Owners of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra - Thoughts after a Month with The Phone?

trulymadly on 29/03/2022 - 13:48

Hi all,
I know that there were a huge number of S22 Ultra purchasers through Ozbargain, and I am contemplating being one of them through the bundle deal before it ends soon.
Just wondering about the experiences of those who have owned the phone for a bit, and whether you think it is worth the price of admission?
Of course there are plenty reviews and opinions online but very few are from an Australian perspective, with the knowledge of our smartphone market and the alternative devices that are available here, so I thought it would be worthwhile asking.
So…
How have you found the S22 Ultra after owning it for a month? What do you love, hate, miss and use most on the phone?
I'll add a poll for those who don't have time to reply but don't mind checking a box (consider current education price of S22 Ultra 256GB $1479.20 as the point of reference, as I do think the standard RRP of about $2k is way too high).

Thanks for your thoughts!

Poll Options

  • 13
    Perfect phone, 10/10 with all features and no issues, great value
  • 6
    Great phone with some minor issues/missing features, or a little bit overpriced (~$100)
  • 5
    Okay phone, not worth the price though (e.g ~$300 too expensive) or too many issues
  • 2
    Bad phone, extremely overpriced ($400+) or extensive issues
Mobile Mobile Phone Samsung Android

Comments

  • djones145 on 29/03/2022 - 14:21

    coming from s10+ (which i dropped) and then s8+
    - screen nicer and larger but thinner
    - might be slightly too big for my pockets, i need to make sure i dont have keys or wallet there
    - camera seems good

    besides that its an andriod phone, pretty much the same

    i haven't used the pen much
    candy crush seems to work the same

    got to get use to the buttons (different position)

    how do u take screenshots?

    charger is fast

    battery seems to last a day easy

    got it on sale, 1600 with buds, charger, 256

    • Muzeeb on 29/03/2022 - 14:37

      how do u take screenshots?

      Power and volume down buttons at the same time - just like most modern Samsung phones

      • elusive on 29/03/2022 - 14:44

        Yup, but it's a quick press now. Don't hold them or you'll just get the power off menu (or bixby if you left the button default).

        • djones145 on 29/03/2022 - 14:51

          aaahh yep, getting use to the power and volume buttons on the same side, old s8 was kn separate sides

        • PompeiiGraffiti on 29/03/2022 - 15:01

          Still getting use to this lol

      • kerfuffle on 29/03/2022 - 16:13
        +2

        like most modern Samsung phones

        Most modern Android phones it seems; same process on my Pixel 6 Pro

      • Lastchancetosee on 30/03/2022 - 08:23
        +3

        On my S21, you can just swipe your hand across the screen. Much easier and quicker.

        • Muzeeb on 30/03/2022 - 09:08

          Yeah. Palm swipe to capture is cool but sometimes I find that if I need specific information in the shot that it can sometimes scroll a bit before the capture. Probably my shitty technique. Not sure if this is on by default? Op may need to turn this on under motions and gestures.

          • Lastchancetosee on 10/05/2022 - 08:18

            @Muzeeb: Yes, I've had that too. Seems to depend on the page, as I think I do it the same way each time.

            Mine was on by default.

  • Mr Haj on 29/03/2022 - 14:25

    I nearly pulled the trigger on a bundle… I already have a watch that I use with golf functionality, I already have QCY earbuds that I'm happy with (cost about one tenth of Samsung or other premium brands) and I already have a shitty tablet that I only ever use for reading.

    I could buy a new tablet for ~$300 which will serve my basic needs and I think my next phone will be a POCO F3 (unless there is a better option in the near future) for ~$500.

    So I can fulfill my needs for ~$800 as opposed to ~$2300

  • iNeed2Pee on 29/03/2022 - 14:27

    I have a Note 9 with a partial cracked screen. Went into the local and had a look and feel of the Ultra 22.

