The wait is over — Samsung’s new flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S22 series, have finally been unveiled.
Samsung’s 2022 devices include the standard S22, the larger S22+, and the premium S22 Ultra, and all three handsets are packed with cutting-edge features, such as an advanced pro-grade camera system and ultra-fast processor. What’s more, the S22 series will be available to pre-order ASAP, so Aussies won’t have to wait to get their mitts on these white-hot devices.
If you’re eyeing the Galaxy S22 for your next smartphone, read on for all the details on features, cameras, prices and availability.
Samsung Galaxy S22
The smallest and most affordable of the new S22 line-up, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 boasts a similar ‘Contour Cut’ design to last year’s Samsung Galaxy S21, with a top-left camera house on the back and an edge-to-edge display. Measuring in at 6.1 inches, the S22’s screen size is slightly smaller than the 6.2-inch Galaxy S21, although you’ll be hard-pressed to notice the change in person. The S22 also features a strong Armor Aluminium frame, plus Gorilla Glass Victus in front to help drop-proof your device.
Samsung has included a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, specifically designed to complement gaming and video. A 120Hz refresh rate is ideal for mobile gaming and smooth scrolling through applications, but can automatically switch as low as 10Hz where needed to preserve battery life. The S22 also includes Samsung’s intelligent Vision Boost tech — which adjusts screen brightness and colour contrast to match the lighting in your environment — and Eye Comfort Shield blue light control.
One of the biggest drawcards in the Galaxy S series has always been the cameras, and this year’s setup doesn’t disappoint. The S22 and S22+ each feature three camera lenses in the back: a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 50-megapixel wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. Samsung states that the new camera system is designed to improve shots in low light and capture stronger colours, with an emphasis on updated ‘Nightography’ — something rival brands like OPPO and Apple have also focused on in recent releases.
This year’s cameras include larger sensors, and combined with a better AI algorithm, use fast processing and vibration-minimising technology to produce crisp, sharp shots and videos in a variety of conditions. Samsung’s new Auto Framing video feature helps track and detect individuals in group settings, making sure all your subjects are captured clearly. The rear telephoto camera also offers up to 3x Optical Zoom, ideal for zoning-in on the action from a distance without losing resolution.
If Portrait Mode is your fave phone feature, the S22 uses a new AI Stereo Depth Map to enhance detail (and even keep pet hair in focus for those must-post snaps of your four-legged bestie). Both the S22 and S22+ also include a 10-megapixel front-facing camera, with plenty of on-device camera modes, filters and extras.
Under the hood, the S22 sees the debut of the first-ever 4-nanometer processor on any Galaxy smartphone. What this means on paper is a faster and more efficient chipset, designed to outstrip last year’s S21 range. Combined with updated artificial intelligence and machine learning, the S22’s processor also uses network behaviour analysis to direct power to the apps you’re currently using, for a smooth performance every time.
You’ll get a decently-sized 3,700mAh battery on the Galaxy S22, downsized slightly form the S21’s 4,000mAh. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a shorter battery life, and Samsung is again promising all-day usage on a single charge. The S22 will be compatible with 25-watt fast charging for quick top-ups, alongside 15-watt wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare (meaning you can use your phone to charge other selected devices, and vice versa).
The S22 range will run Android 12 out of the box, and Samsung has promised up to four generations of Android upgrades with each device. Android 12 for the S22 will also offer the One UI interface, making home screen, widget and keyboard customisation easier than ever.
Rounding out the key features, the S22 also includes Samsung’s Knox Vault security platform, which provides transparency on how apps can access your data and isolates sensitive information from your phone’s operating system. You’ll also get standard inclusions such as Samsung Wallet digital payment management, IP68 water and dust resistance, 5G support (excluding mmWave 5G), and ultrasonic fingerprint and face unlock.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is available in 128GB and 256GB storage sizes, both with 8GB of RAM. You can pick up the device in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green and Pink Gold colours, with exclusive Graphite, Cream, Sky Blue and Violet options also available from Samsung’s webstore.
Samsung Galaxy S22: quick specs
- 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen
- ‘Contour cut’ 10MP front camera
- Triple camera setup in rear (50MP, 12MP, 10MP)
- In-screen ultra-sonic fingerprint sensor and facial recognition
- Android 12 operating system
- 3,700mAh battery, up to 25W wired & 15W wireless charging, PowerShare
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 4nm processor
- 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22 Prices and Plans
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S22 will begin on Thursday, February 10, with the devices hitting stores and shipping from March 4, 2022. You can pick up the S22 directly from Samsung and selected retailers, or buy on a telco plan from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or Woolworths Mobile. Outright prices are below.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 128GB: $1,249 AUD
- Samsung Galaxy S22 256GB: $1,349 AUD
Below is a selection of plans from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Woolworths Mobile for the Samsung Galaxy S22 range on a 24-month device term.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plans
The following table shows selected published 24-month plans for the 256GB Samsung Galaxy S22 on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ Plans
The following table shows selected published 24-month plans for the 256GB Samsung Galaxy S22+ on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Plans
The following table shows selected published 24-month plans for the 128GB Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our tool for mobile phone plan comparison to see a wider range of plans from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Related: The best Samsung Galaxy S22 trade-in deals from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Woolworths Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S22+
A step up from the standard Galaxy S22, the S22+ includes the same processor, cameras and overall design, but in a slightly larger package. This year’s S22+ features a 6.7-inch display, again with a Contour Cut front camera and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. You’ll get the same updated Gorilla Glass front and aluminium body, as well as an IP68 water and dust-resistance rating.
