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

For loyal Samsung Galaxy Note users, upgrading to a new flagship isn’t just about better specs—it’s about whether the experience justifies leaving behind the S Pen, design familiarity, and productivity features they’ve come to rely on. The Galaxy S22 Ultra represents a pivotal shift in Samsung’s strategy, effectively replacing the Note line by merging its iconic stylus functionality into the S series. But if you already own a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, is moving to the S22 Ultra truly worthwhile? This breakdown dives deep into real-world differences across performance, camera quality, display, battery life, and long-term value to help you decide.

Design and Build: Evolution with Purpose

The S22 Ultra inherits the sleek, boxy silhouette once reserved for the Note series, but with refined materials and tighter tolerances. Both phones feature Gorilla Glass Victus and aluminum frames, but the S22 Ultra uses Armor Aluminum, which Samsung claims offers improved scratch resistance. The most noticeable change is the integrated S Pen silo—something the Note 20 Ultra lacked, requiring a separate case or pocket storage.

While both devices feel premium, the S22 Ultra’s flat edges provide a more modern aesthetic and slightly better grip. The weight distribution is also improved thanks to internal component repositioning. However, some longtime Note users miss the subtle curve of the Note 20 Ultra’s back panel, which felt more ergonomic during extended use.

Tip: If you frequently take handwritten notes or sketch, the built-in S Pen slot in the S22 Ultra eliminates the risk of losing your stylus—a small but meaningful daily convenience.

Performance: Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency

Under the hood, the difference between these two models spans nearly two years of technological advancement. The Note 20 Ultra launched with the Exynos 990 (in most regions) or Snapdragon 865+, while the S22 Ultra runs on the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 depending on region). This generational jump translates to tangible improvements:

• CPU Performance: Up to 20% faster multi-core processing
• GPU Power: Significant gains in graphics rendering, especially in gaming and AR applications
• Thermal Management: Despite early concerns about Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 heat output, the S22 Ultra’s vapor chamber cooling system outperforms the Note 20 Ultra’s graphite solution
• RAM & Storage: Both offer up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, but S22 Ultra uses faster UFS 3.1 storage across all variants

In day-to-day usage, apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and high-resolution video editing feels less taxing. For power users running demanding workflows—such as photo editing, 4K video export, or mobile gaming—the S22 Ultra delivers a noticeably more responsive experience.

Camera Comparison: Refined Photography Across the Board

Samsung made significant upgrades to the S22 Ultra’s imaging system, focusing not just on hardware but computational photography. Here's how the cameras stack up:

Feature	Note 20 Ultra	S22 Ultra
Main Sensor	108MP f/1.8 (HM1)	200MP f/1.7 (HP2)
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2 (w/ improved anti-flare coating)
Telephoto (Periscope)	12MP f/3.0, 5x optical zoom	10MP f/2.4, 10x optical zoom
Second Telephoto	N/A	10MP f/4.9, 3x optical zoom
Front Camera	10MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2 (w/ auto-focus)
Video Capabilities	8K @ 24fps	8K @ 24fps + Super HDR, enhanced stabilization

The standout upgrade is the 200MP main sensor. While photos are typically downscaled to 12MP for optimal dynamic range and low-light performance, the extra resolution allows for exceptional digital zoom without quality loss. Combined with the dual telephoto setup (3x and 10x), the S22 Ultra offers far greater flexibility than the single 5x lens on the Note 20 Ultra.

“With the S22 Ultra, we’ve moved beyond megapixel wars—we’re now optimizing pixel binning, AI sharpening, and adaptive tone mapping to deliver consistently balanced shots in any lighting.” — Dr. Jaehwan Jung, Senior Imaging Engineer at Samsung Mobile

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Raw Capacity

The Note 20 Ultra packs a 4,500mAh battery, while the S22 Ultra steps up slightly to 5,000mAh. However, the real improvement lies in efficiency. The S22 Ultra’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, adapting seamlessly based on content. This means lower power draw during static tasks like reading or messaging.

In real-world testing:

• Note 20 Ultra: Lasts about 6–7 hours of screen-on time under mixed use
• S22 Ultra: Achieves 8–9 hours of screen-on time, even with heavier camera usage

Charging speeds remain unchanged—both support 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Neither includes a charger in the box. However, the S22 Ultra benefits from better software optimization through One UI 5+ and Android 13, which intelligently manages background processes and location services.

Real-World Example: A Creative Professional’s Upgrade Journey

Jamal, a freelance graphic designer based in Austin, used his Note 20 Ultra for three years as both a communication tool and portable studio. He sketched concepts with the S Pen, edited client photos, and presented mockups directly from his phone. When he upgraded to the S22 Ultra, he noticed immediate improvements:

• Faster export times when rendering large PSD files in Adobe Photoshop Express
• Sharper zoom capability allowed him to capture detailed textures during site visits
• Built-in S Pen meant he never left home without it—critical during last-minute client meetings
• Longer battery life eliminated midday charging anxiety during shoots

“The upgrade wasn’t flashy,” Jamal said, “but after two months, I realized I was spending less time managing my device and more time creating. That’s when I knew it was worth it.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the switch, consider the following checklist to determine if the S22 Ultra adds meaningful value to your routine:

1. ✅ Do you regularly use the S Pen for notes, drawings, or annotations?
2. ✅ Are you frustrated by slow app switching or lag when editing media?
3. ✅ Do you shoot photos or videos in varied lighting conditions?
4. ✅ Is battery life a limiting factor in your daily workflow?
5. ✅ Have you had your Note 20 Ultra for over 18 months?
6. ✅ Are you still under warranty or eligible for trade-in discounts?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade likely makes sense. The combination of sustained performance, superior camera versatility, and seamless S Pen integration positions the S22 Ultra as a true successor—not just a repackaged model.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The S Pen from the Note 20 Ultra is not compatible with the S22 Ultra due to changes in antenna design and internal components. Only S Pens designed for S22 Ultra or later models support air actions and full functionality.

Does the S22 Ultra run cooler than the Note 20 Ultra?

In most scenarios, yes. Although the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 initially faced thermal criticism, Samsung’s enhanced cooling system—including a larger vapor chamber—keeps temperatures under control during prolonged use. Independent tests show surface temps up to 7°C lower during intensive gaming sessions.

Will Samsung continue releasing Note-like devices?

Samsung has officially discontinued the Galaxy Note line. Going forward, the S Ultra series will carry the legacy, integrating the S Pen and targeting productivity-focused users.

Final Verdict: When the Upgrade Pays Off

The decision to upgrade from the Note 20 Ultra to the S22 Ultra isn’t just about specs—it’s about whether those improvements translate into better daily experiences. For casual users who primarily browse, message, and take occasional photos, the jump may feel unnecessary. But for professionals, creatives, and heavy multitaskers, the S22 Ultra delivers measurable gains in speed, camera flexibility, and usability.

The integration of the S Pen into the S series marks a new era for Samsung—one where innovation meets continuity. If your current device shows signs of slowdown, limited zoom, or inconsistent battery performance, stepping up to the S22 Ultra isn’t just an upgrade. It’s an investment in smoother, more capable mobile computing.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your usage patterns, check trade-in options, and consider how much time and frustration a faster, more reliable phone could save you each week. Share your thoughts below—have you upgraded? Was it worth it?