Samsung raised the bar in terms of camera performance quite a bit when it introduced the Galaxy S22 series in February 2022. More specifically, most upgrades to the camera system had a significant effect on the low-light performance, making the whole line-up much more adept at shooting in all lighting conditions.
The S22 series was an important stepping stone that would lead to an even better camera performance that is now seen in Samsung's latest flagship series — the Galaxy S23.
The Galaxy S22 and S22+, for example, got brand new camera sensors. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, on the other hand, got several small improvements, but very crucial and effective ones.
On the visual side of things, we didn't see any major design changes with the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+. However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra stole the show by walking the red carpet with a brand new camera design that is cleaner, and more classy.
Looking to find out more about the Galaxy S22? You can check out these articles here:
Galaxy S22 Ultra and S22 Plus (Exynos 2200) camera samples:
After Samsung's hype revolving around the new camera capabilities of its 2022 flagship phone lineup, we were quick to take some sample shots with the Galaxy S22 Ultra and S22 Plus. Keep in mind that these are photos taken in uncontrolled environments and are just quick samples, so take it easy on the judging part for just a little while longer before we release our official reviews.
Galaxy S22 Ultra camera
Now, it's easy to go ahead and rush into judging Samsung for putting the same 108MP sensor behind the main camera on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, the sensor is not the only factor that affects an image. There are others like the lens itself and the software supporting the camera.
Samsung has doubled down on AI with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, squeezing every ounce of the ISOCELL HM3 sensor's capabilities. The additional tuning makes the main camera more light-sensitive, increasing the amount of light it captures in low-lit environments.
Just the improved software is not enough, though! Samsung actually claims that a huge part of the improved image quality in low light conditions comes from the Super Clear Glass Lens.
Super Clear Glass Lens is just a fancy way of saying that the lens of the main camera on the Galaxy S22 Ultra is covered in anti-reflective nano-coating. That helps more light to reach the sensor, as well as to reduce reflections and halo effects, resulting in a more clear image.
What's more, Samsung has made the optical image stabilization (OIS) 58% wider on the S22 Ultra so it can handle even more dynamic conditions. Combining the new OIS with video digital image stabilization (VDIS) results in 48% reduced shaking compared to the predecessor.
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There are three more snappers on the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s back, including two telephoto cameras with new 10MP Sony sensors—one with 3X optical zoom and another with 10X. The ultra-wide camera, on the other hand, is the same 12MP one found on the S21 Ultra. Last but not least, the selfie shooter on the front comes with 40MP.
Unfortunately, there is a noticeable difference in the quality when comparing the Exynos (EU) and Snapdragon (US) versions of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, with the former being the worse.
Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus camera
Unlike the Ultra model, the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus are treated to a brand new main camera sensor, namely the 50MP ISOCELL GN5. It excels in focusing speeds, mainly thanks to the Dual Pixel Pro technology, which allows for instantaneous focusing.
Alongside the Ultra model, the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus have something called Adaptive Pixel. This is a new image processing technique that Samsung has implemented, which combines a photo taken in 108MP mode with a 12MP pixel-binned one and then combines them to achieve a brighter, more color-accurate, and clear shot.
Of course, the theme this year is night time shooting, which the GN5 also helps with. Samsung says that this new sensor delivers balanced images that come out crisp and clear in low-light conditions, thanks to its 23% larger size, when compared to the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus.
As for the rest of the camera system on these two bad boys, there is a 12MP ultra-wide snapper, the same as in the Galaxy S21. On the other hand, there's a new 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, which can capture better portrait shots with the aid of a new AI engine. Moving to the front of the two phones, Samsung has included the same 10MP selfie camera as last year.
How many cameras does the Galaxy S22 have?
The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the most striking visual changes this year, at least when it comes to the layout of the camera array. The camera island we’ve grown so accustomed to throughout the years is now a thing of the past. Instead, the lenses boldly protrude from the body.
The set of shooters the S22 Ultra’s back number four in total—just like in its predecessor. More specifically—an ultra-wide, wide, 3X telephoto, and a 10X telephoto with periscope zoom.
As for the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, they come with a less drastic redesign compared to that of the Ultra model. The camera island is still present, and the three-camera layout remains similar to that of the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus. That includes an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto.
Galaxy S22 camera: How many megapixels does it have?
The megapixels in the Galaxy S22 series remain mostly the same, with the sole exception of the main cameras on the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, which are now 50MP. The ultra-wide camera has 12MP and the zoom telephoto is 10MP.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is still rocking a 108MP main camera, albeit a bit improved for higher detail in the full 108MP mode. The two telephoto cameras are 10MP, while the ultrawide snapper is 12MP.
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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.
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