Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the flagship option here, boasting a 6.8" QHD+ display that offers stunning visuals compared to the compact 4.7" screen on the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen). After testing both devices, it's clear that the S22 Ultra crushes it in performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and 12GB of RAM, perfect for gaming and multitasking. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) provides a budget-friendly entry into the Apple ecosystem, making it appealing for those who want a solid device without breaking the bank. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (premium flagship) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (1,325 reviews) | 4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms) | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,325)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 8.08 oz (229 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
- Versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical)
Cons
- Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy
- Battery life is average despite 5,000mAh capacity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you need a stunning 6.8" display for media, you shoot high-quality photos with its 108MP camera, or you want top-tier performance for gaming.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a compact and lightweight phone, you want an affordable entry to the iPhone ecosystem, or you value the classic Home button design. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,325 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) wins if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra offers integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms), while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
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