Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra test: when the South Korean plays a new score

The Galaxy S22 Ultra retains the main 108-megapixel sensor seen on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and accompanies it with f/1.8 wide-angle optics and laser autofocus. Its photo block, integrated into the back shell, includes a 12 Mpx sensor with an ultra wide-angle (f / 2.2), another 10 Mpx with 3x telephoto (f / 2.4) and another 10 Mpx with an optical equivalent to 230 mm (f / 4.9). In short, it is a set comparable to what the Galaxy S21 Ultra offered in its time.

Wide-angle module: 108 Mpx, eq. 23mm, f/1.8

Daytime photography is no problem for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which uses the pixel binding to deliver images in 12 Mpx. The passage from one generation to another highlights a treatment that favors the liveliness of the colors. The level of detail is high, although slightly less than last year, and we especially notice a tendency to visible noise even in broad daylight.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 Mpx, eq. 24 mm, f/1.8, ISO 64, 1/100 s)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 Mpx, eq. 23 mm, f/1.8, ISO 50, 1/50 s

Regarding the results produced by the S22 Ultra at night, we refer you to our article dedicated to “Nightography”:

108 MP mode

If we have reservations about the interest of moving from pixel binding at the full definition of the main sensor of this Galaxy S22 Ultra at night, its daytime performance is much more interesting. We perceive a much greater amount of detail, which justifies the size of these shots in 108 Mpx. It is therefore an option to consider for daytime photos of preferably still scenes.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Ultra wide-angle module: 12 Mpx, eq. 13mm, f/2.2

The elements identified in the wide-angle shots also apply to the ultra wide-angle of the Galaxy S22 Ultra. This is at least the case of noise, which can be spotted even on images taken during the day. On the other hand, the choice of a fairly aggressive treatment hit the bull’s eye, the reinforced contrasts making it possible to bring out the small details of our scene. The colored patterns also benefit from it, as do the characters on the cover of the book, which we feel that the South Korean algorithms have mastered the content. The rendering, however, loses a bit of naturalness in passing.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 Mpx, eq. 13 mm, f/2.2, ISO 80, 1/100 s)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 Mpx, eq. 13 mm, f/2.2, ISO 80, 1/100 s)

The difference in treatment applied to night shots between the 21 Ultra and S22 Ultra is particularly visible. The latest from Samsung favors exposure, even if it means offering a shot with very accentuated details. However, the result offers better readability.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 MP, eq. 13 mm, f/2.2, ISO 2500, 1/20 s)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 Mpx, eq. 13 mm, f/2.2, ISO 2500, 1/16 s

3x telephoto module: 10 MP, f/2.4, eq. 70mm

The changes made to the software processing of the snapshots are perceptible during the day. With contrasts that are very, even too accentuated, the manufacturer prefers a softer, and therefore more natural rendering. The textures are more precise on the different elements, including the cover of the book… but the digital noise is also more present.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (10 Mpx, eq. 70 mm, f/2.4, ISO 100, 1/100 s)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 Mpx, eq. 70 mm, f/2.5, ISO 50, 1/100 s)

No need to dwell on the night results at 70 mm which, if they are better exposed with the Galaxy S22 than its elder, are not more usable.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (10 Mpx, eq. 70 mm, f/2.4, ISO 1250, 1/11 s)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 Mpx, eq. 70 mm, f/1.8, ISO 1600, 1/25 s)

10x telephoto module: 10 MP, f/4.9, eq. 230mm

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 Mpx, eq. 230 mm, f/2.4, ISO 800, 1/33 s)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 Mpx, eq. 230 mm, f/4.9, ISO 80, 1/50 s)

The images above speak for themselves: it is better to reserve the 10x zoom of the smartphone for well-lit scenes, otherwise you will lose the essential information of your shots. On the other hand, during the day, despite visible noise, this module makes it possible to obtain images that certainly lack sharpness, but are generally usable.

Portrait mode, front sensor and video

Samsung offers very many image capture options, including the essential portrait mode. The builder masters his subject and offers a generally successful clipping, also allowing to customize the blur effect in the background of the subject. For selfies, the choice of a 40 Mpx sensor (f / 2.2 wide-angle optics) pays off and also allows you to have the choice between a very wide-angle (pixel binding in 10 MP) and a closer shot (6.7 MP).

The manufacturer is also banking on a video served by multiple options, starting with the possibility of filming up to 8K at 24 fps, in HDR and with a neat stabilization system. Video enthusiasts benefit from a wide range of features. Note that in photography too, the most expert can try out the Expert RAW app (available on the Galaxy Store) to customize their captures as desired.