The Galaxy Z Fold3: A Spiritual Successor to Samsung's Note Lineup?

As I reflect on my experience with the Galaxy Z Fold3, I've come to realize that there are certain flaws that begin to stand out more prominently as I approach the end of the honeymoon period. The S22 family, which includes the S22+ and the Note22 (coughs), also known as the S22 Ultra, is a significant refresh from Samsung's previous offerings. It's interesting to note that if I were to switch from a foldable device to one with a traditional screen, I would probably end up with a Note.

The S22 Ultra is indeed a worthy and heavyweight successor to the Note series. The first thing that caught my attention was the weight of the phone – it feels substantial in the hand. This is partly due to the fact that people are saying that the S22 Ultra feels less like an S series device and more like a Note. One of the reasons for this perception is the industrial design, which is significantly different from what we've seen in the S series.

Compared to the traditional camera bump found on most Samsung devices, the S22 Ultra has individual camera bumps with their own accent rings about them. In my opinion, this looks absolutely fantastic. The camera bump itself is less rounded off in the corners, which can make it uncomfortable to hold the phone for extended periods. However, I did notice that the edges of the S22 Ultra are a bit on the sharp side, which provides more internal space for other components.

One of the key differences between the Note series and the S series traditionally is the embedded S Pen. I've seen some complaints about the relatively boring design of the S Pen this time around, but it's clear that Samsung has put thought into its redesign. However, as someone who values innovative designs, I'm not entirely convinced by the current iteration.

Overall, my experience with the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the S22 Ultra has been overwhelmingly positive. It's clear that Samsung has made significant strides in addressing some of the concerns that have plagued the company's previous offerings. As a fan of the Note series, it's reassuring to see that the S22 Ultra is a worthy successor to this beloved lineup.

As I hold the S22+ in my hand, I'm struck by its weight and heft. It feels substantial, even more so than the S22 Ultra. This is partly due to the camera bump, which is designed differently from what we've seen on other Samsung devices. Instead of a single large bump with multiple lenses embedded within it, the S22+ has individual camera bumps that are set apart by accent rings. In my opinion, this design choice looks fantastic.

However, I also notice that the edges of the S22+ are a bit more rounded off than those of the S22 Ultra. This may be due to the fact that Samsung is trying to create a more comfortable fit in the palm, but it's a trade-off that may not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, the lack of a camera bump in one corner gives the S22+ more internal space for other components.

One area where I think the S22 Ultra has an edge over its predecessor is in terms of design consistency. The Note series has traditionally had a distinctive look and feel that sets it apart from other Samsung devices. While some may say that the industrial design of the S22 Ultra is less rounded off than what we've seen before, I believe that this is a deliberate design choice that allows for more internal space.

The fact that the S22 Ultra has an individual camera bump with its own accent rings about it is a significant advantage over traditional devices. This not only looks fantastic but also provides a clear visual distinction between different components. It's a subtle detail, to be sure, but one that speaks volumes about Samsung's commitment to design excellence.

As I look at the S22 Ultra and the Note20 Ultra 5G, which is being compared to it today, I'm struck by how much they have in common. Both devices are heavy and substantial, with a focus on camera performance that sets them apart from other Samsung offerings. However, while both devices share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that set them apart.

One of the main areas where the S22 Ultra differs from its predecessor is in terms of design consistency. The Note series has traditionally had a distinctive look and feel that sets it apart from other Samsung devices. While some may say that the industrial design of the S22 Ultra is less rounded off than what we've seen before, I believe that this is a deliberate design choice that allows for more internal space.

As someone who values innovative designs, I'm not entirely convinced by the current iteration of the S Pen. However, it's clear that Samsung has put thought into its redesign and is committed to creating a device that feels premium and desirable. Whether or not the S22 Ultra will live up to these expectations remains to be seen.

Overall, my experience with the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the S22 Ultra has been overwhelmingly positive. It's clear that Samsung has made significant strides in addressing some of the concerns that have plagued the company's previous offerings. As a fan of the Note series, it's reassuring to see that the S22 Ultra is a worthy successor to this beloved lineup.