    Even with the upgrade of free memory on the edu portal, for some reason I was fairly underwhelmed.
    Which is disappointing because I have been Samsung all of my life. I really like the look and feel of the iphone13 pro max but hard to swallow the price tag.

    Anyone else feel underwhelmed by the Ultra 22?

    • PompeiiGraffiti on 29/03/2022 - 14:57
      +2

      I just upgraded from a Note 9 with a broken camera lens - while expensive I'm absolutely loving the S22 Ultra (I immediately bought a clear lens protector for it). I also managed to get $180 for the trade in, the $400 JB trade in Bonus and even scammed an extra $100 JB gift card that was for a targetted promo I wasn't meant to get lol

      There's not much different for me in terms of functionality (I use Smart Launcher so just ported over my UI) but the camera is absolutely ridiculous and the smooth framerate is so nice on the eyes when scrolling. Battery life is a big improvement, I was barely getting half a day out of the Note 9 even after replacing with an off-market battery. I haven't tried out any hardware-intensive games on it yet but I'm sure it kills.

      I also like that they got rid of the max volume warning. Jesus, I hated that.

      Overall, it was a big investment but I'm extremely happy with it as a piece of hardware I use constantly.

      • iNeed2Pee on 29/03/2022 - 15:02
        +1

        Thanks for your informative reply:)

        Sounds like you got a really good deal and your enjoying it!
        I am still getting close to a day of battery. I think I was expecting more but maybe it's just time for a change!

        • PompeiiGraffiti on 29/03/2022 - 15:10
          +1

          If you're into photography at all, it's worth it for that alone. I've been taking some absolutely amazing shots. It's seriously like having an entry-level DSLR in your pocket. I'm still amazed at the zoom quality. HOW.

          • iNeed2Pee on 29/03/2022 - 15:59
            +1

            @PompeiiGraffiti: I have heard that for either phone!
            As your comment below mentions the CS is an absolute joke. I had defective s6,s7,s8 and my note 9 had its camera replaced twice due to shutter issues when zooming in. VOC team know me well know because I managed to avoid there call centres in the Phillipines.

            Apple on the opposite hand are fairly good. (Only a minor question for my Macbook).

    • Tonyh87 on 30/03/2022 - 08:16

      I went from a note 9 to the s22 ultra aswell. I love my new phone, but it doesn't feel hugely different to the note 9. Biggest difference would be the camera which is fantastic in the s22 ultra. I think the minimal difference between the phones says more about how great the note 9 was for its time, as I cant fault the s22 ultra. I still loved the note 9, but it's battery was starting to fail. If you get the s22 ultra, it is worth considering the 256gb version, as there is no expandable memory unlike the note 9, and the 256gb version comes with 12gb of ram as opposed to 8gb in the 128 model.

  • PompeiiGraffiti on 29/03/2022 - 15:02

    The only thing I've been disappointed by is Samsung's customer service. It's absolutely appalling. How have they not even attempted to offer a better after-sales experience when they are going toe to toe with Apple?

    • salmon123 on 29/03/2022 - 17:50

      when they are going toe to toe with Apple?

      The only thing that's toe-to-toe with Apple is Samsung's RRP. Discounts are easy to find for Samsung phones. It's generally much harder to find decent discounts on apple hardware.

      • PompeiiGraffiti on 29/03/2022 - 18:07

        I mean more that they are both phone market leaders and a lot of Samsung's marketing has been about converting Apple users over.

  • samp365 on 29/03/2022 - 17:49

    Coming from a Note 8.. I feel I'm carrying a brick.. But the Camera quality is compensating that.. :) Improved battery life too..

  • Drakesy on 29/03/2022 - 17:50

    I got the s22+ for the better in hand feel.

    After coming from a s9+ it's a small upgrade.
    Definite improvements in the camera, but still for 3 years of progress i wouldn't say it's a massive leap.

    If i had an s21 i'd give this a miss

  • Soluble on 29/03/2022 - 18:07

    Upgraded from a note 10+ I ran over. I don't see it as much of an improvement!

