S24 Ultra Vs S22 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For The Camera Alone

For many smartphone users, the camera is the deciding factor when considering an upgrade. If you're currently using the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus—a device praised for its balanced performance and solid photography—it's natural to wonder whether stepping up to the S24 Ultra is justified, especially if your primary motivation is better photos. The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on how you use your phone, what kind of images matter to you, and how much you value cutting-edge features over proven reliability.

The S24 Ultra brings significant improvements in hardware, software processing, and AI-driven capabilities. But does that translate into meaningful real-world benefits for the average user? Let’s dissect the camera systems of both devices and determine whether the leap is worth it—especially if photography is your top priority.

Camera Hardware: A Clear Evolution

The most immediate difference between the S22 Plus and the S24 Ultra lies in their physical camera setups. The S22 Plus features a dual 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide configuration. While capable, it lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom flexibility. In contrast, the S24 Ultra boasts a quad-camera system: a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens. This gives it unmatched versatility across distances.

The jump to a 200MP sensor isn’t just about megapixels. Samsung uses pixel binning (combining multiple pixels into one) to produce sharper 12.5MP shots with improved dynamic range and low-light performance. The larger sensor also captures more light, which directly impacts photo clarity in dim environments.

“High-resolution sensors like the 200MP in the S24 Ultra aren’t just marketing—they enable computational photography techniques that older sensors simply can’t support.” — Dr. Lena Park, Imaging Technology Analyst at Mobile Insights Group

Image Quality Comparison: Where the Gaps Appear

In daylight, both phones capture excellent photos. The S22 Plus produces vibrant, well-balanced images with accurate colors. However, the S24 Ultra goes further with finer detail retention, especially when cropping or zooming after capture. Its advanced HDR processing handles high-contrast scenes—like sunsets or backlit subjects—with noticeably fewer blown-out highlights.

Night photography is where the gap widens. The S24 Ultra’s Night Mode is faster, smarter, and more consistent. It leverages AI to reduce noise while preserving textures, resulting in cleaner shadows and more natural skin tones. On the S22 Plus, Night Mode still works well but requires longer exposure times and often introduces slight blur if the hand isn’t perfectly steady.

Zoom performance is arguably the biggest differentiator. The S22 Plus relies on digital zoom beyond 2x, leading to soft, pixelated results. The S24 Ultra, with its dual telephoto lenses, delivers sharp 3x and 5x optical-quality shots. Even at 10x and 30x (via Space Zoom), the S24 Ultra maintains usable detail thanks to AI enhancement—something the S22 Plus simply cannot match.

Tip: For long-distance shots, tap to focus before zooming in—this helps stabilize framing and improves autofocus accuracy on both models.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S22 Plus	Galaxy S24 Ultra
Main Camera	50MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	200MP, f/1.7, Super QPD AF
Ultra-Wide Camera	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV
Telephoto Lenses	None	10MP 3x Optical, 50MP 5x Periscope
Maximum Zoom	30x Digital (soft)	100x Space Zoom (AI-enhanced)
Night Mode Speed	Moderate (~2–3 sec)	Fast (~1–1.5 sec)
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps w/ advanced stabilization
AI Enhancements	Limited scene optimization	Real-time HDR, denoising, subject separation

Real-World Example: Wildlife Photography Enthusiast

Consider Sarah, a nature photographer who uses her phone for quick field shots. She owned the S22 Plus and loved its color science but struggled when trying to capture birds at a distance. Her zoomed photos were often unusable due to blur and lack of detail.

After upgrading to the S24 Ultra, she noticed an immediate improvement. During a recent trip to a wildlife reserve, she used the 5x periscope lens to photograph a hawk perched on a distant tree. The resulting image retained feather details and natural lighting—something impossible with her previous phone. She later cropped the image heavily for social media without losing quality, thanks to the 200MP base resolution.

This scenario illustrates how specific use cases—particularly those involving zoom or post-capture editing—make the S24 Ultra’s camera a transformative upgrade.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense: A Practical Checklist

Before committing to the upgrade, ask yourself the following. Check all that apply:

• You frequently take photos in low light (concerts, night walks, indoor events)
• You want to capture distant subjects (sports, wildlife, travel landmarks)
• You edit photos heavily or print large-format images
• You value future-proofing your device for at least 3–4 years
• You rely on video recording with pro-grade stabilization

If three or more apply, the S24 Ultra’s camera likely offers tangible benefits. If you mostly shoot casual daytime snapshots or share small crops on social media, the S22 Plus remains more than sufficient.

Software and AI: Beyond the Lens

The S24 Ultra doesn’t just improve optics—it redefines how the camera thinks. With Galaxy AI, it can automatically enhance portraits by adjusting background blur in real time, remove unwanted objects from photos post-capture, and even upscale low-res images intelligently. These tools are absent or less refined on the S22 Plus.

One standout feature is Instant Slow-Mo, which now works at higher resolutions and applies AI interpolation for smoother motion. Another is Potential Capture, which records moments slightly before you press the shutter—helpful for capturing fast action like kids playing or pets jumping.

These AI-powered tools don’t replace skill, but they lower the barrier to professional-looking results. For users who aren’t photographers but want better outcomes, this layer of automation adds real value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S22 Plus still take good photos in 2024?

Absolutely. The S22 Plus has a capable 50MP main sensor and excellent color science. For everyday photography—family, food, landscapes—it continues to deliver strong results. It just lacks the reach, speed, and AI polish of newer models.

Is the 200MP mode useful, or is it just a gimmick?

It’s not a gimmick, but it’s not meant for daily use. The full 200MP mode is best reserved for static scenes where maximum detail is needed, such as architecture or printed art. Most users will benefit more from the default 12.5MP binned output, which balances quality and file size.

Does the S24 Ultra’s camera drain the battery faster?

Yes, but only during active use. Features like 8K video, Space Zoom, and AI processing consume more power. However, the S24 Ultra has a larger battery (5000mAh vs 4500mAh), so overall endurance under mixed use is better despite the increased load.

Final Verdict: Is the Camera Upgrade Worth It?

If your current S22 Plus meets your needs and you’re happy with your photo quality, the upgrade may feel excessive. But if you regularly push the limits of mobile photography—shooting in challenging lighting, capturing distant subjects, or wanting more creative control—the S24 Ultra represents a generational leap.

The camera alone won’t justify the upgrade for everyone. But for enthusiasts, travelers, content creators, or anyone who values photographic flexibility, the S24 Ultra delivers meaningful advancements that go beyond specs. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about having more confidence that you’ll get the shot, regardless of conditions.

🚀 Ready to test the limits of mobile photography? Try the S24 Ultra’s Pro Mode with manual zoom tracking or experiment with AI photo cleanup—you might be surprised what your phone can do now.