But what does the future hold for Samsung's foldable devices? Only time will tell if the S22 Ultra and other upcoming devices can live up to the high standards set by their predecessors. One thing is certain, however: Samsung is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating devices that are truly unique and desirable.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en- Just as I find myselfapproaching the endof the honeymoon periodwith my Galaxy Z Fold3where the flaws of thedevice begin to standout against the obvious advantages,Samsung has refreshed theirS lineup with the S22 family.We've got two of them here today,the S22+ and the Note22 (coughs).Excuse me, the S22 Ultra,which is by all appearancesa spiritual successorto Samsung's old Note lineupthat hasn't actuallyseen a new family membersince the Note20 Ultra 5G,which we've also got onhand today for comparison.So let's start of course with that.As something of a Note fanboy,if I was going to switchoff of a foldable,I would probably end up with a Note.And from everything that I've seen so far,although that's very little,this appears to be a worthyand heavyweight successor to it.Wow!That is a flippin' heavy phone.Now one of the reasons, actuallya couple of the reasons,that people on the interwebs are sayingthat they really feel like the S22 Ultrais less of an S and more of a Noteis that the industrial designcompared to the Note seriesis completely different.Instead of having a camerabump that is one large bumpwith multiple lenses embedded in it,the S22 Ultra has individual camera bumpswith their own accent rings about themthat I think looks absolutely fantastic.It's also less rounded off in the corners,which is less comfortablefor sure in the palm.Like I can tell already holding the S22+that I'm gonna be less likelyto get like a little divotburied into my palm here,though the edges are alittle bit on the sharp side,compared to the S22 Ultra.But that gives themmore internal space for,of course, the other big differencebetween the Note series andthe S series traditionally,the embedded S Pen.Now I've seen some complaintsabout the relativelyboring design of the SPen this time around.\"Oh no, it's just matte blackcompared to some of the cool looking onesI've done in the past.\"I'm gonna say as someonewho used a Note for so longand absolutely loved theS Pen when I was using it,I don't care what it looks like.If I've got an S Pen,I'm absolutely gonna bedoing things with it.It does everything fromallowing you to take quick noteswhile the screen is still off,to using it as a camera shutterwhich I actually used moreoften than you might think,and on this particular camerais gonna be a whopping 40 megapixels.Oh, that's cute, I can already seetheir automatic fakebokeh being added here.Obviously not right now'cause I'm recording a videoto mask that cut thatwe had to make there.But that's one of the areasthat the new Snapdragon 8 Gen1 SoC that's in the S22 seriesis dramatically fasterthan its predecessors.Image processing where it can handlesustained 720P, 960fps recording,among other things,as well as a significantly improvedmachine learning performance,where they are claiming thatwith their new AI-assistedfake bokeh mode, so let's find,oh, here we have a portrait mode,they can actually evenhandle like flyaways.So I don't know,do I have enough flyawaysthat we can try this on me?How am I looking here,ladies and gentlemen?I actually use this feature all the time.Because even if you're not using a Fold,which conveniently does allow youto preview your selfiepictures on the main camerawith the outside screen,as long as you can kindof aim at yourself,you can get way better selfieson a rear proper camerathan you will even with a40 megapixel front camera,going through thattiny, little hole there.It's definitely losing some of the detailin some of those littlewispy hairs, but not bad.Look at that, it even got the neck hairs.Other main benefits ofthe stylus are the abilityto pop up this little menuto quickly create gifs,or get screenshots, orwrite on screen capturesso that you can jot notes downand send them off to people.These are things that I havereally missed about the Noteand could actually tempt me to return it.Another cool thing aboutthe S Pen this time aroundis apparently the latency,even compared to the last gen,has been dramatically reducedusing a combination of AIand then technology thatthey've integrated from Wacom.- Way-kaam.