Like the S22, the S22+ includes a super-fast processor, with updated AI and machine learning for seamless multi-tasking and app use. The S22+ does include a bigger battery — 4,500mAh — but again, this is a tad smaller than the 4,800mAh battery capacity of the Galaxy S21+. However, the S22+ does offer up to 45-watt wired charging, along with 15-watt wireless charge and Power Share compatibility.
The Galaxy S22+ features an identical camera line-up to the smaller S22, including 50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and 10-megapixel telephoto cameras, with up to 3x Optical Zoom. The device also includes a 10-megapixel front camera, and updated software and camera app features.
The Samsung Galaxy S22+ will run Android 12, and is available in 128GB and 256GB storage sizes, each with 8GB of RAM. Colour options include Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and Pink Gold; however, Samsung is also offering Graphite, Cream, Sky Blue and Violet as online exclusives.
Samsung Galaxy S22+: quick specs
- 6.6-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen
- ‘Contour cut’ 10MP front camera
- Triple camera setup in rear (50MP, 12MP, 10MP)
- In-screen ultra-sonic fingerprint sensor and facial recognition
- Android 12 operating system
- 4,500mAh battery, up to 45W wired & 15W wireless charging, Power Share
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 4nm processor
- 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22+ Prices and Plans
The Galaxy S22+ will be available on plans from Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, and Woolworths Mobile, and can be picked up unlocked from selected major retailers including Samsung. Pre-orders begin from Thursday, February 10, with devices available from March 4, 2022. Outright pricing is below.
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ 128GB: $1,549 AUD
- Samsung S22+ 256GB: $1,649 AUD
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The final device to be showcased at Samsung’s Galaxy launch, the S22 Ultra is the ultimate in high-end S series smartphones, offering a big, bold display and a huge battery. The Ultra is also compatible with Samsung’s S-Pen stylus, bridging the gap between the popular Galaxy S range and the beloved (if now defunct) Samsung Galaxy Note series.
Following on from last year’s S21 Ultra, Samsung has clearly strived to mix the best bits of the Note range with the style and usability of the Galaxy S22. The S22 Ultra’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display measures in at 6.8 inches, and features a maximum brightness of 1,750nit — making it an incredibly bright device, both in darkness and in sunlight.
The Ultra’s display also includes an adaptive refresh rate of 10 to 120Hz, alongside extras such as Vision Booster, Eye Comfort Shield, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate in Game Mode. If you’re looking to splurge on a device for watching media or for gaming on the go, the Ultra’s screen has you covered.
Samsung has gone all out on the S22 Ultra’s cameras, expanding the features found on the S22 to both the front and back lenses on the Ultra. In the rear you’ll find a quad-camera line-up with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 108-megapixel wide camera, 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x Optical Zoom, and second 10-megapixel telephoto shooter with 10x Optical Zoom. Together, this set-up allows up to 100x the zoom for long-distance pics.
Night-time and low-light photos and video will also be upgraded, thanks to the inclusion of a large 2.4um pixel sensor to capture more light and detail. The Ultra also comes with the new Auto Framing mode for video, plus a Super Clear Glass lens to minimise flare and noise, and advanced AI and editing tools. All three S22 models include access to the Expert RAW app for professional on-device and in-camera photo editing, making the range ideal for serious content creators.
The S22 Ultra includes Samsung’s 4-namometer processor, plus a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery. The phone will be compatible with 45-watt wired charging, as well as 15-watt wireless and Power Share charging between devices. Samsung states that users will enjoy over a full day of use from 100% battery charge, although your mileage may vary; luckily, the S22’s fast charging options make it easy to top up your device when needed.
One of the biggest differences between the S22 Ultra and the S22/S22+ is the built-in S-Pen found on the former. Samsung’s signature stylus allows you to draw, write and take notes directly on your phone screen, with the brand also promising a faster response time in the S22 Ultra when compared to last year’s model. It’s a feature that Note series refugees are bound to love, and takes the S22 Ultra to the next level in terms of productivity.
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra will come with Android 12 and One UI, and is 5G-capable. Storage options include 128GB with 8GB RAM, 256GB with 12GB RAM, 512GB with 12GB RAM, and 1TB with 12GB RAM. You can choose from four colours: Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and an all-new Burgundy shade, although the Samsung store has three additional limited-time Graphite, Sky Blue and Red versions on offer.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: quick specs
- 6.8-inch Edge Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen
- ‘Contour cut’ 40MP front camera
- Quadruple camera setup in rear (108MP, 12MP, 10MP, 10MP)
- In-screen ultra-sonic fingerprint sensor and facial recognition
- Android 12 operating system
- 5,000mAh battery, up to 45W wired & 15W wireless charging, Power Share
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 4nm processor
- 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra prices and plans
The Galaxy S22 Ultra will be available on plans from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and Woolworths Mobile, and to buy outright from Samsung and selected retailers. You can pre-order the Ultra from Thursday, February 10, with phones available in stores from March 4, 2022. Outright prices are below.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 128GB: $1,849 AUD
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 256GB: $1,999 AUD
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 512GB: $2,149 AUD
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 1TB: $2,449 AUD (Samsung store exclusive)
Buying the S22 outright? Compare SIM only plans below
Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 20GB of data, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try using our mobile phone plan comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Here is a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB of data each month, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. If you want to compare a larger range of offers from other providers, use our phone plan comparison tool. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Related: Samsung Galaxy S21 review: a fast new flagship smartphone
Images: Samsung
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