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Question Preordering S22 Ultra for this pricepoint (200-250€ off retail price), is it worth it?

My carrier just messaged me about their offer for all new Galaxy S22 models with 200€ off from the retail price for S22/S22+ and 250€ off for the S22 Ultra + free Galaxy Buds Pros. With this the S22 Ultra 128GB 5G model would be 1049€, 256GB 5G model 1149€ and the 512GB 5G model 1249€ (all of these are available for interest free payments up to 3 years and the phones are not being bootloader/carrier locked). Is this actually a good offer or should I pass it given that I live in the EU and the model I would get is going to be Exynos 2200 device anyway (which is most likely going to be not as good as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant)?

Hard to say with zero user feedback. Samsung has been having issues with many of their variable rate displays as are most of the manufacturers using this technology.
Right off the get there's no SD card so you better get the 512gb variant. The spen is in an awkward side unless you're a lefty.
You might want the larger Plus size if you want screen real estate to play with.
The Snapdragon question and what the heat sink differences might be if any will be only fully answered in the future.
Samsung should have another flagship release this fall. Personally the S22U isn't giving me any tangible incentives to own it over my N10+'s. Not even a wash; the tradeoffs outweigh the benefits for me.
The N20U was a close and tougher call to make.
2023 may be a better year to buy. I'm pacing it for 2023-2024 if I like what I see.
Both the N10+ and the N20U can be had at good prices. Used and new ones are available but be careful if you do as there's a lot of scamming is going on. The N10+ is still a great phone and both these Notes support up to 1tb of V30 rated storage. The new N10+'s come loaded with 10, the N20U's likely 11. I'm not concerned with updates but if you are factor that in; the N10+'s limit is Android 12, the N20U's is 13 maybe 14(?) I think.

Sincci said:
My carrier just messaged me about their offer for all new Galaxy S22 models with 200€ off from the retail price for S22/S22+ and 250€ off for the S22 Ultra + free Galaxy Buds Pros. With this the S22 Ultra 128GB 5G model would be 1049€, 256GB 5G model 1149€ and the 512GB 5G model 1249€ (all of these are available for interest free payments up to 3 years and the phones are not being bootloader/carrier locked). Is this actually a good offer or should I pass it given that I live in the EU and the model I would get is going to be Exynos 2200 device anyway (which is most likely going to be not as good as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant)?
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I would say it depends on which device you come from.. If you currently have a Note 20 Ultra or S21 Ultra, I would wait a bit before committing. Last year I actually went from Note 20 Ultra to S21 Ultra (I know, stupid), and I regretted it at first but then loved it. If you are coming from an older device, then yeah go for it.

Question Waiting for S21 Ultra prices to drop or pulling the trigger on the pre-order S22 Ultra deal (Exynos)

2 years have gone by and my OnePlus 7T Pro despite its gorgeous full-screen display and privacy pop-up camera is disappointing me. I have 5G coverage now, want a 120 Hz display, AOD and a better camera. It served me well since April 2020 but the lack of software support, OnePlus' direction and other things pushed me away.
I tried to decide between the S21 Ultra and the Pixel 6 Pro, but the Pixel's software issues, lack of a macro camera and other little things made me choose the S21 Ultra.
Now to the real thing
At our retail store MediaMarkt I could get the S22 Ultra 256GB for € 1249 (instead of € 134) + Galaxy Buds Pro that I could sell. But only until February 24th. The S21 Ultra 256 GB is € 1099 new and € 980 used but like new. 128 GB is not an option (especially due to 8 GB RAM on the S22 Ultra).
I consider the S-Pen a gimmick I might use every now and then but not a deal breaker.
I don't really like curved displays so the less the better.
I struggle between having a tested phone with mostly stable software vs. being early adopter. Also the S22 Ultra is going to get Android 13 faster and longer support.
I'm not sure how comfortable the boxy design of the S22 Ultra is as my last boxy design was the iPhone 5 probably
The price difference by selling the Galaxy Buds Pro would be something like € 1170 vs. € 1099 (but the S21 Ultra will drop in price soon I guess). In the best case scenario it would be € 80 price difference. It truly is tempting but I'm hesistant on pulling the trigger. If I were to do it, I would receive it on March 12th with a 14 day return window.
I could try the S22 Ultra in store already and will do so again tomorrow. Maybe someone has some arguments and valid points to make or was in the same position I am now. Feel free to also tell me why you pulled or didn't pull the trigger.
(Also due to bootloader unlocks, warranty, import and other factors, I am only considering the Exynos variants of both devices. If it turns out rooting is kind of an issue, I would go S21 Ultra either way as I do not have any time to deal with using the stock software and wiping weeks later to finally being able to root).

