S20 Ultra Vs S22 Ultra Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It For The Camera Alone

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it didn’t just refine its predecessor—it redefined what flagship smartphone photography could be. For owners of the S20 Ultra, a device once hailed as a mobile photography powerhouse, the question isn’t whether the S22 Ultra is better, but whether the camera improvements alone justify the upgrade. After all, smartphones are expensive, and if you’re satisfied with your current device’s photos, spending hundreds on an incremental update may not make sense. This article dives deep into the camera systems of both phones, comparing hardware, software, image quality, and real-world usability to determine if the jump from S20 Ultra to S22 Ultra pays off—specifically through the lens.

Hardware Evolution: From Impressive to Industry-Leading

The S20 Ultra, released in early 2020, featured a quad-camera setup headlined by a groundbreaking 108MP main sensor (ISOCELL Bright HM1). At the time, this was among the highest-resolution smartphone cameras available. It also included a 48MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 10x hybrid zoom and up to 100x \"Space Zoom,\" a 12MP ultrawide, and a depth sensor. While ambitious, the implementation had limitations—especially in processing and consistency.

Fast forward to the S22 Ultra (2022), and Samsung refined nearly every component. The main sensor remains 108MP (now ISOCELL HM3), but with improved pixel binning, reduced power consumption, and enhanced dynamic range. The biggest leap came in the telephoto department: dual zoom lenses—one with 3x optical magnification (10MP) and another with 10x optical zoom (10MP). This eliminates reliance on digital cropping at mid-range distances and delivers consistently sharper long-range shots.

The ultrawide lens also saw upgrades, moving from 12MP to a larger 12MP sensor with better low-light performance and reduced distortion. Laser autofocus and enhanced sensor-shift stabilization further bolster reliability in motion and dim conditions.

Tip: Use the dedicated Telephoto mode on the S22 Ultra to switch seamlessly between 3x and 10x optical zoom without quality loss.

Image Quality Comparison: Real-World Performance

Beyond specs, actual photo output determines value. In daylight, both devices produce sharp, vibrant images. However, the S22 Ultra applies more natural color science—less oversaturated than the S20 Ultra’s sometimes aggressive tuning. Skin tones are more accurate, and highlights are better preserved in high-contrast scenes like beachfronts or snowy landscapes.

In low light, the difference becomes pronounced. The S22 Ultra’s improved sensor efficiency, larger pixel size when binning (2.4µm vs 1.8µm), and advanced Night Mode algorithm result in cleaner shadows, less noise, and more detail retention. Photos taken after sunset show significantly better texture in fabrics, facial features, and architectural details.

Zoom performance is where the S22 Ultra pulls far ahead. While the S20 Ultra struggled beyond 10x with blur and artifacting, the S22 Ultra maintains usable clarity even at 30x thanks to its dual telephoto system and AI-enhanced super-resolution. At 10x optical zoom, the S22 Ultra captures fine text on distant signs or facial expressions across a stadium—something the S20 Ultra can't match reliably.

“Smartphone zoom used to be a gimmick. With the S22 Ultra’s dual telephoto array, it’s now a practical tool for photographers.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Camera Features and Software Intelligence

Samsung’s computational photography has matured significantly between these two models. The S22 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200, depending on region), which offers vastly superior AI processing over the S20 Ultra’s Snapdragon 865. This translates to faster scene recognition, smarter HDR balancing, and better subject tracking in video.

New features exclusive to the S22 Ultra include:

• Expert RAW mode – Offers manual controls and DNG output for pro photographers.
• Improved Director’s View – Simultaneously preview and record from multiple lenses.
• Enhanced Single Take 2.0 – Captures multiple formats (photo, video, bokeh) in one press, with better AI curation.
• Super HDR+ – Delivers wider dynamic range in challenging backlight scenarios.

The S20 Ultra lacks many of these features entirely or runs earlier, less effective versions. Its Single Take mode often produced redundant or low-quality outputs, while HDR processing could wash out skies or crush shadows.