- So I'm gonna go aheadand I don't know, whatever.Let's just write on the screen.- Is that a sound effect?- Yeah, it's like a screechy.- Oh wait, that's from the speaker?- Yeah, it's cheesy, but I don't mind it.In terms of the feel,I wouldn't say thatit's markedly differentfrom my I experience with previous S Pens.But in terms of the latency, wow.It feels less like writing with a stylusand more like just drawing on your screen.Like that's pretty cool.Back to the cameras for a second.On the Ultra version, we've gota total of five lenses here,including a main shooterthat's 108 megapixels this time around,a 12 megapixel ultra-wide,10 megapixel telephoto,another 10 megapixel telephotowith a 10 times optical zoom,as well as a depth sensor.On the 22 and 22+ versions of the phone,you get a 50 megapixel main shooter,along with 12 megapixel ultra-wideand 10 megapixel telephoto,but just the one telephoto lens.And both of those, at leastspec wise, are the same.This video is brought toyou by the dbrand Grip.That's right, that's how you pronounce it.I've been saying it wrong for years.I thought it was D-brand,but it's pretty clear that I was an idiot,because right there there'sno space, there's no dash.In fact, the D and the Bare even joined together.It's dbrand, so if you everhear them saying it wrongon their official channel,which was how I got confused,you can let them know thatthey really need to do betterand they'll probably send you backa really nice, politely worded message.I've been asked by dbrand to show offtheir Atomic Grip case,which is thinner than ever,while still havingtheir nice grippy sides.Wow, on a phone this big,you kind of need it tobe thinner than ever.As well as their shock protection,and, of course, nice, big clearancesfor all the things you'regonna need access to.And other than that, I mean,there's not too much to say about it.Other than that it's a nice caseand it's almost perfectly flushwith the camera cutouts on the back.I don't believe it'sactually for sale yet,but it should be very soon.Thanks, dbrand, for sponsoring this video.Remember, if it's notdbrand, then you ain't d'man.Now in terms of the other specs,where I really wanna start is the display.Samsung it's no secret producesthe best mobile phonedisplays in the worldby basically any way of measuring themand they have, once again,one upped themselves.Apparently reaching 1,750 nitspeak brightness,but you only get that on the S22+as well as the S22 Ultra,not on the regular S22.Of course, I'm gonna wanna seewhat HDR content looks like on here.Frankly, I'm not evenexpecting to be able to benefitfrom that kind of peak brightnesson just regular HDR10 content on YouTube.But it's interesting,Samsung is calling outthat part of their performanceoutdoors with the S22 seriesis AI enhancement of color,or something like that,to make it more readable.But I had actually noticed a similar thingwhere it's not just that thedisplay brightness amps up,but also that the color profile changes,even on my old Note9.So I don't really knowwhat the deal is with that.Maybe if you guys know anything about it,you could give me someclarity in the comments.As usual, a new generationof phones comes outand it is almost without a doubtgoing to be the bestdisplay in your house.Man, there's a big differencebetween HDR and HDR.In terms of other specs,I already mentionedthat it's using a Snapdragon8 Gen 1 processor,but what exactly does that mean?What it means, Android friends,is that we are still a coupleof generations behind Applein terms of raw performance.But, in the real world, it meansthat we're getting anywherefrom a five to 20%uplift in raw performanceover last generation's Snapdragon 888,depending on what kind ofmetrics you're looking at.A huge boost in machinelearning performanceand a massive generationalincrease in gaming performance.To the point where forgames, the S22 Ultra,assuming that it has no cooling issues,which of course we haven't tested yetI just opened the boxes,should be competitivewith the iPhone 13 lineupin terms of games.One spec change that'scausing some controversyis Samsung's decision to downgradethe 128 gig version of the S22 Ultrafrom 12 gigs on the S21Ultra to just eight gigs.You will get 12 gigs on the 256, 512,and one terabyte versions.But on the base model,you actually get lessRAM than last generation.On the S22 and S22+ you don'thave to worry about that'cause you're gonna geteight gigs regardless.And they're