I particularly have not and will not pul the plug on my order, honestly I had the N20U and S21U and I liked the N20U design more but loved the S21 specs. For me the S22U is a winner combining both phones. I know there will be bugs but the same happened with S21 Ultra and it's just a matter of being patient.
I do use the SPEN with no issues (favorite feature of the note of course).

For anyone else wondering: I've decided to go with the S21 Ultra. I've got both and tested them.
There were several reasons (keep in mind I'm coming from a OnePlus 7T Pro):
No important use-case for the S Pen for me (I got a € 26 used one for the S21 Ultra and will keep it in my backpack)
Display brightness is the same. The only difference is that the S22 Ultra allows a higher manual brightness but even when adaptive brightness is off, both S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra will detect a high ambient brightness and ramp up the extra mile despite not having adaptive mode on. There is no reason for me to manually trigger it in moderate lit environments.
The S22 Ultra is a bit wider and its boxy shape makes one handed use almost impossible while with the S21 Ultra it is possible for me.
I got the S21 Ultra for € 900 "like new" meaning it has been opened and then returned. The S22 Ultra would be at least € 1150 even with selling the Galaxy Buds Pro.
Exynos 2100 vs 2200 in my tests was hilarious. Single core performance in Geekbench on the S22 Ultra was very low sometimes and the device got hot (already installed the day one patch though. CPU were almost the same only OpenCL was better with the S22 Ultra. A CPU stress test running for 15 minutes resulted in 2% average difference but the S21 Ultra wasn't dropping as quickly and had higher results when throttling.
I did have some stuttering and lagging when apps were installed in the background or while the CPU is doing something in the background. This doesn't happen with the S21 Ultra. It seems like the Exynos 2200 has issues with multiple tasks. This could be fixed with an update I guess, but I don't buy a device in the hopes that it will be fixed in the future. If it were a hardware issue, I'm very much out of luck.
If I get my pre-order device from Samsung's online shop, I definitely shouldn't root it right away as it wouldn't terminate the warranty in Europe, but certainly the 14 day return window. I don't want to test the device for a few days or even set it up just to wipe it again.
Only thing that I couldn't confirm is that the S22 Ultra has a high AOD idle drain. The battery drain with AOD was the same at 1.1%/h and about 0.3–0.5%/h without AOD.
In the end I thought: is the € 300 price difference worth it? My answer was no. Deciding between both devices when the S21 Ultra is about € 1099 and the S22 Ultra € 1212 - Galaxy Buds Pro (I had a 10% coupon) would be another story. But saving € 200 for a 14 day return device is a good deal in my opinion and brings me closer to realistic phone prices. 2 years ago I struggled to pay € 750 for the OnePlus 7T Pro. Paying over € 1000 or even € 1200 is simply too much.
It's odd that the higher the prices are, the higher the tolerance for price differences become. If I were to decide between a € 300 and a € 600 phone, I would be much more hesitant to buy the expensive one while something like € 1100 and € 1400 suddenly becomes less of an issue. It's still a lot of money even though the proportion is different. Maybe this thread and post helped someone decide. Who knows

Question Galaxy S22 Ultra deal: worth it coming from S21 Ultra?

Samsung if offering pretty good trade-in deals in the U.S. over Memorial Day weekend, which means I could basically upgrade my 256 GB S21 Ultra to a 256 GB S22 Ultra for $299, with a free Watch4 to boot! I already have a Watch3, so if I sold the Watch4, it would effectively be a $150 or so upgrade.
Not a bad deal at all. I'm tempted to do it, but I wanted to see if you guys feel it would be worth it. I really like my S21 Ultra and Watch3, and I don't have any issues with either of them. I don't really care about the S Pen (perhaps I should?), but having a best-in-class camera is critical to me. I don't have any complaints, really, about my S21 Ultra, but I'd be open to spending $300 or so if there are some serious improvements in the camera and/or other areas.
Would you say this deal is worth the upgrade? Or should I just stick with my S21 Ultra for now, and wait for whatever the S23 series will bring?
Thanks!
--Ron

I used S21Ultra and now I'm using S22ultra. I do regret every day for my decision. S21U is way better than S22U.
The only option which is better is zoom. Zoom is clearer than S21U. But I don't think you're gonna use the zoom much.
S22U camera performance is not satisfying at all compared to the price tag and S21U. I thought the Korean version has a problem and bought the US version. But both are the same.
Gaming(PUBG) performance on S21U is also better. Battery performance is also better on S21U.
If you love S-Pen and 100x clearer zoom, then go for S22U. Otherwise, it doesn't worth buying.

