Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra dominates with a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1750 nits) and superior imaging capabilities, including a 108MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses with 10x periscope zoom, and 8K video recording. Sony's Xperia 5 IV offers compelling value at $200 less, featuring a more compact 6.1-inch design (172g vs 229g), faster 30W charging despite lower wattage, and excellent 4K@120fps video. Both share the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 5000mAh batteries. The Ultra excels for photography enthusiasts and those wanting flagship features, while the Xperia 5 IV suits users prioritizing portability and reasonable performance without premium pricing. For most buyers seeking cutting-edge specs and versatile zoom capability, the Galaxy S22 Ultra justifies its premium, though the Xperia 5 IV delivers solid flagship performance at a sweeter price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if…
- →Built-in S Pen silo is a unique productivity feature
- →Versatile quad-camera with 10x periscope telephoto
- →108 MP main sensor captures excellent detail
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 IV if…
- →Compact 6.1-inch form factor at 172 g
- →5000 mAh battery in a compact body
- →3.5mm headphone jack
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Pros
- Built-in S Pen silo is a unique productivity feature
- Versatile quad-camera with 10x periscope telephoto
- 108 MP main sensor captures excellent detail
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
Cons
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs hot under sustained load
- Very heavy and thick body
- 108 MP sensor replaced by 200 MP in the S23 Ultra
- Only 8 GB RAM on base storage variant
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Pros
- Compact 6.1-inch form factor at 172 g
- 5000 mAh battery in a compact body
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Wireless charging added (absent on 5 III)
- Excellent manual camera controls
Cons
- 12 MP cameras feel dated in 2022
- Slow 30W charging
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 thermal issues
- Niche appeal limits accessories and cases
- Auto camera mode behind iPhone and Pixel
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Sony Xperia 5 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 229 g | 172 g |
| Material | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps |
| Telephoto | 10 MP 10x periscope + 10 MP 3x optical | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2.5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.8 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO | OLED |
| Resolution | 3088 x 1440 | 2520 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1750 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Sony products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or the Sony Xperia 5 IV.