While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is generally a significant upgrade over the S22 Ultra in many aspects (processor, brightness, AI features, durability), there are a few specific points where some users might find the S22 Ultra to be preferable, or where the S24 Ultra didn't offer a dramatic improvement, leading to a subjective "win" for the S22 Ultra in those niche areas:
1. Curved Display: * The S22 Ultra features a curved display, which many users prefer for its more immersive viewing experience and comfortable feel in the hand. The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, adopted a flat display. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but those who loved the curved screen might see the S22 Ultra as "beating" the S24 Ultra in design.
2. Telephoto Camera (10x Optical Zoom): * The S22 Ultra had a dedicated 10x optical telephoto lens. The S24 Ultra replaced this with a 5x optical zoom lens (though with a higher megapixel count). While the S24 Ultra's 5x lens is excellent and its digital zoom capabilities are improved, some users might find the pure 10x optical zoom of the S22 Ultra to be superior for distant subjects, especially for stills.
3. Color Science/Vibrancy in Camera: * Some users have noted that the S22 Ultra's camera produced more "punchy" and vibrant colors in its photos. The S24 Ultra tends to have a more natural and less saturated color profile, which some prefer, but others might miss the S22 Ultra's more vivid output. This is highly subjective and can sometimes be tweaked with software updates.
4. "Incremental" Upgrade Sentiment: * For some S22 Ultra owners, the upgrades in the S24 Ultra (while present) might not feel "revolutionary" enough to justify the cost of upgrading. If you're generally satisfied with the S22 Ultra's performance, battery, and camera, the S24 Ultra might not feel like a massive leap, especially for everyday use. In this sense, the S22 Ultra "wins" by still being a highly capable flagship that makes a compelling case for not upgrading.
In summary, while the S24 Ultra boasts significant advancements in processor power, display brightness, durability, and new AI features, the S22 Ultra might be preferred by users who prioritize:
* Curved display aesthetics and ergonomics. * A dedicated 10x optical zoom lens.
* More vibrant and punchy camera color science (as a subjective preference).
* The value proposition of an older flagship that still performs well for most tasks. It's important to note that these are relatively niche reasons, and the S24 Ultra is objectively superior in most technical specifications. However, "beating" another phone can be subjective and depend on individual priorities and use cases.
I will agree with you re: the subjectivity & tech aspects. I use the S22 Ultra myself and it is still a great device. I define a good phone as one that helps you get your job done, well.
That's a fantastic definition of a good phone: "one that helps you get your job done, well." It really cuts to the chase and focuses on practical utility rather than just specs or trendy features. And you're absolutely right about the S22 Ultra. It was a flagship for a reason, and a well-maintained one will continue to be a powerful and reliable device for years. The "subjectivity & tech aspects" you mentioned earlier are so true – what one person needs for their "job done" might be completely different from another's. It's refreshing to hear a perspective that prioritizes functionality and personal productivity over the constant upgrade cycle. Thanks for sharing that!
