Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 is four years newer than the Galaxy S22 Plus, and it shows in the specs. The S22+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.3", while the S26 has the sharper one at 409 PPI, and the S26 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S22+ 5G tops out at 256GB. The S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 195g. If you're on the S22+ 5G, the S26 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the S22+ 5G starts at £180 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.6" | 6.3" |
| Display | AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 390 | 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 | 4,500 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | Nano 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 | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 195 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 | - |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus uses a AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 28g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 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 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus runs Android 12 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.