S22 Ultra Vs Note 20 Ultra Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 4

For loyal Samsung users, deciding whether to upgrade from the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to the S22 Ultra isn’t just about new features—it’s about value, longevity, and daily usability. Both devices represent peak Android craftsmanship in their respective generations, but nearly two years separate them. That gap brings meaningful advancements in hardware, software, and user experience. The real question is: do those improvements justify the cost of upgrading, especially if your Note 20 Ultra still performs well?

This article breaks down every critical aspect—performance, display, camera, battery life, S Pen integration, and long-term support—to help you make a data-driven decision. Whether you're clinging to nostalgia for the Note series or simply weighing practical benefits, this guide delivers clarity.

Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap

The Note 20 Ultra launched with the Snapdragon 865+ (or Exynos 990, depending on region), while the S22 Ultra runs on the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200). While both are flagship chips, the architectural improvements in the S22 Ultra translate to noticeable gains in real-world usage.

Benchmarks show the S22 Ultra scoring 30–40% higher in CPU and GPU tasks. This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. More importantly, the S22 Ultra includes enhanced thermal management, reducing throttling during extended use—a common complaint with the Note 20 Ultra under heavy load.

Tip: If you frequently edit videos, run multiple productivity apps, or play high-end mobile games, the S22 Ultra’s upgraded chipset will deliver a more responsive experience.

Display and Design: Refined Evolution

Both phones feature 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rates. On paper, they’re nearly identical. In practice, the S22 Ultra improves upon its predecessor with brighter peak luminance (up to 1750 nits vs. 1500 nits) and better outdoor visibility.

The design language also shifts subtly. The S22 Ultra adopts flatter edges and a more integrated camera housing, giving it a modern, premium feel. The Note 20 Ultra’s curved edges, while elegant, were prone to accidental touches and glare. The S22 Ultra reduces these issues with a slightly more controlled curve and improved anti-reflective coating.

One key change: the S22 Ultra removes the dedicated Air Motion sensor for gesture controls—a feature some Note users loved. However, most found it inconsistent, and its removal streamlines the experience without major loss.

Camera Comparison: Where the S22 Ultra Shines

If photography matters to you, the S22 Ultra offers tangible upgrades. Both devices have 108MP main sensors, but the S22 Ultra uses an improved version with larger pixels (0.8µm → 1.0µm via binning), better pixel-binning algorithms, and advanced AI processing.

Night mode photos are significantly cleaner, with less noise and more accurate color reproduction. The 10x periscope zoom performs better due to improved stabilization and sharper optics. In head-to-head tests, the S22 Ultra captures more detail at 10x and usable images at 30x, where the Note 20 Ultra begins to degrade.

The ultrawide lens also sees a bump—from 12MP to 12MP with reduced distortion and better edge clarity. Front-facing cameras match at 10MP, but the S22 Ultra’s skin tone rendering and low-light performance are superior.

“Camera processing has evolved more than sensor specs in recent years. The S22 Ultra’s computational photography makes a real difference in everyday shots.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Lab

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The Note 20 Ultra packs a 4,500mAh battery; the S22 Ultra uses a slightly smaller 5,000mAh unit. Yet, many users report longer battery life with the S22 Ultra despite the similar capacity. Why? Improved power efficiency from the newer chipset and optimized software.

In real-world testing, the S22 Ultra lasts 1.5 to 2 hours longer on average under mixed usage—web browsing, video streaming, messaging, and light gaming. Standby drain is also reduced thanks to smarter background app management in One UI 5+.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither supports 45W fast charging, which some competitors offer. But the S22 Ultra charges more consistently across temperature ranges due to better thermal design.

S Pen Experience: Same Tool, Better Integration

The S Pen was the soul of the Note series. With the discontinuation of the Note line, the S22 Ultra inherits its legacy—and improves it. The latency drops from 26ms on the Note 20 Ultra to 2.8ms on the S22 Ultra, making writing and sketching feel closer to pen-on-paper.

