Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra in 2026: Still Worth Buying

You have a feeling that a three‑year‑old flagship might still have some life in it – and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a case in point. Launched in February 2022 with a 108MP camera and built‑in S Pen, it now sells second‑hand below €300 and receives security updates until 2027, making it a tempting option if you know the trade‑offs.

Release date: February 2022 ·
Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440×3088 pixels ·
Main camera: 108MP with 10x optical zoom ·
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W wired charging ·
Processor: Exynos 2200 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 ·
Software support: 4 major OS upgrades, security until 2027

Six key specifications define what you can expect from the S22 Ultra today – and they show where the phone still competes with newer mid‑range devices.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra still worth buying?

Current value proposition vs. price

The S22 Ultra’s biggest draw in 2026 is its price. Independent buying guides from UpTrade note that certified used and refurbished models were selling for around $240+ in 2025. A 2026 YouTube review found prices between $250 and $340, a fraction of the original launch cost. At that level, you get a phone that still delivers the performance of a flagship launched for over €1,200.

However, Alibaba Electronics warns that a used S22 Ultra only makes sense if you are willing to accept trade‑offs in battery life and future software support. If your budget stretches to €400–500, newer mid‑rangers like the Galaxy A56 may offer better battery and longer update promises, but they won’t match the camera versatility or build quality.

Software support timeline and updates

Samsung committed to four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the S22 series. The phone launched with Android 12 and has received updates up to Android 15, meaning no more OS upgrades are expected. Security patches, though, continue monthly until the end of 2027, as confirmed by Samsung’s official policy.

For a buyer in Ireland, this means the phone remains safe to use for banking and apps for at least another 18 months. After that, lack of patches could expose the device to vulnerabilities, so long‑term holders should plan an upgrade by late 2027.

The implication: The S22 Ultra’s value lies in its premium hardware at a budget price, but its software limitations mean it is best for users who don’t need the latest Android features.

How much is a S22 Ultra worth today?

Second‑hand market prices in Ireland

Pricing for the S22 Ultra varies significantly by storage tier, colour, and condition. In Ireland, listings on adverts.ie and DoneDeal typically range from €350 for a 128GB model in good condition to €500 for a 512GB unit that looks like new. Compared to the original launch price of around €1,399, that is a depreciation of over 70%.

Trade‑in values at CeX and other retailers

MoneySuperMarket recorded the Galaxy S22 launch at £769 (128GB) and £819 (256GB) in the UK market. For the S22 Ultra, CeX in Ireland currently offers trade‑in values – the exact amount depends on condition grade (A, B, C). Generally, an unlocked device in mint condition fetches around €250–350 store credit, while a scratched unit may bring only €150–200.

Factors affecting resale value

The biggest value killers are battery health and cosmetic damage. Alibaba Electronics advises avoiding S22 units with battery health below 75% if the price exceeds $170 (about €160). Screen burn‑in or a cracked back can reduce the phone’s value by another 20–30%.

What this means: If you are selling, get the battery tested at a service centre first. If you are buying, ask for a screenshot of the battery health report (dial *#*#*#4636#*#* on Android to see it).

Is the S22 Ultra considered old?

Hardware age and performance benchmarks

The S22 Ultra was released in February 2022 with either the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. In raw benchmarks, these processors are roughly 20–30% slower than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. For everyday tasks – social media, email, web browsing – the difference is invisible. For heavy 3D gaming, you may notice lower frame rates and more heat, especially on the Exynos version.

How the S22 Ultra compares to 2025‑2026 flagships

The S22 Ultra still holds its own in camera quality because Samsung did not dramatically upgrade the main sensor until the S24 Ultra. The 108MP sensor, combined with a 10x periscope lens, still captures detailed zoom shots that beat most 2025 mid‑rangers. However, the selfie camera and ultrawide lens now show their age, with noticeably softer images compared to the S25 Ultra.

The pattern: a three‑year‑old phone that feels premium and handles daily use effortlessly, but shows its age in gaming, battery endurance, and the latest camera tricks.

What are the disadvantages of the Samsung S22 Ultra?

Battery degradation after 3‑4 years

The 5000mAh battery was generous at launch, but chemistry degrades. Alibaba Electronics recommends checking battery health – anything below 75% capacity means you will struggle to get through a full day. Many used units will need a battery replacement (€50–80 at a repair shop).

Heating issues with Exynos 2200

Multiple reviewers have noted that the Exynos 2200 model runs hotter than the Snapdragon version, especially under sustained load. In the Irish climate this is less of a problem, but during video recording or heavy gaming the phone can become uncomfortably warm.

Slower charging relative to newer models

45W wired charging was competitive in 2022, but 2025 mid‑rangers offer 65W or even 100W. The S22 Ultra takes about 65 minutes to reach full charge, whereas a OnePlus Nord 4 can do it in under 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also limited to 15W.

Camera limitations vs S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra

The hardware has not changed: the same 108MP sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP periscope. The S23 Ultra improved processing with better night mode, and the S24 Ultra added a 50MP ultrawide. For static subjects in good light, the S22 Ultra still produces excellent results, but in low light the newer phones clearly outperform it.

The catch: For those who prioritize camera performance above all, the S22 Ultra is still a strong contender, but low‑light enthusiasts may find the newer models more satisfying.

Is the S22 still good in 2026?

Everyday usability and performance

For messaging, calls, maps, YouTube, and social media, the S22 Ultra is more than adequate. UpTrade describes it as offering “better build quality, camera flexibility, and long‑term support than many mid‑range Android phones sold in 2025.” The 120Hz display remains smooth, and One UI is still well‑optimised for the hardware.

Gaming and multitasking benchmarks

Light games like Clash Royale or Candy Crush run flawlessly. Heavier titles like Genshin Impact run at medium settings at 30–40fps, with occasional frame drops and heating on the Exynos variant. Multitasking with 12GB of RAM is snappy; you can keep a dozen apps open without reloading.

Camera quality for photography and video

The 108MP main camera with laser autofocus and OIS still produces crisp, detailed shots in daylight. The 10x optical zoom is genuinely useful for sports events or landscapes. Video recording at 8K 24fps, though an option, is less stable than newer phones due to older stabilisation algorithms.

What this means: For everyday use, the S22 Ultra remains a capable device, and its camera and S Pen still offer a unique experience that most mid‑rangers lack.

“The S22 Ultra remains supported by monthly software and security updates and compatible with One UI 8 based on Android 16.”

— UpTrade

“The S22 Ultra is a compelling used/refurbished buy if the buyer prioritizes display quality, camera performance, and S Pen, and accepts weaker software and battery trade‑offs.”

— Alibaba Electronics

For an Irish buyer in 2026, the S22 Ultra is a high‑reward high‑compromise proposition. It delivers a premium camera system, S Pen, and a beautiful display at a fraction of its original price. But battery life depends on the unit’s history, OS upgrades are finished, and security patches will stop in 2027. The choice is clear: if you find a well‑cared‑for unit under €300 with battery health above 85%, grab it. Otherwise, a new mid‑ranger or a newer flagship will serve you longer.

Related reading: **Samsung S24 Ultra Release Date: Specs, Price & 2025 Value**

For a Nordic perspective on the same question, check out this Norwegian buying guide that also weighs the phone’s long-term value.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: Samsung S24 Ultra Release Date: Specs, Price & 2025 Value