Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on the larger screen and the larger battery, the Galaxy S26 is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, 4300mAh battery and 256GB-512GB storage options, while the Galaxy S22 counters with 4.3/5 average from 10 reviews and 44 active deals. Current active deals start around £150 for the Galaxy S22, versus about £525 for the Galaxy S26. Go for the Galaxy S22 if you value lower current deal pricing and the stronger expert-review average; the Galaxy S26 is the stronger pick when those trade-offs matter more.

Over a full contract, the S22 5G works out around £397 all-in, about £263 less than the S26.

Expert Rating
4.3
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
422 409
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 2200 Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
3,700 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android Android 16
SIM Type
Triple SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
167 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£13.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £26.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£149.00 £569.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.3
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 422 409
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 2200 Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 3,700 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android Android 16
SIM Type Triple SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 167 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £13.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £149.00 £569.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung Galaxy S22

24 Months

128GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

£13.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

10GB

Data

£26.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is cheaper on contract at £397.16 over the life of the deal from £13.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S22 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is powered by the Exynos 2200, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (167 grams vs 167 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.