dutch_in_seattle said:
Samsung if offering pretty good trade-in deals in the U.S. over Memorial Day weekend, which means I could basically upgrade my 256 GB S21 Ultra to a 256 GB S22 Ultra for $299, with a free Watch4 to boot! I already have a Watch3, so if I sold the Watch4, it would effectively be a $150 or so upgrade.
Not a bad deal at all. I'm tempted to do it, but I wanted to see if you guys feel it would be worth it. I really like my S21 Ultra and Watch3, and I don't have any issues with either of them. I don't really care about the S Pen (perhaps I should?), but having a best-in-class camera is critical to me. I don't have any complaints, really, about my S21 Ultra, but I'd be open to spending $300 or so if there are some serious improvements in the camera and/or other areas.
Would you say this deal is worth the upgrade? Or should I just stick with my S21 Ultra for now, and wait for whatever the S23 series will bring?
Thanks!
--Ron
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As of right now, based on your "requirements" no, not worth it for you. IT will be in the near future with software upgrades, though.
If you do the trade, you might spend a couple months complaining and regretting it. but in the long run is so very worth it.

>> It will be in the near future with software upgrades, though.
Can you give some examples of this? What are issues now which should be corrected in software updates? It's tricky to buy something based on promised future enhancements or features.
Also, I'm wondering how much I'd actually use the S Pen, since I've never been a Note user. I'd love to hear from other S22 Ultra users without any prior Note experience how (if?) they use the S Pen with the S22 Ultra and how they're liking that.

Well, I took the plunge and ordered the Galaxy S22 Ultra (unlocked, black, 256 GB) on Samsung.com, taking advantage of their Memorial Day special: $1,000 trade-in for Galaxy S21 Ultra plus a free 40mm Watch4. In total it came to $284 (after an additional employer-related $15 off). I'm planning to sell the Watch4, so ultimately this upgrade will cost me about $100-$120. Not bad, not bad at all.
I'll probably post my impressions of the S22 Ultra with S Pen, coming from S21 Ultra, in this forum later.
--Ron

dutch_in_seattle said:
Well, I took the plunge and ordered the Galaxy S22 Ultra (unlocked, black, 256 GB) on Samsung.com, taking advantage of their Memorial Day special: $1,000 trade-in for Galaxy S21 Ultra plus a free 40mm Watch4. In total it came to $284 (after an additional employer-related $15 off). I'm planning to sell the Watch4, so ultimately this upgrade will cost me about $100-$120. Not bad, not bad at all.
I'll probably post my impressions of the S22 Ultra with S Pen, coming from S21 Ultra, in this forum later.
--Ron
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Also in the Seattle area here who did the trade in from the S21U during the pre-order deals. No regrets here, works just as well with my Watch 3. It terms of day to day stuff, you won't really notice an upgrade. The camera itself isn't very different either, with the 10x looking better. I personally use GCam for everything and it's been working well.

Question There is a clear statement - totaly avoid 8/128 model for 12/256?

Hello,
I am searching for an upgrade from my old LG V30 and S22 Ultra will be my choice.
In my country, we have only Exynos so I have to choose between 8/128 and 12/256 (512 is too expensive for me), the price difference between 128 and 256 being about 160$. So 8/128 can be bought with ~900$.
There are clear tests or unbiased user reports that 8/128 it's slower or really worst in day-by-day use (except games) compared with 12/256? I'm sure that 12/256 it's future proof but the 160$ difference it's a little bit high and my V30 is really smooth with just 4GB of RAM.

Lyvyoo said:
Hello,
I am searching for an upgrade from my old LG V30 and S22 Ultra will be my choice.
In my country, we have only Exynos so I have to choose between 8/128 and 12/256 (512 is too expensive for me), the price difference between 128 and 256 being about 160$. So 8/128 can be bought with ~900$.
There are clear tests or unbiased user reports that 8/128 it's slower or really worst in day-by-day use (except games) compared with 12/256? I'm sure that 12/256 it's future proof but the 160$ difference it's a little bit high and my V30 is really smooth with just 4GB of RAM.
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With your budget, I'd recommend going through the Samsung shop and getting a provider's offer directly through them and cancelling your current one (if it's doable for you). You'll have an unlocked device, and its price will be largely absorbed by the service provider (I paid under 800€ for a Exynos 2200 12Gb/512Gb variant, and the o2 subscription is around 30€/month on 2 years, so in the end, I'll have paid less than 1.520€ at the end of the two years contract, device and subscription included).

there were few users reporting that they found 8/128 inferior to other two versions. if you can go for 12/256

I'm using my 12/256 for the 2nd week now and I've got nothing bad to say... this thing is a beast!

