Tech

Galaxy S22 Ultra first impression: You won't miss the Galaxy Note – CNET

Published

3 years ago

February 10, 2022

Samsung’s most expensive nonfoldable phone is taking a lesson from the company’s past. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, announced on Wednesday alongside the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and the Galaxy Tab S8 effectively replaces the Galaxy Note in Samsung’s lineup. The Galaxy S22 Ultra starts at $1,200 (£1,149, AU$1,849) and launches on Feb. 25, with preorders live now.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the first Samsung phone since the Galaxy Note 20 to not only incorporate S Pen support, like the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Z Fold 3, but also include a physical slot on the phone for stowing the stylus. S Pen fans who bought last year’s Galaxy S21 Ultra had to buy the stylus separately and opt for a specific phone case that could store it. Other upgrades to the phone are more iterative, including steps forward in the processor, camera and screen.

Samsung declined to comment on future products when asked if it would release new Galaxy Note phones in the future. But it did say the company is now thinking of the Galaxy Note as an “experience” more than a product line, and it plans to point Note fans toward the Galaxy S22 Ultra in future.

The Galaxy Note, which debuted more than a decade ago, was an industry disrupter. It popularized bigger screens, and Samsung further distinguished the line with exclusive features that were missing from other Galaxy phones.

But the Note’s place has become less clear. In 2020, Samsung squeezed the Note lineup in between the Galaxy S20 and S20 Ultra. The Note line skipped 2021 entirely. Now, the Galaxy S22 Ultra represents what appears to be a much-needed merging of the Note and the Ultra.

A more Note-like experience on the Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Galaxy S22 Ultra looks like a full Galaxy Note replacement.

Richard Peterson/CNET

In addition to full S Pen support and a spot inside the phone to store it, Samsung also made some improvements to the way its stylus works. The latency is lower, and it can transcribe handwritten notes to text in 88 languages. In the brief time I had to try the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the S Pen felt fluid and responsive, although it’s hard to tell if it was any different than before.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has also inherited the Note’s more streamlined design, which has sharper edges and a more angular look compared to the standard Galaxy S phones. This gives it the more “notebook” like shape that Note fans are likely familiar with, and it could be helpful for reading and reviewing documents. The regular Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus, which Samsung also announced on Wednesday, have a more rounded aesthetic by comparison.

This makes the S22 Ultra feel indistinguishable from the Galaxy Note, and it’s a visually striking design that works well on such a large phone. It also helps the Ultra stand out from the regular S22 and S22 Plus, as it should considering the gap in price. The S22 Ultra will be available in black, white, green and burgundy.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note and Galaxy S Ultra phones are known for their gigantic screens, and that’s no different this time around. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s display measures 6.8 inches diagonally, just like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and it has a QHD Plus resolution. All three new Galaxy phones can also boost their screens’ refresh rate to 120Hz for smoother scrolling.

Samsung is also adding a feature it calls Vision Booster, which adjusts color and contrast based on your environment. This should make it easier to watch darker scenes in movies and TV shows. It’s available on all three Galaxy S22 models, but the company says the Ultra and Plus have Samsung’s brightest screens yet.

A similar camera with better night photography

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a four-lens camera, unlike the regular Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus.

Richard Peterson/CNET

The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s camera is similar to the one on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, at least on paper. There’s a quadruple-lens rear camera with a 108-megapixel main sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses. The field of view on the wide and telephoto lenses is slightly wider on the Galaxy S22 Ultra compared to its predecessor.

But Samsung claims there are other upgrades that should make the device better at shooting at night and framing multiple subjects. The Galaxy S22 Ultra can detect up to 10 subjects and adjust the framing accordingly, even when new people enter the scene. That’s an increase compared to the previous generation, according to Samsung.

Samsung is also emphasizing the phone’s ability to take better photos and videos in the dark. All of Samsung’s new Galaxy S22 phones use a process called pixel binning, which combines multiple pixels into one larger pixel to improve brightness. This process on its own isn’t new to Samsung phones. But what’s different is the way the S22 lineup combines pixel binning with the resolution from the phone’s main camera sensor to improve both brightness and clarity, Samsung says.

