Iphone 15 Plus Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024 Or Is The S22 Still A Beast

In 2024, flagship smartphones evolve at breakneck speed. Yet some devices age better than others. The iPhone 15 Plus and Galaxy S22 Ultra represent two different philosophies: Apple’s iterative refinement versus Samsung’s feature-packed powerhouse. If you're still using an S22 Ultra—or considering jumping from Android to iOS—the question isn’t just about specs. It’s whether the upgrade delivers meaningful improvements in real-world use.

This comparison cuts through marketing hype to assess which phone truly excels today—not just on launch day, but after years of daily wear and software updates.

Performance: Chipsets, Longevity, and Real-World Speed

The iPhone 15 Plus runs on Apple’s A16 Bionic chip—same as the iPhone 14 Pro series—but paired with improved thermal management and iOS 17 optimization. On paper, this may seem like a step back from newer silicon, but Apple’s hardware-software integration ensures sustained peak performance even under heavy loads like video editing or gaming.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra, powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (U.S.) or Exynos 2200 (international), was a top-tier performer in 2022. However, users have reported throttling during extended tasks, especially in warmer climates. By 2024, while still capable for most apps, it shows signs of aging when multitasking across multiple high-demand applications.

“Even two years later, iPhones maintain near-launch-level responsiveness due to aggressive memory management and consistent software support.” — David Lin, Senior Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

iOS typically offers five to six years of OS updates, whereas Samsung guarantees four years of major Android upgrades and five years of security patches. For long-term ownership, Apple holds a clear edge.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone beyond three years, prioritize iOS devices for longer software support and smoother long-term performance.

Camera Comparison: Photography in 2024 Conditions

The S22 Ultra made waves with its 108MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). Its Space Zoom feature pushed digital magnification up to 100x, though practical results beyond 10x were often soft. In daylight, the S22 Ultra produces richly detailed images with excellent dynamic range.

The iPhone 15 Plus takes a different approach. It features a 48MP main sensor with pixel binning for superior low-light capture. While it lacks the extreme zoom range of the S22 Ultra, its computational photography—especially Smart HDR 5 and Photonic Engine—delivers more natural color science and better consistency across lighting conditions.

For videography, the iPhone remains unmatched. It supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording at up to 60fps, with advanced stabilization and pro-grade codecs. The S22 Ultra records 8K at 24fps but lacks the ecosystem integration (Final Cut Pro, iMovie) that makes iPhone footage easier to edit seamlessly.

Low-Light & Night Mode Performance

• iPhone 15 Plus: Brighter night shots with accurate white balance; Night mode activates faster and works on all lenses.
• S22 Ultra: Aggressive noise reduction can wash out textures; occasional purple fringing in dark scenes.

Battery Life and Charging: Who Lasts All Day?

The iPhone 15 Plus boasts one of the best battery lives among iPhones—up to 26 hours of video playback. Real-world usage sees 1.5 to 2 full days for moderate users thanks to efficient hardware and iOS power management.

The S22 Ultra, with its 5,000mAh battery, delivered solid endurance in 2022. But by 2024, battery degradation becomes noticeable, especially if fast charging was used frequently. Users report needing midday top-ups after two years of ownership.

Feature	iPhone 15 Plus	Galaxy S22 Ultra
Battery Capacity	~4,962 mAh	5,000 mAh
Max Video Playback	26 hours	21 hours
Fast Charging	20W wired (50% in ~30 mins)	45W (65% in ~30 mins)
Wireless Charging	Magsafe & Qi (15W max)	Qi & proprietary pad (15W)
Actual Daily Use (2024)	1.5–2 days	1 day (degraded units need recharge)

Tip: Replace your S22 Ultra’s battery if capacity is below 80%—it can restore nearly original endurance at a fraction of upgrade cost.

Design, Display, and Usability in 2024

The S22 Ultra combines the Galaxy Note legacy with a built-in S Pen—a unique advantage for note-takers, artists, or anyone who values precision input. Its flat 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1750 nits peak brightness remains stunning in sunlight.

The iPhone 15 Plus features a slightly smaller 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield protection. It lacks always-on display functionality until iOS 16.4+, and its 60Hz screen (adaptive only in higher-end models) feels less fluid compared to Samsung’s LTPO panel.

However, iOS offers tighter app integration, fewer bloatware apps, and generally cleaner interface navigation. Meanwhile, One UI 6 (based on Android 14) has improved over time, but pre-installed Google and Samsung services can clutter the experience.

Real-World Example: The Hybrid Worker's Dilemma

Jamal, a freelance designer, used his S22 Ultra daily for sketching, emails, and client calls. After 22 months, he noticed lag when switching between Adobe Fresco and Zoom. He upgraded to the iPhone 15 Plus primarily for iCloud sync across his MacBook and iPad. Though he missed the S Pen, he found Apple Pencil compatibility via his tablet offset the loss. More importantly, Face ID reliability and longer battery life reduced friction in his workflow.

Is Upgrading Worth It in 2024?

If you own a Galaxy S22 Ultra in good condition, ask yourself: what do you want to improve?

• Need longer software support and smoother long-term performance? The iPhone 15 Plus offers stronger future-proofing.
• Want faster charging and stylus functionality? The S22 Ultra still outperforms here.
• Looking for better cameras in low light and video quality? iPhone wins decisively.
• Concerned about battery health? Consider replacing the S22 Ultra’s battery before upgrading.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. ✅ Has your S22 Ultra shown significant slowdown in daily use?
2. ✅ Is the battery draining too quickly, even after calibration?
3. ✅ Do you value seamless ecosystem integration (Mac, iPad, Watch)?
4. ✅ Are you frustrated with inconsistent camera results, especially at night?
5. ✅ Can you benefit from USB-C fast data transfer (finally on iPhone!)?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the iPhone 15 Plus is a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the S22 Ultra remains a beast—particularly if you rely on the S Pen or prefer Android customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 15 Plus replace my S22 Ultra for productivity?

Yes, especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. With Stage Manager on iPadOS and Continuity features like Universal Clipboard and Handoff, the transition enhances cross-device workflows. However, there’s no native stylus support on the iPhone itself—use an iPad for drawing or annotating.

Does the S22 Ultra still get updates?

Yes. Samsung confirmed Android 14 (One UI 6) and ongoing security patches through early 2025. Major feature updates have ended, but core functionality remains secure and stable.

Is the iPhone 15 Plus waterproof like the S22 Ultra?

Both phones carry an IP68 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Real-world splash and rain resistance are comparable.

Final Verdict: Beast Today, Future-Proof Tomorrow?

The Galaxy S22 Ultra remains a powerful device in 2024. Its camera versatility, S Pen, and premium build ensure it stands tall among aging flagships. But time reveals weaknesses: heat-prone chipset, degraded batteries, and slower software evolution.

The iPhone 15 Plus doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines it. With industry-leading component longevity, superior video capabilities, and unmatched ecosystem synergy, it represents a smarter long-term investment—even if the initial leap seems subtle.

Upgrading isn’t about chasing novelty. It’s about gaining tangible benefits: fewer reboots, longer battery cycles, better photos, and peace of mind knowing your phone will be supported into 2029.

💬 Still on the fence? Try trading phones with a friend for a week. Real-world feel often decides more than any spec sheet. Share your experience below—we’d love to hear what matters most to you in 2024.