Galaxy S22 Ultra could get a memory downgrade that you can live with

A previous version of the article indicated that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and S21 Ultra included 1TB options. This has been corrected and we apologize for the error.
What you need to know
- The specs sheet for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has leaked.
- The camera on Samsung's higher-end flagship variant could see a significant improvement.
- However, the device's maximum memory and storage options may be downgraded compared to its predecessors.
All eyes are now on the Samsung Galaxy S22 series following the Galaxy S21 FE debut earlier this week. While there hasn't been a shortage of leaks about the upcoming flagship lineup in recent months, a new leak has revealed some interesting feature upgrades and downgrades for the device.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra could include 8GB of RAM for the base model and max out at 12GB if a specs sheet posted by Zaryab Khan on Twitter is anything to go by (via WinFuture). Its internal storage capacity may also be limited to 512GB, with the base variant shipping with 128GB.
First Look at Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra / S22 Specs Sheet! 🔥 Introducing SuperClear Lens! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nyEFGrPtAHFirst Look at Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra / S22 Specs Sheet! 🔥 Introducing SuperClear Lens! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nyEFGrPtAH— Zaryab Khan (@xeetechcare) January 5, 2022January 5, 2022
If the internal document is correct, it will be a bit of a bummer for power users who have come to expect the Galaxy S22 Ultra to have similar or more robust memory and storage options as Samsung's best Android phones in 2021. For instance, the Galaxy S20 Ultra and S21 Ultra had 512GB storage options but also had up to 16GB of RAM. The S22 Ultra would represent a bit of a downgrade in RAM while failing to reach the 1TB that prospective buyers would have hoped for.
Having said that, an 8GB RAM won't have much of an impact on the phone's performance. By any standard, it is still a flagship feature.
The leaked specs sheet also reveals some details about the phone's camera, battery capacity, and color options. While the memory configuration might disappoint some consumers, it's not all bad news for Samsung's upcoming top-end variant.
According to the leak, the Galaxy S22 Ultra's main camera will boast a new feature dubbed "Super Clear Glass," presumably a branding of Gorilla Glass. It will supposedly minimize reflection and glare in photos, resulting in clearer shots.
The rest of the leaked specs corroborate previous reports that claimed the phone would have a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide shooter, two 10MP telephoto cameras, and a 40MP selfie snapper. It's also said to pack a 5,000mAh battery. Unsurprisingly, the leak claims the device will be powered by a 4nm-based Exynos 2200 chipset.
As for the color options, the device may come in phantom white, phantom black, olive green, and burgundy colorways.
Samsung Galaxy S21
The Galaxy S21 has nearly everything you'd expect from a 2021 flagship phone, including a 120Hz AMOLED screen, 5G connectivity, and impressive cameras with 8K video support.
- $800 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
- $800 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
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Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech and apps for as long as he can remember, and he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via Twitter or LinkedIn.
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Don't think S21 or Note 20 ultra had 1TB variants. It's not really ok if they do this, but this "could", "might"and "probably" crap is worthless anyway.
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DOA for me without a 1TB model.
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Hanging on to my S20 Plus for as long as humanly possible. Love the option of having expandable storage for photos/videos.
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The decision to not offer a device with that extra RAM might explain the inclusion of RAM Plus (Virtual memory) in the Android 12 update. I've been fine with 8 gigs on S21, but l wonder how those that need/want more RAM feel about RAM Plus.
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This article is close to a week old; I posted on rumored devices days ago. And I'll make the state basic statement. It is probably a good thing since they are combining a note with a ultra model. Ultra users use their phones differently than those with notes. Most will never need over 8gb RAM, and they need it, they can move to higher numbers. But to pay for the S-pen and larger size, it will help keep the price in the same range as it is now and keep customers vs. shooing them over to OnePlus or other models.
I have never needed more than the 6gb on my Pixel 4. -
Interesting. What's your theory as to why Note users might need less RAM? I think it's probably going to start at 1,300 USD for the version with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of non expandable storage. The inclusion of an s-pen is awesome. But the storage and RAM seems substandard for a phone that expensive.
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As a note 20 ultra user with 12K Ram memory, what's the incentive to spend that much to upgrade to a phone that doesn't have more memory?
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I have the Samsung galaxy S21 Ultra now. I love it. I would never have paid the money unless performance was at the top. Cheapening the next model and lowering the power standard compared to the S21 Ultra wont fly. Ill be moving to some other company even if I have to pay more. Its disrespectful, plain and simple. Either the next Pixel, or a Sony, or a iPhone, assuming they dont screw something up either. Call me a grinch, but I like getting my money's worth.