Tech

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs S22 Ultra: Which should you buy? – Android Police

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2022

It used to be so easy to decide which Samsung flagship to buy because the company only released one per year. Then, starting with the Galaxy S8 series, the company saw there was demand for an even larger high-end phone — and so the Plus variant was born. Fast forward to 2020 and Samsung adds the Ultra to the canon. So now there are three S-series flagships to choose from every year, and 2022’s lineup is more compelling than ever.

First, let’s have a quick look at the specs of the Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and the S22 Ultra.

Phone	Galaxy S22	Galaxy S22+	Galaxy S22 Ultra
Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200
RAM	8GB	8GB	8GB, 12GB
Storage	128, 256GB	128, 256GB	128, 256, 512GB, 1TB
Display	6.1″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x, 48~120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz refresh rate	6.6″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x, 48~120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz refresh rate	6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x LTPO, 1~120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz refresh rate
Battery	3,700mAh, 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging	4,500mAh, 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging	5000mAh, 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging
Rear Cameras	50MP f/1.8 primary, Dual Pixel AF, OIS; 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (120° FoV); 10MP f/2.4 3x optical zoom sensor with OIS; 30x digital zoom	50MP f/1.8 primary, Dual Pixel AF, OIS; 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (120° FoV); 10MP f/2.4 3x optical zoom sensor with OIS; 30x digital zoom	108MP f/1.8 primary, 0.8µm large pixels, OIS and PDAF; 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (120° FoV); 10MP f/2.4 3x optical zoom sensor with OIS; 10MP f/4.9 10x optical zoom with OIS; 100x digital zoom
Front Camera	10MP f2.2	10MP f2.2	40MP f/2.2 with autofocus
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC	5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, ultra-wideband	5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, ultra-wideband
Dimensions	70.6 x 146 x 7.6mm, 168g, IP68 certified	75.8 x 157.4 x 7.6mm, 196g, IP68 certified	163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm, 229g, IP68 certified
Software	One UI 4.1/Android 12	One UI 4.1/Android 12	One UI 4.1/Android 12
S Pen	–	–	Yes
Colors	Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold; Online exclusive colors: Graphite, Cream, Sky Blue, Violet	Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold; Online exclusive colors: Graphite, Cream, Sky Blue, Violet	Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Burgundy; Online exclusive colors: Graphite, Sky Blue, Red
Price	Starting at $800	Starting at $1,000	Starting at $1,200

One look at the table makes it clear the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the best of the lot in terms of specs with the biggest display, the most versatile camera setup, the biggest battery, and more. However, depending on what’s important to you, it might not be the ideal phone for your needs.

Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Build quality

The Galaxy S22 trio follows the same formula as other high-end flagships in the build quality department. They feature an Armor Aluminum chassis, which Samsung claims is the strongest frame it has ever used, along with Gorilla Glass Victus+ panels at the front and rear. This is also true for the smallest model in the lineup, despite the base-model S21 using a “glasstic” back last year. All three phones feature IP68 certification, stereo speakers, and in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors.

The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are similar in the design department with flat edges and displays and a camera hump that blends into the chassis. However, the Ultra feels more like a Note than an S series phone with rounded sides, a slightly curved display, and flat top and bottom edges. It is also noticeably thicker, allowing the camera hump to blend into the body, though the lenses do protrude a small amount. One look at the Galaxy S22 Ultra alongside the Note20 Ultra paints a clear picture of its origin.

Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Display

The dimensions differ significantly between the three phones. The regular Galaxy S22 is the smallest in the lineup, with a 6.1-inch display and a claimed maximum brightness of 1,300 nits. Then there’s the S22+ that sits in the middle with its 6.6-inch panel with a max brightness of 1,750 nits. Both phones are slightly smaller than their 2021 predecessors, pulling back on both screen size and battery capacity

The S22 and S22+ both feature flat LTPS-based panels at a 1080p resolution, with a 48-120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rates in Game Mode.

As for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it is in a league of its own with a massive 6.8-inch QHD+ (1440p) AMOLED panel that’s curved on the edges and features a maximum brightness of 1,750 nits. Unlike the other two Galaxies, Samsung uses a more power-efficient LTPO panel on the S22 Ultra that can dynamically adjust the refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz. It also supports the S Pen that now offers a reduced latency of only 2.8ms, down from 9ms on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. While the S Pen isn’t a must-have accessory for everyone, having it built into the chassis is a huge benefit for taking notes and sketching.