The stylus is now housed internally, eliminating the need for external holsters. It supports Bluetooth functionality for remote control (e.g., taking photos, presenting slides), just like the Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen. But response time and palm rejection are more reliable on the newer device.

If you relied on Air Actions or handwriting conversion, those features remain—but are now more accurate thanks to updated AI models in Samsung Notes.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Note 20 Ultra	S22 Ultra
Processor	Snapdragon 865+ / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200
RAM	12GB	8GB / 12GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB / 512GB (microSD expandable)	128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (no microSD)
Battery	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless
Main Camera	108MP f/1.8	200MP f/1.7 (S23-era update applied via firmware)
Zoom	5x optical, 50x digital	10x optical, 100x digital
S Pen Latency	26ms	2.8ms
OS Launch	Android 10, One UI 2.5	Android 12, One UI 4.1
Current OS Support	Up to Android 13 (end-of-life)	Up to Android 17 (expected)

Mini Case Study: A Power User’s Upgrade Journey

Jamie, a freelance architect, used her Note 20 Ultra daily for sketching floor plans, annotating PDFs, and video conferencing. After 18 months, she noticed lag when using multiple design apps and diminishing battery life. She hesitated to upgrade, fearing the S Pen wouldn’t feel as natural.

After testing the S22 Ultra for two weeks, she upgraded. “The lower latency made sketching smoother, and the battery lasted through full workdays. The 200MP sensor helped capture fine details in site photos. For my workflow, the upgrade paid for itself in efficiency.”

She did miss the microSD slot but offset that by using cloud storage and opting for the 512GB model.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Ask yourself these questions in order:

1. Is your Note 20 Ultra showing signs of slowdown? If apps take longer to open or the device overheats easily, hardware aging is occurring.
2. Do you use the S Pen regularly? The S22 Ultra’s 2.8ms latency is a game-changer for creatives and professionals.
3. Are you missing out on software updates? The Note 20 Ultra won’t receive Android 14 or future security patches, increasing vulnerability over time.
4. Do you value camera quality? The jump to 10x optical zoom and improved night photography is significant.
5. Can you leverage resale value? Trade-in programs often cover 40–60% of the S22 Ultra’s cost if your Note 20 Ultra is in good condition.

Tip: Check Samsung’s official trade-in portal. Many users get $300–$450 for a used Note 20 Ultra, reducing the S22 Ultra’s net cost considerably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Note 20 Ultra S Pen with the S22 Ultra?

No. The S Pen is not cross-compatible. The S22 Ultra requires its own built-in stylus. Older pens lack the internal battery needed for Bluetooth features and may damage the silo.

Does the S22 Ultra support expandable storage?

No. Unlike the Note 20 Ultra, the S22 Ultra does not have a microSD card slot. You must choose your storage capacity at purchase.

Is the 200MP camera worth it?

Yes, but not for casual shooters. The 200MP mode excels in daylight with static subjects—ideal for cropping, printing, or professional documentation. Most everyday photos use 12MP binned mode for speed and efficiency.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The upgrade from Note 20 Ultra to S22 Ultra isn’t essential for everyone, but it’s highly beneficial for specific users:

• Creatives and professionals who rely on the S Pen will appreciate the responsiveness and integration.
• Photographers seeking better zoom and low-light performance will notice clear improvements.
• Power users running demanding apps or multitasking benefit from the newer processor and memory architecture.
• Security-conscious users gain peace of mind with five years of OS and security updates.

If your Note 20 Ultra still meets your needs and you don’t require cutting-edge features, holding off is reasonable. But if you’ve been waiting for a true successor to the Note series—one that honors its legacy while pushing forward—the S22 Ultra delivers.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your current usage, check trade-in values, and consider how much longer you want your phone to stay relevant. The S22 Ultra isn’t just a phone—it’s a tool designed to keep up with your ambitions.