Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is four years newer than the Galaxy S22 Plus, and it shows in the specs. The S26 Ultra has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the S22+ 5G's 50MP, and there's more battery in the S26 Ultra, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.6" and sharper at 498 PPI, and the S26 Ultra offers up to 1TB of storage versus 256GB on the S22+ 5G. Coming from the S22+ 5G, the S26 Ultra is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the S22+ 5G starts at £180 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.6" | 6.9" |
| Display | AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 390 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2200 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 12 | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 195 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £879.00 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus uses a AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is powered by the Exynos 2200, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.