Detailed Comparison Table: S20 Ultra vs S22 Ultra Camera Specs

Feature	Galaxy S20 Ultra	Galaxy S22 Ultra
Main Sensor	108MP (HM1), f/1.8, 0.8µm	108MP (HM3), f/1.8, 0.8µm (improved binning)
Ultrawide	12MP, f/2.2, 1.4µm, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 1.4µm, 120° FoV (reduced distortion)
Telephoto (Optical Zoom)	Single 48MP, 4x folded lens (10x hybrid)	Dual: 10MP 3x + 10MP 10x optical zoom
Max Digital Zoom	100x	100x (but sharper at intermediate ranges)
Night Mode	Basic multi-frame stacking	Advanced AI processing, longer exposure options
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps (better stabilization & HDR10+)
Front Camera	40MP, f/2.0	40MP, f/2.2, improved skin tone rendering
Special Features	Single Take, Space Zoom	Expert RAW, Director’s View, Super HDR+, Adaptive Pixel

Real-World Example: Wildlife Photography Enthusiast

Consider Mark, a nature photographer who uses his phone for quick field documentation. He owned the S20 Ultra for three years and captured decent close-up shots of birds using 10x hybrid zoom. But when he upgraded to the S22 Ultra, the change was immediate. During a trip to a wildlife reserve, he photographed a heron standing 50 meters away. On the S20 Ultra, the image required post-crop sharpening and still showed halos and noise. On the S22 Ultra, using the 10x optical lens, the same shot retained feather detail, eye clarity, and natural contrast—no editing needed. The dual telephoto system allowed him to switch smoothly between framing and zoom without quality drops.

This isn’t just about megapixels. It’s about confidence in the tool. For hobbyists and professionals alike, the S22 Ultra transforms the phone from a convenient backup into a credible standalone camera in many scenarios.

Is the Upgrade Worth It for the Camera Alone?

If your primary use case revolves around photography—whether it’s travel, family moments, or creative projects—the answer is yes, the upgrade is justified. The improvements are not marginal; they represent generational progress in mobile imaging.

The S22 Ultra offers:

• Sharper, more consistent zoom at 3x and 10x.
• Better low-light performance with natural-looking noise reduction.
• More intelligent software that adapts to scenes instead of over-processing them.
• Greater creative control via Expert RAW and multi-lens recording.

However, if you rarely shoot beyond standard daylight portraits or social media snapshots, the S20 Ultra still holds up well. Its 108MP mode, while less efficient, can capture high-detail images in ideal lighting. For casual users, the upgrade may feel unnecessary unless other factors (battery life, performance, design) also influence your decision.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Do you frequently take photos in low light? → S22 Ultra excels here.
2. Are you frustrated by blurry zoomed shots on your S20 Ultra? → Dual telephoto fixes this.
3. Do you value manual controls or RAW output? → Only available on S22 Ultra.
4. Have you maxed out your S20 Ultra’s storage or noticed slowing performance? → Newer chipset helps.
5. Are you still satisfied with your current photo quality? → Maybe wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S22 Ultra replace a DSLR for most photography needs?

While it won’t match a full-frame DSLR in dynamic range or depth of field control, the S22 Ultra covers 80–90% of everyday photography scenarios with exceptional quality. For travel, events, and social content, it’s more than sufficient—and far more portable.

Does the S20 Ultra receive software updates that improve camera performance?

Samsung ended major Android OS updates for the S20 Ultra after Android 13. While minor security patches continue, no new camera features or AI enhancements are being rolled out. The S22 Ultra receives ongoing optimization through One UI updates.

Is the front camera noticeably better on the S22 Ultra?

Yes. Though both have 40MP sensors, the S22 Ultra applies better skin smoothing, white balance accuracy, and low-light sensitivity. Selfies appear more natural, especially in mixed lighting.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Leap for Photographers

The journey from S20 Ultra to S22 Ultra represents more than just newer hardware—it reflects Samsung’s deeper understanding of what mobile photographers actually need: reliability, consistency, and intelligent tools that work without fuss. If you rely on your phone to capture meaningful moments, explore creativity, or document your world with precision, the camera upgrade alone makes the S22 Ultra a compelling investment.

🚀 Ready to test the difference? Try capturing the same scene with both devices side-by-side—you’ll see exactly where the improvement lies. Share your findings with others considering the leap.