The Galaxy S22 Ultra is Samsung's latest and greatest flagship phone for 2022. Other than its proper name, the device is basically a new Galaxy Annotation with everything yous'd expect from such a device: the best processor, the best hardware, the best everything. Well, almost everything.
Every bit great every bit the device is in a diversity of ways, it isn't perfect. Autonomously from the fact that information technology'south obviously very expensive, here are half dozen other reasons we recollect the Galaxy S22 Ultra shouldn't be on your radar if you lot're looking to go a new phone.
i. Less RAM in the Base of operations Model
The Galaxy S22 Ultra starts at $1199—the same cost as its predecessor. Except, it doesn't. Yous see, the S21 Ultra comes with 12GB RAM on the base of operations variant and can become all the way up to 16GB. But the S22 Ultra has 8GB RAM on the base variant and goes upward to 12GB. That means you lot're getting 4GB less RAM for the aforementioned price.
Don't get us wrong, 8GB is still plenty of RAM and you probably wouldn't ever need more than that if yous're a coincidental user. Just if you lot are a heavy gamer or a ability user, this drop is going to be noticeable and may even impact your multitasking capability.
In Samsung's defence, the college performance and camera improvements do make up for it, so the toll is kind of justified. However, it's not a good movement on Samsung's part since yous accept to spend more if you want the 12GB variant.
ii. Uncomfortable to Hold
The new design of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is very different from its predecessor. Since the device is basically a Galaxy Notation, information technology has sharp squared edges instead of the rounded ones that you might have seen on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
While some people honey this design, others don't because of how uncomfortable information technology is in hand. The sharp edges tin can feel very obtrusive, specially for people with smaller hands. Plus, given how large the display is—6.8 inches—you'll nigh ever notice yourself having to shimmy your way to accomplish the top of the device to access the notification panel.
three. Repurposed Camera Design
The "Ultra" branding in the Galaxy S lineup is supposed to stand for the best of the best. Along with the operation, specs, and special features, this also includes having an original, confident, and bold design—much like the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Not everyone likes the profile-cut camera module blueprint, only you have to admit that it'southward 1 of a kind. If y'all saw someone on the street carrying a telephone with that design, you instantly knew that they have the S21 Ultra. That is not the case with the S22 Ultra.
Equally beautiful equally the new camera design is, information technology's not original. Non fully, at least. Put it side-past-side with the Galaxy A52 and y'all'll encounter but how like the two camera designs are. The latter is a mid-range device released in March 2021. Because of this, the S22 Ultra loses some of its notability and brag gene.
four. No 45W Fast Charger in the Box
At this point, not having a charger inside the box is something we've come to take. We can thank Apple for that. Sure, you might already accept a charger at dwelling, merely the best charger for whatsoever phone is always the ane that was designed specifically for that phone and comes inside the box. Annihilation else is suboptimal.
The S22 Ultra supports 45W fast wired charging—a decent upgrade from its predecessor's 25W charging. Just of form, you can't make employ of that feature unless yous either already accept a compatible charger at habitation or are willing to purchase one separately from Samsung.
The latter produces more waste in the process, defeating the whole purpose of eco-packaging.
v. No MicroSD Bill of fare Slot
Afterwards headphone jacks and chargers, it seems the MicroSD menu slot is the adjacent target for smartphone companies to become rid of, which is a bummer because external cards are really convenient. Also, they're fashion cheaper than buying a phone with extra internal storage.
For instance, if you lot want to buy the Galaxy S22 Ultra (without availing of any special offers) with 256GB of storage, you accept a pay a hundred dollars more compared to the toll of the 128GB base variant. That'due south $100 extra for additional storage of 128GB.
A SanDisk MicroSD card of the same chapters, for example, costs less than $twenty. And for a little more than $sixty, you can go one with 512GB storage.
The bespeak hither is that MicroSD cards provide a lot of value for your money. Plus, when you go a new phone, you lot can but pop out the card from your old phone and insert information technology into your new phone without having to expect for the files to transfer, saving time.
6. You Don't Demand Flagship Features
Companies are skilled at making you lot feel that your electric current device is dated and that you need a new 1 with all the latest and greatest features. In other words, they spark a sense of perceived obsolescence—a co-operative of the business strategy called planned obsolescence—using their flashy ads and commercials.
Merely as impressive as those flagship specs and features are, do you really need them? Don't get united states of america incorrect, they're nice to have especially if you're a tech enthusiast, but shelling out hundreds of dollars more than to go premium features and overpowered chips that you might non even employ that often is not exactly a smart buy determination.
For instance, we agree that the S Pen looks stylish, but you won't use it while scrolling through social media, gaming, calling, texting, or watching YouTube videos. In other words, its use example is incredibly narrow. Most of what an average user needs can easily be found in a $300 mid-range phone.
The S22 Ultra Is Great, Just Do You Demand Information technology?
In many ways, having such a powerful device—from the inside and out—is no less than a care for. But unless you know for sure that yous volition need those flagship features on a regular basis, getting the S22 Ultra is not a smart buy.
When buying a new telephone, you lot should consider your individual needs and not the things that the company wants you to think that you need. Nearly mid-range phones today are already feature-packed and powerful plenty to easily concluding three years or more. Exist a smart heir-apparent and weigh your options to get the best value possible.