Galaxy S22 photos: Get a closer look at Samsung’s new phones

See all photos

Even though this process works across all cameras, the Galaxy S22 Ultra should have an advantage in this department over the S22 and S22 Plus since it has a bigger 108-megapixel main sensor. The other two S22 phones each have a 50-megapixel main camera by comparison.

Portrait Mode also works at night thanks to the S22’s upgraded processor, and Samsung claims the camera’s new processing algorithms should improve detail too. The S22 Ultra’s camera can also capture four times as much data, which should bring general image quality improvements across the board.

When shooting video, all three phones can also blend multiple exposures into a single frame to improve brightness and choose the correct frame rate automatically to optimize light.

But in terms of what really sets the Ultra apart from the standard Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, not much has changed since last year. Many of Samsung’s general picture quality improvements seem to apply to all new Galaxy models. The 108-megapixel lens, extra telephoto lens and 10x optical zoom still seem to be the biggest differentiators, which may be disappointing to anyone who was hoping to see a bigger leap like Samsung’s new 200-megapixel image sensor in the S22 Ultra.

Processor and other details

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a sharper shape with more angular edges, just like the Galaxy Note.

Richard Peterson/CNET

The Galaxy S22 lineup will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the US and other markets where Samsung’s Exynos chip isn’t available. There’s a 5,000-mAh battery in the Galaxy S22 Ultra, just like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and it supports up to 45-watt fast charging when plugged in. The starting configuration will come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, while the high-end model includes 12GB of RAM with 1TB of storage.

Many of these upgrades, such as faster processors and better cameras, are expected from next-generation devices. But the Ultra’s new Note-like features are what distinguishes it from the rest of the S22 lineup and the broader premium phone market.

That’s especially important since many advanced features that were once reserved for high-end phones — such as multilens cameras, 5G support and screens with high refresh rates — are now becoming the standard on moderately priced phones. As such, companies like Samsung will have to work harder to convince people to splurge on top-of-the-line devices. Now we’re getting a better sense of how Samsung intends to do that on the S22 Ultra.

Check out the chart below to see how the Galaxy S22 Ultra compares to the rest of Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup. For more, take a look at how the Galaxy S22 compares to the iPhone 13, Pixel 6, Galaxy S21 and S21 FE.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Lineup Specs

	Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus	Samsung Galaxy S22
Display size, resolution	6.8 inches; QHD+	6.6 inches; FHD+	6.1 inches; FHD+
Pixel density	TBD	TBD	TBD
Dimensions (Millimeters)	77.9×163.3×8.9 mm	75.8×157.4×7.6 mm	70.6x146x7.6 mm
Weight (Grams, Ounces)	229g, 8.1oz	196g, 6.9oz	168g, 5.9oz
Mobile software	Android 12	Android 12	Android 12
Camera	Quad camera with 108MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, dual 10MP telephoto lenses	Triple camera with 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto lens	Triple camera with 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto lens
Front-facing camera	40MP	10MP	10MP
Video capture	8k at 24 FPS, 4K at 60 FPS	8k at 24 FPS, 4K at 60 FPS	8k at 24 FPS, 4K at 60 FPS
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM/Storage	8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage 12GB RAM with 512GB internal storage 12GB RAM with 1TB internal storage	8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage	8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage
Expandable storage	None	None	None
Battery/Charger	5,000 mAh with up to 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging	4,500 mAh with up to 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging	3,700 mAh with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging
Fingerprint sensor	Yes, ultrasonic	Yes, ultrasonic	Yes, ultrasonic
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	None	None	None
Special features	S Pen included, quad camera, ultra wideband location detection tech, 120Hz refresh rate screen	Triple camera, ultra wideband location detection tech, 120Hz refresh rate screen	Triple camera, 120Hz refresh rate screen
Price off-contract (USD)	$1,200	$1,000	$800
Price (GBP)	£1,149	£949	£769
Price (AUD)	AU$2,170 (converted)	AU$1,790 (converted)	AU$1,450 (converted)

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.