the year full of novelties. After the launch of the Galaxy S21 FE, the manufacturer has just lifted the veil on the new version of its flagship, the Galaxy S22. Like last year, this high-end smartphone is available in three versions, the S22, the S22+ and the S22 Ultra. These devices work with the very latest version of the One UI 4.1 in-house overlay in support of Android 12. All of them feature the new Korean Exynos 2200 processor, the most powerful to date and engraved in 4 nm, like its renamed competitor Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Waterproof (IP68), they also share latest-generation 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, Dolby Atmos-compatible AKG stereo speakers and a fingerprint sensor located under the screen. On the other hand, it is a regrettable habit at Samsung, none has a slot to accommodate a memory card. Better to choose a comfortable storage capacity from the start!
Samsung Galaxy S22: a masterpiece of compactness
While in the competition, the diagonals fly away, Samsung maintains in its flagship range a model that will appeal to lovers of small formats. Equipped with a 6.1-inch screen, the Galaxy S22 is definitely more compact than its predecessor, thanks to barely visible borders, even at the bottom of the screen. Ultrathin and light (7.6 mm for 168 g), it largely retains the design of the S21, with a photo block now in the same color as the back.
Despite the reduced dimensions of this S22, Samsung has not skimped on the equipment. The Dynamic Amoled Full HD+ screen offers a refresh capable of varying from 10 to 120 Hz for optimal fluidity, while preserving autonomy. But it is in photo and video that the improvements are most tangible with a new 50 megapixel main sensor, accompanied by an ultra wide-angle and a telephoto lens, respectively associated with 12 and 10 megapixel sensors. The set now benefits from a 3x optical zoom and using artificial intelligence-fed photo processing, the shots are supposed to gain in clarity and detail, especially in low light. Video capture (up to 8K) benefits from optical stabilization and greater color richness thanks to Super HDR mode (HDR-12bit compatibility).
Finally, the Galaxy S22 is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery which may have a hard time getting the mobile through the day, especially with these new photo functions! And all the more so since fast charging is limited to 25 W. At this price and range level, we expected better.
Samsung Galaxy S22+: the right compromise
Unsurprisingly, the “Plus” version of the Galaxy S22 is also largely inspired by the design of the S21. Its large 6.6-inch screen, which has the same characteristics as those of its little brother, with increased brightness, should appeal to lovers of video content. As thin as the S22, but just as robust with the latest generation anti-breakage and anti-scratch glass, front and back – Gorilla Glass Victus+ exclusive to all S22, the mobile has the advantage to have a comfortable 4500 mAh battery. 45 W fast charging is also included, as is 15 W wireless charging and power sharing offered across the range. In the photo, we find the same versatile triple module discovered on the S22. Cheaper than the Ultra, a little better equipped than the S22 while remaining just as thin, this S22+ is a good compromise that could well appeal to the greatest number.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: the new king of the range
The flagship of this new 2022 edition is unquestionably the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which takes the range to a new level. As a worthy heir to the Galaxy Note from which it draws its inspiration with its angular design, the new Samsung champion incorporates just like him, for the first time in the history of the Galaxy S, a stylus housed discreetly in its chassis. With its reduced latency (2.8 ms instead of 9 ms), this S Pen allows ultra-smooth handwritten note-taking, close in feel to writing on paper. Equipped with a 6.8-inch QHD+ Edge screen, that is to say curved and very high definition, the Ultra benefits from Dynamic Amoled technology with adaptive refresh from 1 to 120 Hz and peak brightness able to exceed 1700 nits, which makes it readable even in direct sunlight.
The main asset of this Ultra lies in its exceptional photo equipment. The main sensor of 108 megapixels with optical stabilization, is added a laser autofocus, an ultra wide-angle in 12 megapixels and two telephoto lenses in 10 megapixels. Thanks to these, this Galaxy benefits from two 3x and 10x optical zooms and even a 100x Space zoom (digital). Aided by the artificial intelligence of the NPU (the neural processor built into the Exynos), Samsung promises incredibly detailed and vibrant photos and portraits, even in dim light, as well as videos that are smooth, crisp and rich in color. The 40-megapixel front camera takes care of selfies. Thicker and heavier with its 228 g case for 8.9 mm thickness, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has a high capacity 5000 mAh battery in return, compatible with 45 W fast charging. The possibility of photographing and filming without count too much.
Galaxy S22: high prices with launch offers
Galaxy S22 prices, high, remain relatively stable compared to last year’s S21. Only the prices of the 256 and 512 GB versions of the Ultra are going up a bit. The S22 are available in black, white, green and pink, the Ultra in black, white, green and burgundy. The Galaxy S22 Ultra will be delivered from February 25 and the Galaxy S22 and S22+ from March 11, 2022. For any purchase during the pre-order period, you will benefit on the trade-in of your old smartphone from a bonus of 100 euros for the S22 and even 150 euros for the Ultra. The Galaxy Buds Pro wireless headphones (229 euros at launch) will also be offered. That’s good, these three models are sold without a hands-free kit… and without a charger.
Galaxy S22 price
- 859 euros in 8-128 GB
- 909 euros in 8-256 GB
Galaxy S22+ price
- 1059 euros in 8-128 GB
- 1109 euros in 8-256 GB
Galaxy S22 Ultra price
- 1259 euros in 8-128 GB
- 1359 euros in 12-256 GB
- 1459 euros in 12-512 GB
- 1659 euros in 12 GB 1 TB