Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: This comparison is less one-sided than the names suggest: the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra brings the sharper 40MP selfie camera, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra counters with the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 108MP, up to 1TB storage. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £250, roughly £649 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. There is also much wider deal availability for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, with 16,176 active deals versus 6. That makes the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra the value-led pick, unless the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 108MP on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth paying extra for.

Buying outright, the S22 Ultra 5G starts at £250 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.9"
Display
AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3080 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
500 498
Rear Camera
108 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
40 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 2200 Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
228 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
£249.99 £899.00

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.9"
Display AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3080 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 500 498
Rear Camera 108 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 40 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 2200 Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 228 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 £249.99 £899.00
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

128GB

Phantom White

Refurbished

From £249.99

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

White

300GB

Data

£16 per month, £545 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 500 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra features a 108 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £249.99.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the more portable of the two: it's 14g lighter at 214 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, and is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 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.