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

The Galaxy S22 Ultra retains the main 108MP sensor found in the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and is accompanied by f/1.8 wide-angle optics and laser autofocus. Its image block, integrated into the back cover, includes a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor (f / 2.2), another 10 MP with 3x zoom (f / 2.4) and another 10 MP with an optical equivalent of 230 mm ( f / 4.9). In short, it is a set similar to what the Galaxy S21 Ultra offered for its time.

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

Daytime photography is not a problem for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which uses an extension pixel binning To deliver images at 12 megapixels. The transmission from generation to generation highlights a treatment that favors the vibrancy of colours. The level of detail is high, although slightly lower than last year, and we particularly note a tendency for visual noise even in broad daylight.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 MP, 24mm equivalent, f/1.8, ISO 64, 1/100 sec)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 MP, 23mm equivalent, f/1.8, ISO 50, 1/50 sec.

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

108 MP

If we have reservations about the interest to move from pixel binning When fully familiarizing yourself with the main sensor of the Galaxy S22 Ultra at night, its performance during the day is much more interesting. We perceive more detail, which justifies the size of these shots at 108 MP. So it’s an option to consider for daytime photos that are preferably still.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Ultra wide angle unit: 12 MP, eq. 13 mm, f / 2.2

The elements specified 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 photos taken during the day. On the other hand, the somewhat aggressive treatment choice hit the bull’s-eye, and the enhanced contrasts make it possible to accentuate the small details of our scene. Colored patterns also benefit from it, like the characters on the book cover, which we feel South Korean algorithms have perfected the content. However, rendering loses some of its scrolling nature.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 MP, 13mm equivalent, f/2.2, ISO 80, 1/100 sec)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 MP, 13mm equivalent, f/2.2, ISO 80, 1/100 sec)

The difference in the treatment applied to night shots between the 21 Ultra and the S22 Ultra is particularly evident. Samsung’s latest version favors exposure, even if that means rendering a shot with highly focused detail. However, the result provides a better readability.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 MP, 13mm equivalent, f/2.2, ISO 2500, 1/20 sec)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 MP, 13mm equivalent, f/2.2, ISO 2500, 1/16 sec

3x zoom unit: 10 MP, f/2.4, eq. 70 mm

Changes made to software processing of snapshots are noticeable during the day. With contrasts that are intense, even very sharp, the manufacturer prefers a softer, and therefore more natural display. The embellishments are more subtle in the different elements, including the book cover…but digital noise is also more present.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (10 MP, 70mm equivalent, f/2.4, ISO 100, 1/100 sec)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 MP, 70mm equivalent, f/2.5, ISO 50, 1/100 sec)

No need to focus on the night results at 70mm which, if exposed better with the Galaxy S22 than the older one, wouldn’t be much more usable.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (10 MP, 70mm equivalent, f/2.4, ISO 1250, 1/11 sec)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 MP, 70mm equivalent, f/1.8, ISO 1600, 1/25 sec)

10x zoom unit: 10 MP, f/4.9, eq. 230 mm

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 MP, 230mm equivalent, f/2.4, ISO 800, 1/33 sec)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (10 MP, 230mm equivalent, f/4.9, ISO 80, 1/50 sec)

The above images speak for themselves: it’s best to keep the smartphone’s 10x zoom for well-lit scenes, or else you’ll lose essential information for your shots. On the other hand, during the day, despite the visual noise, this unit makes it possible to obtain images that definitely lack sharpness, but are generally usable.

Portrait mode, front sensor and video

Samsung offers several photo-taking options, including a basic portrait mode. The creator perfects his subject and makes an overall successful shot, which also allows customizing the blur effect in the subject’s background. In the case of portraits, the choice of a 40 MP sensor (wide-angle optics f / 2.2) pays off and also allows you to choose between ultra-wide angle (pixel binning at 10 megapixel) and a closer shot (6.7 megapixel).

The manufacturer also counts on a video clip that it offers several options, starting with the ability to shoot up to 8K at 24 frames per second, with HDR technology and a neat stabilization system. Video lovers benefit from a wide range of features. Note that in photography as well, even the most expert can try out the Expert RAW app (available in the Galaxy Store) to customize their shots as desired.

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Stan Shaw

<p class="sign">"Professional food nerd. Internet scholar. Typical bacon buff. Passionate creator."</p>

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