Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S22 Ultra Refurbished: Which Should You Buy in 2026?

Two generations of Samsung's Ultra line, both refurbished, both still capable flagships. The Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S22 Ultra share a 6.8" 120Hz display, a 5,000mAh battery and a built-in S Pen slot, but two years and two chipset generations sit between them. That gap shows up exactly where you'd expect it — AI features, raw processing speed, and how many years of software updates are left. It also shows up somewhere you might not expect: zoom, where the older phone actually has the longer reach. This guide compares both refurbished models stocked by The Tech Gadgets, spec for spec and price for price, so you can work out which one fits how you actually use a phone.

See it in action: newer chipset, Galaxy AI, longer software support — check today's refurbished price on the S24 Ultra product page.

Longer optical zoom, lower entry price, still receiving security updates — check today's refurbished price on the S22 Ultra product page.

Quick verdict

There isn't a single winner here — it genuinely depends on what you use the camera for, how long you want the phone to last, and how much you want to spend. If you want the newest hardware, the fullest set of Galaxy AI features and the longest remaining software runway, the S24 Ultra is the better buy and worth the extra outlay. If you want the lowest entry price, a genuinely longer periscope zoom, and you're comfortable with a phone that's now on its final major software update, the S22 Ultra is still a capable, well-specified device at a noticeably lower price. Photographers chasing distance zoom, budget buyers, and anyone replacing an older non-Ultra phone without needing cutting-edge AI can reasonably choose the S22 Ultra. Buyers who want the phone to still feel current in three or four years, who use Galaxy AI features daily, or who want the fastest chipset available refurbished should choose the S24 Ultra.

Display

Both phones use a 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at 120Hz, and side by side in normal use most people won't spot a dramatic difference. The S24 Ultra runs at QHD+ resolution with Gorilla Armor glass, which Samsung markets as more scratch-resistant and better at cutting glare in direct sunlight than the S22 Ultra's Gorilla Glass Victus+. The S24 Ultra also switches to an adaptive refresh rate management that's a generation more efficient. The S22 Ultra's screen is still QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz adaptive refresh — this is not a category where the S22 Ultra falls badly behind, it's a mild, generational refinement rather than a leap.

Camera: the counter-intuitive zoom story

This is the section worth reading carefully if photography drives your decision, because the headline number runs backwards from what you'd assume.

The S24 Ultra pairs a 200MP wide sensor with a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto, a 10MP 3x telephoto, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP front camera. The 5x periscope's 50MP sensor is larger and gathers more light than its predecessor, and Samsung leans on the newer chipset's image processing to produce a "10x" zoom shot by cropping and upscaling from that sensor.

The S22 Ultra pairs a 108MP wide sensor with a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and — this is the detail worth knowing — a 10MP 10x periscope telephoto, plus a 40MP front camera. That means the S22 Ultra's telephoto lens has genuinely longer native optical reach than the S24 Ultra's. Samsung shortened the S24 Ultra's periscope focal length in favour of a bigger sensor, trading native optical distance for better light gathering and cleaner low-light zoom shots at the same result. In good light, the S24 Ultra's 10x crop from its 50MP sensor is generally considered comparable to the S22 Ultra's native 10x optical shot; in low light or when you want maximum reach past 10x, the S22 Ultra's longer native periscope has an edge. If long-distance zoom — wildlife, sports from the stands, stage photography — is your main use case, don't assume the newer phone automatically wins on camera. It doesn't, on this one spec.

Where the S24 Ultra does clearly pull ahead is the main sensor (200MP versus 108MP, giving more flexibility for cropping and detail in good light), low-light performance across the board thanks to the newer image signal processor, and computational photography features tied to the newer chipset, including AI-assisted editing tools discussed below.

Performance and chipset

The S24 Ultra runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a chip built and tuned specifically for Samsung's flagship line. The S22 Ultra runs either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200, depending on the region the unit was originally sold into — the store listing doesn't specify which chip is in a given unit, so this isn't something you can choose at checkout. Both are two full chipset generations behind the S24 Ultra's silicon.

In practical terms, that gap means faster app launches, smoother multitasking with heavier apps open simultaneously, better sustained performance under load without throttling, and meaningfully better power efficiency on the S24 Ultra. For everyday use — browsing, social media, messaging, photos — both phones are still comfortably fast enough that most people won't feel short-changed by the S22 Ultra. For gaming at high settings, heavy multitasking, or any workload that pushes the chipset for sustained periods, the S24 Ultra's two-generation advantage is noticeable.