only available in 128 gigand 256 gig configurations.One thing that's not looking as promisingis Samsung's chargingtechnology this time around.We get a 3,700, 4,500 and5,000 milliamp hour battery,depending on whether you gofor the S22, Plus, or Ultra.But the charging rates are,while good for Samsung,not that good compared to particularlysome of their Chinese competitors.And it's limited to 25watts on the base modeland 45 watts on the higher-end ones.Personally, I don't considerthis to be a major issuebecause I almost neverfast charge my phone.It's just it might not killyour battery immediately,but it sure as heck isn't good for it.But if you're the kind of person who wantsto be able to juice your phone up quickly,then you're gonna haveto settle for what is it?They quote 50% in 20 minutesor something like that?Hopefully, you can get bywith half of your chargein the time it takes you to have a showerand get ready to go out.You know what I wanna come backto now though is the display.On the S22 and S22+ you getsame 120 Hertz refresh rate,as well as 240 Hertz touchsampling in game mode,so that's gonna be up therewith the decent gamingphones on the market,and the same 10 to 120Hertz refresh window.But on the Ultra, I'm actually expecting,that even though its displayis significantly larger,it's 6.8 freaking inches this time around,you could be getting significantenergy efficiency savingsfrom the fact that they'vegone all the way from 10 Hertzdown to just one refreshper second, one Hertz.Is it still a Hertz or is it a Hertwhen you have just one of them?One refresh per second on the displaywhen you're looking at static content.That is a pretty impressive feat.Running through some other key specs,we've got ultrasonic fingerprint sensorsacross the entire lineup.We've got wireless chargingat 15 watts across the entire lineup,and Android 12 with Samsung's One UI 4.1that includes some cool features,including a newer improved walletthat'll store more thanjust payment cards,as well as a new privacy dashboardthat I actually wanna have a look at here,that's designed to preventany unauthorized appsfrom getting access to anythingthat you don't want them to have.Alert when the clipboard'saccessed, that's super cool.Get alerts when they have camera access.That is a weird littlejelly effect when you,can't say I'm a big fan.Shoot, there was somethingthat I had wantedto check out in here.Oh right, I remember, I wanted to seehow their ultrasonic fingerprint sensor'sdoing in terms of speed these days.It's okay.Apparently, they've done alot to improve stabilization,and honestly I can see it.Holy crap, are you gonna get a close upof me kind of shaking this camera around?Okay, because you aregonna be really impressedwhen the editor putsthat video in the cornerwhile this video that I'm recordingis playing on the main screen.That's pretty cool.Damsung, instead of Samsung, get it?Damsung, son, Damsung,oh, it doesn't matter.There's still no SDcard slot, which blows.I'm still not over it.I'm over the headphone jack,but I'm not over the SD card slot.I don't think I ever mentionedthat the selfie cameraon the non-Ultra modelsis just 10 megapixels,instead of 40 megapixels.I'm not expecting it to honestlymake an enormous difference,'cause you're more limitedby just how much lightyou can get throughthat tiny, little hole.Oh, I lied.Yeah, it's sharper.See there's enough resolutionto pick up my nose hairs on the Ultra.Whereas, they just kind of fade away.This is where higher resolutionsare just really not doingus any favors sometimes.You know what I'm saying?Leaving only one thing remaining, price.They're fricking expensive,with the S22 Ultra startingat $1,200 in the US.And for 128 gigs of storagewith no expansion options,that is a really tough pill to swallow.But it certainly appearsto be the entire packagein every other way.So if you're looking fora flagship Android device,I mean, recently Yvonne needed an upgradeand I tried giving heranything other than a Samsung,and she was just like, \"Yeah,this is not doing it for me.\"OnePlus has really slipped up on hardware,or excuse me, software.So she wants to go back to Samsung,who ironically used to be notablefor their terrible softwareexperience, pun intended.Get it, it's a notable phone?You know what? It doesn't matter.The point is subscribe to ShortCircuit.Banana for today is forscale, buy one, lttstore.com.We also have hoodies.- And tuques.- And tuques.And lanyards.\n"