A New Era for Samsung Devices
Samsung kicked off the year with the highly anticipated Galaxy S22 and Tab S8 series reveal, delighting fans with substantial upgrades across the board. These devices bring Samsung’s latest in display technology, powerful processing, and software refinements that promise an enhanced user experience. But what really sets the S22 and Tab S8 series apart, especially with Samsung’s popular Note series seemingly replaced by the Ultra model of the S22 line? Let’s dive into how Samsung’s new lineup stacks up.
Galaxy S22 Series: Refined Power with a Nod to the Note
The Galaxy S22 lineup includes the S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra, each with unique features designed for different types of users.
Design and Display: Samsung’s Sharpest Yet
Samsung’s design language with the S22 and S22+ retains the modern, sleek look of previous models, but with refined edges and more compact bodies that fit comfortably in one hand. The S22 Ultra, however, stands out as the true successor to the Galaxy Note series. With its squared-off corners and integrated S Pen slot, it channels the Note’s design legacy while introducing new capabilities.
The displays on all three devices are stunning, with Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology delivering crisp, vibrant colors and impressive brightness, even in direct sunlight. The S22 Ultra’s 6.8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate makes it particularly appealing for media enthusiasts and mobile gamers, ensuring smooth visuals for every task.
Performance: Faster, Smoother, More Efficient
Equipped with the latest Snapdragon or Exynos processors (depending on the region), the S22 series is built to handle multitasking and resource-intensive apps without breaking a sweat. For practical, everyday use, this means the S22 series is ideal for streaming, gaming, and multitasking. Apps like Samsung Notes and Samsung DeX work seamlessly across devices, enhancing productivity for power users who want to transition easily between tasks.
Everyday Usage: A Galaxy for Every Workflow
Samsung has always designed its Galaxy devices with practicality in mind, and the S22 series doesn’t disappoint.
- For Note-Takers and Creatives: The S22 Ultra includes the S Pen, which not only offers improved latency but can also be used for intricate drawing, note-taking, and photo editing. This stylus integration feels seamless, turning the S22 Ultra into a pocket-sized notepad and creative toolkit that’s perfect for jotting down ideas or signing documents on the go.
- For Multitaskers: With Samsung’s One UI 4.0 and Android 12, the S22 series allows users to multitask effortlessly. Features like split-screen and pop-up view allow users to have multiple apps open at once. Combined with the Ultra’s larger screen, this functionality makes it easy to answer messages while watching a video or taking notes during a video call.
- For Remote Workers and Productivity Lovers: Samsung DeX allows you to connect your S22 device to a monitor or TV, transforming it into a desktop-like experience. For users working remotely or managing documents on the fly, DeX provides a near-laptop experience from a smartphone, which could be a game-changer for productivity.
Productivity: Automation and Integration Galore
Samsung has continued to expand its ecosystem, which means that the S22 and Tab S8 work better together than ever. For those who juggle multiple devices, this integration is invaluable.
- Shortcuts and Automation: Samsung’s Bixby Routines allow users to set up automated actions based on time, location, or device status. For instance, you can create a routine that puts your device into Do Not Disturb mode during work hours or automatically opens your music app when you connect to your car’s Bluetooth.
- Cross-Device Syncing: The S22 series syncs seamlessly with the Galaxy Tab S8, making it easy to switch from working on a spreadsheet on your phone to editing it on a larger screen. Samsung Notes and reminders also sync instantly, so your ideas, lists, and to-dos are accessible across all your Galaxy devices.
Galaxy Tab S8 Series: Power-Packed Tablets with a Focus on Productivity
Samsung’s Tab S8 series includes the Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra. These devices are powerful enough to function as laptop replacements, especially when paired with Samsung’s keyboard covers.
Design and Display: Compact Versatility to Large-Scale Power
The Tab S8 Ultra takes center stage with its massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, which is ideal for content creation, gaming, and streaming. Samsung’s signature displays are vibrant and sharp, making them perfect for professionals and creatives who need a large, high-quality screen. For users looking for portability, the standard Tab S8 offers a more compact and lightweight option.
Performance and Software Integration: A Tablet That Gets Things Done
With Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon processors, the Tab S8 series doesn’t lag behind. The tablets are fast, responsive, and equipped to handle anything from graphics-heavy apps to multitasking between browser windows and productivity tools. With multi-window support and DeX mode, users can turn the Tab S8 into a desktop workstation, making it ideal for those who want a laptop-like experience without the extra bulk.
Everyday and Professional Use
The Tab S8 series shines for users who rely on tablet-based productivity, whether for business, design, or day-to-day tasks.
- Design and Illustration: The S Pen’s improved latency allows for a responsive drawing experience, ideal for artists working in apps like Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint. Samsung’s Notes app has also become a powerful tool for both drawing and annotation, especially on the larger Tab S8 Ultra, which provides ample space to work.
- Multitasking for Business: The Tab S8’s multi-window and app-pinning capabilities mean users can keep a video call open while taking notes or managing a calendar on the side. Paired with DeX mode, the Tab S8 series is also an attractive option for those needing a device for presentations, spreadsheets, and productivity on the go.
Specs
Category | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy S22 Plus | Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.6-inch OLED | 6.8-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 1080×2340 | 1080×2340 | 1440×3088 |
| Max refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Dimensions | 70.6 x 146 x 7.6 mm | 75.8 x 157.4 x 7.6 mm | 77.9 x 163.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 168g (5.93 ounces) | 196g (6.91 ounces) | 229g (8.08 ounces) |
| Battery capacity | 3,700mAh | 4,500mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP (f/1.8) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto | 50MP (f/1.8) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto | 108MP (f/2.2) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f2.4 / f4.9) telephoto |
| Front cameras | 10MP | 10MP | 40MP |
| Front video | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Rear video | 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps | 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps | 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| S Pen | No | No | Yes |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, facial recognition | Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, facial recognition | Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, facial recognition |
| Water and dust protection | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| UWB | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | 5G mmWave / sub-6GHz, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | 5G mmWave / sub-6GHz, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz), Bluetooth 5.2 | 5G mmWave / sub-6GHz, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz), Bluetooth 5.2 |