The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has proven its mettle in 2025. It’s not just surviving; it’s thriving. As newer flagships and foldables flood the market, the S22 Ultra remains a strong contender, frequently making it onto “most recommended” lists for buyers seeking premium features without the exorbitant price tag.
So why is this device still relevant? Let’s dive into its real-world performance, long-term value, and explore why the S22 Ultra continues to hold a prominent place in the high-end Android landscape.
It’s Still a Flagship by Heart (and Hardware)
Some devices age gracefully, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of them.
With a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, it rivals the best displays on the market today. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures a fluid experience—whether you’re scrolling through social media, engaging in high-stakes gaming, or binge-watching series, the display holds its ground with an impressive peak brightness of 1750 nits. Be it a sun-soaked day at the beach or a lazy evening at home, you won’t face visibility issues.
Sure, the curved edges can be polarizing—some users adore the sleek appearance, while others prefer a more secure grip to avoid accidental touches. However, there’s no denying that, even in 2025, this device oozes luxury and sophistication.
The S Pen — Practical, Personal, Powerful
For those who appreciate precision, the S Pen is a game-changer.
Samsung integrated the S Pen seamlessly into the S22 Ultra, providing functionalities that make it indispensable. Need to take quick notes, annotate PDFs, or translate text during a late-night study session? The S Pen handles it all efficiently, with gesture controls and handwriting-to-text capabilities making productivity a breeze.
It’s not just a stylus; it’s a digital companion. If you’ve ever scrambled for a pen and paper during an important call or brainstorming session, you understand the ease the S Pen brings to your daily tasks.
Performance: More Than Just Specs on Paper
Let’s talk about performance—essential for gaming, multitasking, and media consumption.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the S22 Ultra exhibits formidable performance capabilities. Whether you’re dominating in competitive gaming, rendering 4K videos, or juggling multiple apps like Google Docs, WhatsApp, Spotify, and Chrome, the device delivers a consistently smooth experience.
Heat management is admirable, and lag is virtually nonexistent. With ongoing software support that keeps the device optimized, the S22 Ultra feels more like a 2025 flagship than a “last-gen” handset.
Interestingly, many users find they receive upwards of 90% of the performance you’d expect from a current flagship device, all without the hefty price tag of an upgrade. That’s not just smart—it’s savvy.
Staying Power, Thanks to Smart Software Updates
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support.
With Android 15 and One UI 7, the S22 Ultra remains at the forefront of smartphone technology. One UI 7 isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it also incorporates Galaxy AI, which enhances user experiences blurring the lines between utility and innovation.
- Call Assist: Reduces the strain of spam calls.
- Writing Assist: Elevates your texting game, ensuring professional communication.
- Interpreter Mode: Valuable for multilingual scenarios, making your interactions smoother.
Additionally, enhanced AI photo editing features breathe new life into the already remarkable camera system, ensuring that the S22 Ultra remains relevant and powerful.
Cameras That Still Command Respect
The camera system of the S22 Ultra continues to impress, featuring a 108MP main sensor that still delivers stunning results.
Its low-light capabilities (“Nightography”) are noteworthy, and with precision adjustments in Pro mode, users can produce content ephemeral enough for Instagram or YouTube straight from their device.
The included telephoto and ultrawide lenses offer versatility f…