Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: The handset-only price gives Samsung Galaxy S22 an immediate advantage over Samsung Galaxy S26+. The SIM-free figures are £149.99 versus £799.00. Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the display edge, pairing a 6.7" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with 513 PPI while Samsung Galaxy S22 uses a 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen at 422 PPI. Samsung Galaxy S26+ offers more headroom at up to 512GB rather than Samsung Galaxy S22's 256GB. Samsung Galaxy S22 is lighter at 167g, compared with Samsung Galaxy S26+ at 190g, Samsung Galaxy S26+ lists the larger battery capacity, 4,900 mAh against Samsung Galaxy S22's 3,700 mAh. For most shoppers this points to Samsung Galaxy S22 as the value choice, while Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the upgrade pick for screen quality, storage, or software preference.

Over a full contract, the S22 5G works out around £397 all-in, about £467 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
4.3
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
422 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
167 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
£13.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£149.00 £799.00

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
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 422 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 167 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts £13.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £149.00 £799.00
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

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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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 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 422, 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: it's 23g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

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.