With varying display sizes, the phones also differ in their dimensions. The Galaxy S22 is a compact flagship, a dying breed in the Android world, while the S22+ is ideal for users looking for a device with a big screen but something that’s still somewhat usable with one hand in most scenarios. The 6.8-inch Galaxy S22 Ultra is for power users who know what they want: the biggest possible display on a device. This is a phone that forces you to use it with two hands in most cases. On the flip side, the big display could help boost your productivity levels while on the go.

The entire S22 lineup features in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanners. This is the second-gen sensor that Samsung first debuted with the Galaxy S21 last year, and, as we noted in our review, it offers better performance than the previous iteration.

Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Chipset

All three phones in the lineup share the same internals: they are either available with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chip, depending on where you live. Both are fabricated on the 4nm process and are 2022’s flagship chips, offering notably superior GPU and AI/ML performance compared to last-gen offerings. The Ultra, however, features an upgraded cooling solution comprising a new “Gel-TIM” thermal paste that can supposedly transfer heat up to 3.5x more efficiently than previous generations, though we saw little difference in heat output in our testing. Add in the larger chassis, and the largest S22 should offer the best sustained performance in the lineup.

The entire Galaxy S22 series ships with 8GB base RAM, but the 256GB+ storage variants of the Ultra are equipped with 12GB RAM. The phones differ in their storage configurations, with the S22 and S22+ topping out at 256GB storage while the Ultra goes all the way up to 1TB. None of the models feature a dedicated SD card slot, though.

Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Camera

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the best and the most versatile camera setup in the lineup — it features a quad-camera setup consisting of a 108MP primary shooter and two 10MP telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom. The regular and Plus models feature a 50MP primary camera and a telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. The 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide remains the common point between the three phones.

If you want the best camera experience, the S22 Ultra is what you should go for. However, the other two models are not bad either, and the 50MP sensor will serve you just fine — what you’ll primarily miss on the non-Ultra models is the 10x optical zoom capability. All three phones sport the same camera features like 8K video recording, an improved Portrait mode, Pro mode for additional control over various camera aspects, and more. Check out our Galaxy S22 Ultra camera samples to get an idea of what its shooters can do.

The S22 and S22+ feature 10MP selfie shooters, while the Ultra has a 40MP camera that uses pixel binning to output sharper and more detailed photos, along with autofocus to provide some proper depth of field for your selfies.

Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Battery life and charging

The Galaxy S22 has the smallest battery in the lineup, with a 3700mAh cell and 25W fast charging speed. The Galaxy S22+ features a more respectable 4500mAh battery, while the Ultra has a massive 5000mAh cell. Both phones also feature faster 45W wired charging speeds. The regular S22 and the Plus model feature smaller batteries than their predecessor.

In our review, we found the Ultra to last through a day with around six hours of screen time — not bad, but there are phones with better battery life. Battery drain tests show the S21 Ultra and the iPhone 13 Pro Max as notably more efficient than the S22 Ultra, but your mileage will vary based on your usage.

The entire range also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Samsung only bundles a USB-C cable with the phones, so you’ll have to purchase the charger separately, irrespective of which phone you buy.

Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: Price & Accessories

The Galaxy S22 is the cheapest in the lineup, with a starting price of $800. Next in line is the S22+ with a price tag of $1000, while the Ultra starts from $1,200. For the regular and Plus model, the 256GB upgrade costs an additional $50. With the S22 Ultra, you need to pay $100 for the same thing, though you also get a bump in RAM to 12GB.

The S22 Ultra is expensive, and unless you have a specific need for the S Pen or the big display, the S22+ will serve you just fine. The regular S22 is a decent phone, too, but its battery life could fall short of your expectations if you push it hard. Note that Samsung phones are almost always available with some attractive bundles or offers, so you should save a bit of money that way — check out the best Galaxy S22 deals and trade-in values for this.

We’ve also rounded up the best cases for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra, and given that they’re made out of glass we’d recommend picking one up.

Buy the regular Galaxy S22 if you…

Need a compact flagship.
Want an all-rounder phone that’s reasonably priced.
Are not a power user and don’t care much about battery life.

Buy the Galaxy S22+ if you…

Need a phone with a relatively large display that’s not too difficult to use one-handed.
Want a great camera but don’t use the zoom functionality too much.
Don’t like phones with a curved display.

Buy the Galaxy S22 Ultra if you…

Want an S Pen
Would benefit from a phone with a massive display
Require a versatile camera setup
Need a phone with excellent battery life

The 5G BlackBerry is officially dead as OnwardMobility goes out of business

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Rajesh Pandey
(183 Articles Published)

Rajesh Pandey started following the tech field right around the time Android devices were going mainstream. He closely follows the latest development in the world of smartphones and what the tech giants are up to. He loves to tinker around with the latest gadgets to see what they are capable of.

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How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 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.