Galaxy AI: what's actually available on each phone

This is the area where accuracy matters most, because it's tempting to assume Galaxy AI is exclusive to the S24 generation. It isn't, but the picture is uneven.

Samsung extended a number of Galaxy AI features back to the Galaxy S22 series via software update (One UI 6.1 and later, continuing through One UI 7 and One UI 8), so an S22 Ultra running current software does get real Galaxy AI functionality — Circle to Search, live translation and interpreter tools, note and transcript assistance, and photo editing assists among them. However, the S22 Ultra does not get the full feature set Samsung ships on S24-generation and newer hardware. Some features — reportedly including Now Brief and full Drawing Assist — are withheld from the S22 series specifically because of hardware limitations, not just a software cutoff. Samsung's own eligibility list for the current One UI version is worth checking at the point of purchase, since which features land on which phones has shifted release to release.

The S24 Ultra, as the launch device for Galaxy AI, gets the complete feature set as standard, including Circle to Search and live translation, plus everything Samsung adds going forward on its longer update track (see software longevity below). If Galaxy AI is a genuine part of how you'll use the phone day to day, budget for the S24 Ultra — the S22 Ultra gives you a meaningful subset, not the full picture.

Battery and charging

Both phones share a 5,000mAh battery. The S24 Ultra charges at 45W wired and adds wireless and reverse wireless charging, plus newer connectivity — Wi-Fi 7 versus the S22 Ultra's Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 versus 5.2. The S22 Ultra's store listing specifies 45W wired charging only, with no wireless charging mentioned in its published spec. If wireless charging matters to your daily routine — a bedside charging pad, a car mount, a desk stand — that's a genuine functional difference in the S24 Ultra's favour, not just a paper spec.

Neither listing states battery health per unit, so ask before you buy if remaining battery capacity is a priority, particularly on the older S22 Ultra where the battery has had more charge cycles by nature of its age.

Build quality

The S24 Ultra uses a titanium frame with Gorilla Armor front glass — lighter and, Samsung claims, tougher against scratches and drops than the S22 Ultra's Armor Aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+. Both are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance as new units; The Tech Gadgets notes that this IP68 rating is Samsung's original spec and hasn't been independently re-verified on refurbished stock for either model, so treat both phones with the same care around water exposure you'd give any used device, regardless of the printed rating.

One detail worth flagging on the S22 Ultra: while it has the S Pen silo built into the chassis, the store listing does not confirm that a physical S Pen is included with this specific refurbished unit. If S Pen functionality matters to you, check stock or ask before ordering. The S24 Ultra's listing confirms a built-in S Pen.

Software longevity

This is arguably the biggest practical gap between the two phones, and it's a straightforward one. The S24 Ultra launched under Samsung's newer commitment of seven years of OS and security updates, putting its supported life out to roughly 2031. The S22 Ultra launched under Samsung's older four-years-of-OS-updates-plus-five-years-of-security-patches policy; having launched in February 2022, it has already received its major OS upgrades and is on its final one, with full security support running out around early 2027. Buy an S22 Ultra now and you're getting a phone in the closing stretch of its update life. Buy an S24 Ultra now and you're getting several more years of both feature updates and security patches.

Condition grading

Both products are sold across the same four condition tiers — Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair. Neither listing publishes the exact cosmetic criteria per grade or full box contents, so if that level of detail matters to your decision, check with the store before ordering.

Price-to-spec value at current pricing

The S22 Ultra is offered in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, while the S24 Ultra starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB and 1TB — it doesn't offer a 128GB tier at all. The S24 Ultra's entry price is noticeably higher than the S22 Ultra's, and on both phones the price also depends on condition grade: Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Live pricing can move, so check today's price for your chosen storage tier and grade on the S24 Ultra and S22 Ultra product pages before you commit.

Per pound spent, the S22 Ultra is the better value if your priority is storage capacity or simply owning a Samsung Ultra device for less. Per pound spent on newer technology — chipset, AI features, update runway — the S24 Ultra earns its premium rather than charging for the badge alone.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: full comparison table

See it in action: the S24 Ultra, refurbished, Like New condition, in stock — check today's price on the product page.

The S22 Ultra, refurbished, Like New condition, in stock — check today's price on the product page.

Segmented recommendations: which model wins for you

Best for photography

Split decision. If you want the longest native zoom reach for distant subjects, the S22 Ultra's 10x periscope wins on paper. If you want the strongest all-round camera — better low light, a higher-resolution main sensor, and cleaner computational zoom shots — the S24 Ultra wins overall. Distance-zoom specialists should lean S22 Ultra; everyone else should lean S24 Ultra.

