Samsung S22: Galaxy Ultra release date, new mobile phone features, UK price - and S22+ details
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Samsung has unveiled a new S22 series of smartphones at its latest Galaxy Unpacked event.
The South Korean tech giant is merging the key features of its two flagship smartphone ranges to create a new “compelling proposition” for users, the company said.
“This is a leap forward for mobile technology that breaks the rules of what a smartphone can do and sets a new epic standard for a generation that puts experience first,” said the firm’s corporate vice president for UK and Ireland, Conor Pierce.
The decision comes after the firm chose not to release a new Note device last year – having previously done so annually – and instead release a range of foldable smartphones.
Samsung’s unveiling is the first major smartphone launch of the year, with rivals such as Apple and Google not expected to announce their flagship phones until later this year.
Here is everything you need to know about the new devices.
What features do the new devices have?
The trio of new phones is led by the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which Samsung says combines the high-end camera and performance regularly seen in its S Series with the power and built-in S-Pen stylus from the popular Note Series of phablets.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra “brings two smartphone legacies together”, and is joined by the S22 and S22+ in the new line-up.
Last year, Samsung chose to release a new range of foldable smartphones instead of a new Galaxy Note – the large-screen phone which comes with the S-Pen stylus built-in, as part of a shake-up of its device portfolio.
Now the larger screen and stylus have been added to the S22 Ultra, which comes with a 6.8-inch Edge QHD+ display and 120Hz screen refresh rate for smoother scrolling, as well as an improved quad rear camera system, a large battery and fast charging.
Meanwhile, the base model S22 has a 6.1-inch FHD+ screen, and the S22+ has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display; both devices have the 120Hz screen refresh rate also seen on the Ultra and house triple rear camera systems.
Industry experts have responded well to the new devices, with Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, praising the design and camera capabilities of the phones.
“Samsung has once again delivered what the tech giant is best known for – robust, good-quality handsets with impressive specs and innovative features,” he said.
“The removal of the chunky camera hump in the rear cameras of the Ultra makes this one of the most visually appealing camera set-ups we’ve had from Samsung.
“The video camera across the three handsets has seen the most notable improvement, with improved stabilisation meaning that every frame of the video gives the user more detail than ever.”
When will the S22 be released?
The technology giant confirmed that S22 and S22+ will be available on Friday 11 March, with the S22 Ultra coming slightly earlier, on Friday 25 February.
How much will they cost?
The price points set by Samsung on the new devices are as follows:
- Galaxy S22 Ultra - £1,149
- Galaxy S22+ - £949
- Galaxy S22 - £769
What else was announced?
During the virtual event to announce the new phones, Samsung also unveiled a new tablet range – a trio of Tab S8 devices.
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