The Galaxy Note is back in a big way, even if not by name. Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra (starting at $1,199.99) exhibits all the hallmark features of the Note lineup, with a big build, powerful hardware, long battery life, and, of course, a built-in S Pen stylus. The new model performs better than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra from last year, as well as the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (albeit slightly), and is an excellent choice if you want the most phone possible. That said, of the three Galaxy S22 models, the S22+ gets our top recommendation for delivering most of the same features as the Ultra at a lower price and in a more reasonably sized design.Big Body Loses the Curves The Galaxy S22 Ultra is available in several configurations, including 8GB RAM with 128GB storage ($1,199.99), or 12GB RAM with either 256GB ($1,299.99), 512GB ($1,399.99), or 1TB of storage ($1,599.99). Note that the 1TB model appears to be a Best Buy exclusive. The phone comes in matte black, burgundy, green, or whi...

The S22 Ultra is the true successor to the Galaxy Note line, delivering all the excellent Samsung phone features while making no concessions for size, weight, or price.

S Pen integration; Long battery life; Bright screen; Excellent reception in low-signal environments

Very large; Expensive; Back scratches easily; Few camera improvements over predecessor

The Ultra is a total departure for the S22 series, integrating an S Pen stylus, which makes it a lot like a Note that never was. Many features aren't hugely different to the outgoing S21 Ultra, however, but this handset is all about refinement - from that punchy curved edge display to the distinctive rear cameras arrangement.

Hugely bright and punchy screen with adaptive refresh; Distinctive camera design is eye-catching - wholly different to other S22 models; Integrated S Pen stylus - the software and response is super;

Not everyone will want the built-in S Pen stylus - this is S series not Note; No microSD card expansion; Many features of minor difference to S21 Ultra; Expect a big price tag;

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a big, powerful, and attractive Android phone (if you like them monolithic). It’s super-versatile, ready for important work, hand-written notes, gaming, and casual big-screen web browsing – and the cameras are a clear highlight, with the Space Zoom capabilities taking you to infinity and beyond. And, yes, you’ll pay handily for all these features.

Incredible cameras and zoom; Excellent little S Pen; Gorgeous butter-smooth screen;

Pricey; No microSD slot; Battery life could be better

Stunning display with fantastic detail and brightness; Versatile camera system with impressive zoom; Good low-light camera performance; Fast charging ; Promise of many years of updates;

Battery life should be better; Design a step backward; You need to buy the fast charger separately;

Stunning display; Premium design; Smart S Pen integration; Class-leading camera zoom;

Expensive; No expandable storage; Too large for some;

The Ultra is a total departure for the Galaxy S22 series, integrating a little S Pen stylus, which makes it rather like the Note that never was. Many features aren't hugely different to the outgoing S21 Ultra, however, but this handset is all about refinement - from that punchy curved edge display to the distinctive rear cameras arrangement - and there's no denying the quality of the cameras on offer here.

Bright and punchy screen with adaptive refresh rate; Distinctive camera design is eye-catching - and it's very capable too; Integrated S Pen stylus is great (but not everyone will use it);

Battery life is questionable; Software not entirely bug-free; Not everyone will want the built-in S Pen stylus - this is S series not a Note after all; No microSD card expansion; Pricey;

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the perfect upgrade for existing Galaxy Note users, offering the same design language, a built-in S Pen slot and more. Throw in flagship specs including a WQHD+ 120Hz display, one of the best camera setups around and Samsung's Exynos 2200 and you've got a very tempting, but also very premium, smartphone.

Incredible S Pen performance; Buttery-smooth, ultra-bright display; All-day battery life; Impressive camera performance;

Expensive; Exynos 2200 isn't as powerful as 8 Gen 1; Slower charging than key rivals; Can be hard to hold one-handed;

Is the Galaxy S22 Ultra for productivity-focused people who miss the Galaxy Note, or for people who loved the Galaxy S21 Ultra and its incredible camera? Or is it for both, or an entirely new set of people? The S22 Ultra combines much of what we love about the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy S21 Ultra, so getting confused about it is understandable, but don’t be. Think of this heavyweight technology powerhouse as practically all the phone you’ll need for the next few years regardless of what you want to do with it, and you’ll have it figured out. There’s a lot to talk about here, so let’s dig in. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is very serious, especially in the Phantom Black color you see in our photos. It’s not quirky or a bit playful like the Galaxy S21 Ultra or even its other S22 family members, the Galaxy S22 or S22+ phones, which share no design similarities with it apart from being smartphones. It’s all business with its flat end caps, sharp lines, and squared-off corners. Its overall ...

S Pen is convenient and highly accurate; Versatile camera takes great photos; The latest processor for power; Long software support; Beautiful high refresh rate screen;

Not very fast battery charging; Large and heavy;

Editor’s note: The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Ultra are now official, so you may want to hold off … Is the Galaxy S22 Ultra for productivity-focused people who miss the Galaxy Note, or for people who loved the Galaxy S21 Ultra and its incredible camera? Or is it for both, or an entirely new set of people? The S22 Ultra combines much of what we love about the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy S21 Ultra, so getting confused about it is understandable, but don’t be. Think of this heavyweight technology powerhouse as practically all the phone you’ll need for the next few years regardless of what you want to do with it, and you’ll have it figured out. There’s a lot to talk about here, so let’s dig in. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is very serious, especially in the Phantom Black color you see in our photos. It’s not quirky or a bit playful like the Galaxy S21 Ultra or even its other S22 family members, the Galaxy S22 or S22+ phones, which share no design similarities with it apart from bein...

S Pen is convenient and highly accurate; Versatile camera takes great photos; The latest processor for power; Long software support; Beautiful high refresh rate screen;

Not very fast battery charging; Large and heavy;