The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands out as one of the most premium Android flagships available today. But how does Samsung’s top-of-the-line phone hold up with long-term, real world use? After extensively testing an S22 Ultra purchased in Somalia, here is an in-depth look at what we found excellent and where it falls short after months of use.
The Good: Where the S22 Ultra Shines
– Class-leading display – The expansive 6.8” Quad HD+ AMOLED screen with up to 120Hz refresh is stunningly sharp, smooth and bright. One of the best displays you can get on a smartphone.
– All-day battery life – The large 5,000mAh battery reliably lasts through a full day of heavy use with power to spare. 45W fast charging tops it up quickly when needed.
– S Pen experience – The integrated S Pen opens up new creative possibilities with precise pressure-sensitive writing/drawing and convenient remote control features.
– Pro-grade camera system – A quad camera setup covering ultra-wide to 10x optical zoom results in extremely versatile, true-to-life photography. The main 108MP sensor captures images rich in detail.
– Powerhouse performance – Cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and up to 12GB RAM blazes through intensive gaming and multitasking without slowing down.
– Premium build – A glass and metal body gives the S22 Ultra a refined high-end feel in the hand. The IP68 water/dust resistance also allows for worry-free use.
The Bad: Where the S22 Ultra Falls Short
– High price – Priced at $1,200, the S22 Ultra is quite expensive, especially considering the weaker Somali Shilling exchange rates. Not exactly affordable for the average consumer in Somalia.
– Large, heavy body – The huge screen and sturdy build quality make the S22 Ultra a bulky, heavy phone. Not the most pocketable or ergonomic for long periods of one-handed use.
– No microSD slot – Surprisingly for a flagship, there is no microSD card expansion, limiting storage to just the built-in 512GB on most units sold in Somalia.
– So-so ultra-wide camera – Every other lens captures amazing shots, but image quality from the 12MP ultra-wide camera is noticeably inferior in detail and low light performance.
– No charger included – Samsung doesn’t include the 45W charging brick in the box. Having to purchase this separately increases costs for buyers in Somalia.
– Only 4 OS upgrades – Samsung only guarantees 4 major Android OS updates for the S22 Ultra, less than rivals like Google’s 5 years of support for Pixels.
Is the Galaxy S22 Ultra Worth Buying in Somalia?
Despite some flaws, the stunning display, polished design, S Pen functionality and elite-level performance still make the Galaxy S22 Ultra one of the best smartphones money can buy in Somalia. Power users who can afford the premium price will find it a worthwhile investment. But budget-minded buyers may want to consider cheaper Galaxy S22 models or older flagships.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Long-Term Review FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra after extended use:
Does the battery last all day with heavy use?
Yes, the large 5,000mAh battery consistently lasts a full day even with gaming, max brightness, and other battery-draining usage.
How is the low light camera performance?
Excellent, thanks to features like Nightography. The S22 Ultra excels at low light shots with natural colors and rich detail.
How much internal storage does it come with?
128GB and 256GB options are available in Somalia, but most models sold are 512GB. There is no microSD slot.
Does it run games smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and Adreno 730 GPU can handle the most intensive 3D games without lag or frame drops.
Does the S22 Ultra work well one-handed?
It’s usable but not ideal for long one-handed use sessions due to the phone’s large size and weight. More pocket-able alternatives may suit some users better.
After months of real-world use, the Galaxy S22 Ultra upholds Samsung’s reputation for excellence in displays, performance, and photography. But buyers should weigh its high costs and ergonomic drawbacks before purchasing in Somalia’s competitive phone market.
