Review: Samsung Galaxy S22 Series Takes Impressive Photos in a Sleek Package

Samsung recently released new additions to its Galaxy S series lineup — the S22 series  — which features major upgrades to the phone’s camera and display. The S22 series comes in three configurations — the 6.1-inch S22, the 6.6-inch S22+ and the 6.8-inch S22 Ultra — each offering impressive photo-taking capabilities and durability packaged in a sleek design.

All of the new devices come equipped with an AMOLED 2X adaptive 120Hz display and the new Vision Booster technology that automatically adjusts the screen depending on the lighting. The three devices all reach 1,750 nits of brightness, the brightest on a Galaxy smartphone ever.

The biggest upgrade to the S22 series is the camera and photo-taking features. The S22+ and S22 feature a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, a 50MP Wide Camera and a 10MP telephoto zoom lens, in addition to a 40MP front camera. The S22 Ultra goes even further by adding in a laser autofocus camera with support up to 108MP Wide alongside an additional 10MP telephoto lens — totaling five cameras on the back. The lenses are stacked on the back of the S22 Ultra by size in a delightfully aesthetic way.

Taking photos has been made even easier through AI technology powered by the phone’s new Neural Processing Unit, which is designed to let in more light and draw out details, even in low light. This feature is particularly helpful for nighttime photography, as the phones all have a preset “Night” mode you can select, along with other presets for portrait, panoramic and even food photography. Photos of my dog came out crisper thanks to the new AI Stereo Depth Map, which uses deep learning technology to highlight fine details and add a soft-focus effect.

The camera also has a Photo Remaster setting that allows the on-camera AI to analyze textures, noise levels and details to improve clarity and reduce noise. In addition, images can be downloaded in Multi Frame RAW format for seamless post-capture editing, and the AI-powered Object Eraser feature can be used to remove unwanted objects, shadows and reflections in the background — albeit to varying levels of success. The auto framerate in videos detects lighting and shifts to an optimal fps speed, while the new Auto Framing feature detects and tracks up to 10 people in the video and automatically adjusts the camera’s focus.

One of the best features of the S22 Ultra was the super slim S Pen embedded into the phone. The barely-there stylus lives inside the phone in a hidden compartment and writes smoothly on-screen with minimal lag. The device also visually tracks the pen’s movements on the screen, making it easier to write with accuracy. As a bonus, the S Pen can convert handwriting into clear, easy-to-read notes in up to 88 different languages. Notes can also be added while browsing the internet or scrolling through apps, making multi-tasking a breeze.

All of the devices are part of Samsung’s Open Ecosystem that optimizes the multi-device experience and allows for seamless connecting between the S22 series and the Galaxy Tab S8 series. Files and photos can be transferred with ease using the Quick Share feature and you can easily send messages, manage notifications and access mobile apps through your Windows desktop. All phones support 45W super-fast charging, have an IP68 water resistance rating and feature Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.

The S22 and S22+ offer rounded edges and a flat profile in an array of colors like Phanton Black, Phanton White, Green and Pink Gold. They come with up to 256 GB of storage and prices start at $799 USD. The S22 Ultra offers a more familiar square shape with a symmetrical metal frame in four colors: Phantom Black, Phanton White, Green and a new Burgundy. It comes with up to 1TB of storage and prices start at $1,199 USD. All of the devices are available to purchase online and will arrive in the coming weeks.

Overall, Samsung’s latest Galaxy lineup offers impressive new camera features and a sleek new design. The main points of difference between the three tiers are phone size, the number of cameras and the inclusion of the S Pen — though all of the phones showcase Samsung’s easy-to-navigate UI and enhanced AI technology that makes the S22 series a major step forward.