Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Long-Term Review | Still good in 2023?

Reviewing Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra flagship phone again in 2023, with One UI 5.0 and Android 13 on board. This long term verdict reconsiders my original Samsung S22 Ultra review, comparing with fresher rivals like Google's Pixel 7 Pro for camera smarts, battery life and more. With the price set to drop as the Galaxy S23 Ultra launches, is it one of the best choices for 2023?

I like quite a few of the One UI 5 improvements such as the easily altered lock screen, stackable widgets, improved notifications control etc. Some of those features come to the Galaxy S22 Ultra courtesy of Android 13, some have been added by Samsung. I do still see some jank here and there and Bixby still ain't as great as the Google Assistant, but the security updates have come thick and fast.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Exynos model also boasts better battery life than ever before, thanks to some background optimisation. Performance is fine, certainly good enough for gaming, if not quite as smooth as the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 smartphones. And the media creds are lit, as the kids might possibly say.

But of course the main advantage of the Samsung S22 Ultra, something likely to come to the Galaxy S23 phones, is the S Pen stylus. This is the main reason to get the Ultra over the Plus model.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Long Term Review Chapters:
0:00 - Back to this big 'un
1:08 - Design
3:03 - One UI 5 & features
4:18 - Display & audio
4:49 - S Pen stylus
6:04 - Performance & gaming
7:09 - Battery life
8:06 - Cameras
10:40 - Verdict

[TechSpurt]

Hey, thanks for checking out my not-quite-one-year thoughts on the S22 Ultra. I'd love to hear how you've been getting on with Sammy's big beast, and check back soon for S23 shenanigans! (Oh, and please ignore those Telegram spambots in the comments!)

[cpaps]

I've got the s22 ultra. Its absolutely fantastic and a great phone if you don't want to upgrade again for at least 4-5 years

[johnsmith-gppe]

Been using the s22u since May and the battery life improved a lot along with its thermals. Camera still top notch compared to other devices atleast for me that is. Overall can pretty much do anything I throw at it.

[fromann]

I always appreciate your videos! I've been using the S22 Ultra since launch, and it's been by far the best phone I've used. I'm legally blind, and use the zoom lenses to see everyday objects. It's become an accessibility device for me! I've not noticed any real disadvantages to the phone in my use. Anyway, cheers! 🍻

[daze]

I recently upgraded from my S8 to the S22U so I am experiencing a massive improvement. I don't game or watch movies on my phone but as I get older and my eyesight worsens I do like the bigger crisper screen without having to zoom in to read things. I am also really getting to like using the S pen. I didn't buy it for that but I appreciate its accuracy compared to using my massive fingers! Yes there are other cheaper phones out there but I really like the design and already being a Samsung user like the ease of migrating to a new phone. Regarding the looks, I think most people spending that much money on a phone will also invest in a protective case which sort of masks the actual phone design. I expect to use a phone for at least 3-5 years before even considering a replacement so looking forward to the s30 ultra ultimate plus super duper phone brick. 😂

[xxFallenKnight]

I have been using the S22 Ultra since May. It's a beast of a phone with a amazing camera and display. The larger screen gives you great movie watching experience.

[richfrommitch]

Glad to see a long term review on this. It's the one I'm most likely going to get next. When it's a LOT cheaper!

[Hulkhead]

Hey Chris, thanks for the updated review. I have had my S22U since March 22 and I love it. I don't have any issues (maybe non issues!) like the ones you mentioned. All good for me.👍

[Shekina]

Been using the S22U since last April. Only picked it up because Samsung was giving me a good trade in value for my S20 plus. I went for the green S22U and so far no major complaints, the battery seems fine for me even when I up the display resolution and refresh rate.

Charging rate could be quicker for the price but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. The camera is great too, although I feel like I'm not able to get good looking shots as I see other people take. Could be something in settings.

Overall I'm happy with this phone, I'll most likely keep it for a minimum of 2 years. Unless the S23U is a big step up from the S22U.

[idselseno]

I'm quite impressed with samsung dex. It's like having a mini laptop when you need to work with Google Docs and stuff. Communicating with colleagues over Slack and email is very much well covered.

[sugaplum]

I'm looking forward to receiving my s22 Ultra next week. Managed to score a 256gb phone for just under £600 pounds from Samsung with the festive promotion and trade-in deals. It's worthwhile keeping an eye out for further offers with the s23 on the horizon

[royochan]

Because of you brother between the whiskey and reviews I bought it since your first review and I've dropped it several times and it's still as good as new.. Happy new year @the techspurt

[sjstu]

I love the Galaxy S range, it's well stocked full of features and has a great set of cameras. My only real gripe is the duplication of apps.

[Fletchersketche_]

Of course you've done an S22 Ultra review nearly one year later... Thank you once again!

[hapwiz]

Came for the review, got it and a bout of comedy to go with it. Dude you killed me, 2 minutes in and I was already cracking up, Sub and like right away

[Gwrightproductions]

I freaking love this phone. When you know how to use the customization features of an not only android 13, but Samsung, it's great.

[SandwellVern]

I never fail to PMSL laughing at each one of this man's reviews - entertainment as well as knowledge. Love it. 😄

[MatthewMoscotto]

I got the s22 ultra with a great trade in value months ago. So with that pricing, I don’t care much for a pixel phone. The android 13 update smoothed out a lot of Samsung lag which has renewed the experience.

[BlueStrider]

Love the vids
But that immune damage with a charged elemental at 0:25 got me rolling

[atheethkumar]

How are you getting 8 hrs of screen on time?

I am hardly getting 3.5 hrs of screen on time with light gaming, youtube, social media usage. Phone is on 1080 p and 120htz. This 3.5 hrs of sot is from day one of usage.

Can you please share the screenshots of sot?