Jaxom84 - My current subscription is 10Euros/month (Vodafone) and I have all that I need. So it makes no sense to pay 30E x 2 years - 480E difference in 24 months + 800E the phone price. I prefer to buy the phone with 900 with no contract. But I'm not sure if 8/128 is a good option or not, that is the aim of this topic.

Well, it was to ease the process in case you preferred avoiding the 8Gb version and upgrade for a more manageable budget. For raw performances with Android 12, I think a quick tour on the forum will show some topics about it.
And if you feel like waiting a little, maybe try to gather advices from people with the following device setup:
- Exynos 2200
- 8Gb/128Gb version
- Android 13 Beta 2
As this Beta is already showing some improvements compared to the latest Android 12 updates, you may have interesting answers to help you take that decision.

Question Best honest places to buy 12 Ultra from EU

As above, any recomendations where to buy a 12 ultra from? I see most sellers on Ali sell ultra with Global version, which is guess is just a rom reflash. Id prefer to buy an original chinese rm and then flash the eu ROM myself.
thanks

Evo400 said:
As above, any recomendations where to buy a 12 ultra from? I see most sellers on Ali sell ultra with Global version, which is guess is just a rom reflash. Id prefer to buy an original chinese rm and then flash the eu ROM myself.
thanks
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On Ali you have the Cn or global choice.
tradingshenzhen.:the price seems lower.

From China (takes 10 days and no extra fees) - Also includes a 5€ coupon ^^
Xiaomi 12S ULTRA - 12GB/256GB - Leica Camera - 120 Hz LTPO
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a high-end flagship with Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, 12 GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256 GB UFS 3.1 ROM, 4860 mAh battery with 67W Charge, 50W Wireless Charge, and a 6.73-inch Dolby Vision True Color LTPO 120 Hz display. The triple camera is made in cooperation with Leica and is led by a...
tradingshenzhen.com
I've been buying from there for ages and all perfect, you can even email them to send a sealed version (they usually open the box to check if everything is ok and install play store)

I've bought from Wanda mobile for several years without any issues or import duties.

SirTAVARES​Sathelp​What about the warranty?

NOSS8 said:
SirTAVARES​Sathelp​What about the warranty?
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1 year warranty. you send the device to germany i think where they have the warehouse.

I also have great experience with TradingShenzhen. I also have after sales experience. You can read more about it here. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/axon-40-ultra.4445957/post-87356365 I used the refund to buy the S12 Ultra, which should arrive in about 10-14 days from China. They have the 256 Gb version in stock in Europe, which should arrive in a few days without additional shipping costs. Good luck!

SirTAVARES said:
1 year warranty. you send the device to germany i think where they have the warehouse.
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1 year return to them in China but I can confirm they do honour this and if you use the right route, it doesn't has to cost much more to ship there than it does to Germany now we're not part of EU . Both good service.

Aliexpress to avoid.
In comparison with the 12 pro:
A bigger battery, ip 68 but no 480 Hz sampling frequency, camera less good, 3 bands less, I find it expensive compared to the 12 pro.

NOSS8 said:
Aliexpress to avoid.
In comparison with the 12 pro:
A bigger battery, ip 68 but no 480 Hz sampling frequency, camera less good, 3 bands less, I find it expensive compared to the 12 pro.
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Also 12S pro is very good phone also with Leica camera that doesnt get much attention

Evo400 said:
Also 12S pro is very good phone also with Leica camera that doesnt get much attention
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Battery identical to the 12 pro and it's really the fault of this phone, the autonomy.
Lack too many 4g bands for my region
I would rather go for a Mi 11 ultra.

I bit the bullet today and ordered the 12 S Ultra. I have done some testing and only once I saw band B20 so we'll see. The current demand for 12 Ultras in Europe is huge so selling it back won't be a problem if im not happy with it

I bought it from Quickmobile.ro very nice price, 20% off and QUICK202 is a 3% off voucher.
I paid 6199 RON, which is about 1250 EUR. Waited 7 business days to arrive via courier, right at my door.
I'm waiting for the original case now, bought from giztop

I got mine from tradingshenzen. They even emailed me to say that they have a same spec device that a customer didn't collect, in a distribution center in Germany, and would I accept it instead of a new delivery from China. It arrived the next day. I've seen them recommended on other forums too.

Word of Caution!!!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tradingshenzhen-caution.4495495/