Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
If you're looking for the ultimate smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 6.8" QHD+ display and a powerful 108MP camera. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is a budget-friendly choice that still offers solid features like a 90Hz display and a capable 50MP camera. After testing both devices, it's clear that the S22 Ultra shines with its premium specs, but the Moto G Play (2024) provides strong value for those on a budget. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (premium flagship) and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) (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 | Motorola Moto |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (1,325 reviews) | 4.5★ (848 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms) | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier |
| Main Drawback | Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy | Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p |
| 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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,325)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
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 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 8.08 oz (229 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Adreno 610
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
Cons
- Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 108MP camera crushes the Moto G Play (2024)'s 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you need top-tier camera performance for photography, want the best display for media consumption, or plan on using demanding apps and multitasking. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want a reliable phone for everyday tasks, need a budget-friendly option, or prefer a lighter device for casual use. (6.5" display, 90 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 848
→ 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 Motorola Moto
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Motorola Moto G Play (2024) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Motorola Moto G Play (2024) wins if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. 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 Motorola Moto G Play (2024)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra offers integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms), while Motorola Moto G Play (2024) stands out with stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy. Meanwhile, Motorola Moto G Play (2024) resolution is limited to 720p (hd+) while competitors offer 1080p. 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.
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