New hands-on photos of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra have arrived, providing a detailed look at how much has changed (and stayed the same) compared to the S21 and S20 Ultra. With 2021 just about in the books, it's safe to say this past year was a big one for Samsung. The company struck gold with its Galaxy S21 series, refined its foldable formula with the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, and delivered one of the best Android smartwatches in years with the Galaxy Watch 4.
However, all of that's in the past. The mobile industry moves at a rapid pace, and right now, all eyes are on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S22 series. Just like the S21 lineup, it's expected that Samsung will deliver three models of the S22 — including the baseline Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. Digital renders have repeatedly shown the phones' rumored designs. Now, fans get an even better look at the handsets thanks to new hands-on pics.
On December 22, GSMArena uploaded multiple photos showing dummy units of the entire S22 family (provided by accessory retailer Mobile Fun). The S22 handsets aren't functional, but they should offer a very accurate glimpse of what the final products will look like when they launch. One of the most interesting photos shows the S22 Ultra next to the S21 Ultra and S20 Ultra. Compared to the S21 Ultra, the S22 Ultra has a virtually identical camera placement. The sensors no longer live in a separate section, but they're all laid out exactly the same. It's also interesting to see how much boxier and flatter next year's phone looks. Where the S20 and S21 Ultra had distinctly rounded corners, the S22 Ultra bears a striking resemblance to 2020's Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
What The Galaxy S22 And S22+ Look Like In-Person
Along with comparing the S22 Ultra to its predecessors, GSMArena also showcased the entire S22 lineup next to each other. Interestingly enough, the S22 and S22+ have much more in common with their predecessors — featuring similar camera housings and round corners. The big difference is that Samsung's apparently using glossy backs for these phones, whereas the S21 and S21+ had matte finishes.
If anything, these pictures further reinforce the idea that the S22 Ultra is likely a big deal for Samsung. The S22 and S22+ look almost identical to their older siblings. By comparison, the S22 Ultra looks considerably different from the S21 Ultra. Combined with the S22 Ultra's built-in S Pen — and rumors that it may even don the 'Note' name — this could be one of 2022's biggest smartphone releases.
Thankfully, there shouldn't be too much longer to wait before Samsung confirms all of these details. Following the Galaxy S21 FE in January, the S22 series should get announced in early February. Official sales may not begin until the end of the month, but a proper announcement is just on the horizon.
Source: GSMArena