Pooky the Aldi Shopper

Samsung kicked off the new month by unpacking smartphones that are available to preorder today for expected delivery on February 17. Even though the Galaxy S22 Ultra has been in my possession only since mid-December, I opted for successor S23 Ultra. Samsung launch discounts, combined with trade-in and freebees, achieve purchase parity with the one from last year. Bonus storage upgrade—same as the S22 Ultra—made the choice all the easier. Why would anyone buy iPhone for two to three times more—remembering that Apple is a rare and stingy discounter. The company operates by the “pay more principle”.

My main interest is the new camera system—contending I haven’t yet taken full advantage of the S22 Ultra capabilities, which ravage the iPhone 13 Pro that my daughter inherited from me or the 14 Pro I chose not to buy. All that said, should smartphone reviewers readily recommend that current model owners stay put, then I will cancel the flagship S23 Ultra order. Camera comparisons will mean much.

For a comparison, I conducted my first Galaxy S22 Ultra JPG and RAW (reliable DNG) test this evening. What subject to use? For some reason, my wife placed an Aldi shopping bag behind plushie Pooky, and I thought: Why not? To my surprise, I find the JPG to be far superior to the DNG, particularly detail. Even edited in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the RAW isn’t as sharp or pleasing.

As such, I choose to present the JPG, which is straight from the S22 Ultra, unaltered other than slight trim to remove the chair’s rattan weave. Vitals for the Featured Image: f/1.8, ISO 320, 1/60 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 7:12 p.m. PST.

In a few weeks, I will either be writing about the newer flagship Galaxy or explaining why I kept last year’s model.