  • shaybisc on 29/03/2022 - 18:42

    Tech Tablets doesn't like it I notice. Don't know why.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz5MC2WXMWs

  • Benoffie on 29/03/2022 - 19:28

    Don't have the Ultra, just the straight 22. Very happy moving from the S10. No complaints.

  • saltypete on 30/03/2022 - 09:32

    Pre ordered the Ultra and gifted my S9. It arrived well before release date, but some of my extras only just turned up.
    I am really impressed with it, far more than I expected.
    Camera is amazing! It is almost as good as my Canon mirrorless, and close enough that it being in my pocket makes the difference for me. The telephoto is brilliant - not so much for 100x zoom pictures, but to see detail on distant things. There is so much more about the camera. Brilliant.
    Screen is really good, especially outdoors.
    Extra size was a worry for me, but it is not a problem at all. The rounded sides make it a much better hold than the 13 max.
    Battery life is really good for me - to the point that I have dialled the max charge to 85% - because there’s so much spare charge for me charging every night.
    Don’t really use the pen, but for night photos it works as a remote shutter release.

    Only neg for me was it cost a motza, but I keep phones for yonks , so I’ll have this for at least 5 years. In fact with the Samsung Care thrown in I’ll swap it for new in just short of 2 yrs time and just keep using it.
    I was really happy with my S9, but really glad I bought it.

  • Waltervp on 30/03/2022 - 11:21

    I got the s21 ultra and love it. Did need a screen replacement last year and due to mailing issues the process was incredibly painful and took 3 weeks without compensation or apology, and not a cent discount on the $500+ screen replacement cost. That was the most disappointing service I've ever had from Samsunga service that normally is very good.

  • lew380 on 30/03/2022 - 12:53
    -1

    Im still amazed people pay more than a thousand dollars to play candy crush, check emails and browse internet/netflix. Better off buying a gaming laptop and a phone for purpose for the same amount!

  • Gustavo Fring on 25/04/2022 - 18:09

    Battery life has been noticeably worse compared to my previous Xiaomi mi 9t especially standby drain? Anyone know how to fix?

  • trantonz on 09/05/2022 - 12:25

    Terrible experience. If I need a phone only for calls and texts, a $50 phone will do just fine.
    I paid over $1000 for a phone that I cannot use internet 50% of the time. Tried all tricks and hacks to fix wifi issue, none of them work. Ahh, and mobile connection. No internet when phone show 5G. Change it to 4G 3G only, still no internet.
    Thinking of sending the phone in to be fixed but not sure if I will get the phone back within reasonable timeframe. Samsung warranty is a big hit and miss.

    • rainbowunicorn on 29/06/2022 - 10:51

      I'm having wifi dropping internet connection all the time, did you find a fix? I've tried everything, clearing cache, static ip, mac etc.

      • trantonz on 29/06/2022 - 13:15

        can't find any solution yet. After a few system updates, this problem remains and that makes me think it's a hardware problem.
        It happens to a lot of people anyways. Heaps on reddit

  • rainbowunicorn on 29/06/2022 - 16:39

    I've had wifi issues, connected but no internet, no fix in sight.
    Also no screen protector seems to play nice with the finger print sensor, so much for ultrasonic being the upgrade.
    Battery life is average at best.
    My launcher has a strange lag whenever I'm switching between apps, if I minimise and click anywhere on the screen it will reopen what I minimised.

    Kinda disappointed, wondering if I should rma.

  • will05 on 17/08/2022 - 10:42

    hi, replaced with Note20 ultra 256gb to s22 ultra 128gb
    overpriced - YES
    Battery improvement - YES
    quality phone - NO…..they just remove the Note production line and replaced it with Ultra in a year, felt bit of push to buy fold 3-4 being note lover
    overall satisfied - MAY BE

    trade up value as of 17-08-22 is AUD 705

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