Best for performance

Galaxy S24 Ultra. Two chipset generations ahead, with better sustained performance and efficiency. Not a close call.

Best for budget / value

Galaxy S22 Ultra. A noticeably lower entry price than the S24 Ultra, with a 128GB tier the newer phone doesn't offer.

Best for longevity

Galaxy S24 Ultra. Seven years of update support versus a phone that's already reached its final major OS update.

Best for everyday use

Genuinely close. Both handle browsing, messaging, social media and photos comfortably. If pushed, the S24 Ultra edges it on smoothness and battery efficiency, but the S22 Ultra won't feel like a compromise for typical daily tasks.

Best for premium buyers who want the newest hardware

Galaxy S24 Ultra, without qualification — titanium frame, Gorilla Armor glass, the fuller Galaxy AI set and the longest support window.

Who should buy the S24 Ultra

Choose the S24 Ultra if you want a phone that still feels current in three to four years, you'll actually use Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search or live translation regularly, you want wireless charging, or gaming and heavy multitasking are part of your daily use. It's also the safer buy if you're the type to keep a phone for four-plus years, since its update runway extends to roughly 2031.

Who should buy the S22 Ultra

Choose the S22 Ultra if your budget is the deciding factor, you want the lowest entry price into a genuine Samsung Ultra device, distance zoom matters more to you than AI features, or you replace your phone every one to two years anyway and won't be around long enough to feel its shorter remaining update window. It's also a reasonable choice if you specifically want a 128GB storage tier, which the S24 Ultra listing doesn't offer.

Who should look elsewhere

If you need a confirmed physical S Pen in the box, don't buy the S22 Ultra without checking stock first — it isn't confirmed for this listing. If wireless charging is non-negotiable, skip the S22 Ultra, whose listing doesn't mention it. And if you need a phone with several years of major OS updates still ahead on a tight budget, neither Ultra model may suit you as well as a newer, lower-tier Samsung device — worth comparing against the Galaxy S24 series or Galaxy S25 series guides before deciding.

Buying checklist

• Confirm today's live price for your chosen storage tier and condition grade on the product page before you order.
• Decide whether you need a confirmed physical S Pen — confirmed on the S24 Ultra listing, not confirmed on the S22 Ultra listing.
• Check whether wireless charging matters to you — the S24 Ultra has it, the S22 Ultra's listing doesn't mention it.
• Ask about battery health if remaining battery life is important, particularly on the older S22 Ultra.
• Check the 12-month warranty exclusions on both listings — battery, physical and water damage are excluded on both; the S22 Ultra listing also explicitly excludes electrical/short-circuit damage.
• Remember both phones are unlocked and confirmed to work on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three.
• You have 30 days from delivery to return either phone if it isn't right for you.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Galaxy S22 Ultra?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your priorities. The S24 Ultra wins on chipset performance, Galaxy AI features, build materials and remaining software support. The S22 Ultra wins on entry price and, surprisingly, native optical zoom reach (10x versus the S24 Ultra's 5x native periscope). Choose based on which of those matters more to you.

Is the price difference between the two worth it?

If you'll use Galaxy AI features regularly, want the fastest available refurbished Samsung chipset, or plan to keep the phone for several years, the S24 Ultra's premium is justified by a genuinely longer software runway and faster hardware. If you're budget-focused or replace phones every year or two, the S22 Ultra's lower price is harder to argue with, since you won't be around long enough to feel its shorter update window.

Does the S22 Ultra still get software updates?

Yes, but it's in the closing stage of its update life. Having launched in February 2022 under Samsung's older four-years-of-OS-updates-plus-five-years-of-security-patches policy, the S22 Ultra has already received its major One UI upgrades and is on what's expected to be its final one, with full security support running through to around early 2027.

Does the S22 Ultra get Galaxy AI features?

Some of them, yes. Samsung extended a number of Galaxy AI features to the S22 series through software updates, including Circle to Search and live translation tools. However, the S22 Ultra doesn't get the complete feature set that ships on S24-generation hardware — a small number of features are excluded specifically due to hardware limitations. Check Samsung's current eligibility list if a specific Galaxy AI feature is the reason you're buying.

Why does the older S22 Ultra have a longer zoom than the S24 Ultra?

Samsung redesigned the S24 Ultra's periscope telephoto around a larger 50MP sensor rather than the S22 Ultra's 10MP sensor, and in doing so shortened its native optical reach from 10x to 5x. The trade-off gathers more light for better low-light zoom shots and relies on the newer chipset's processing to produce a "10x" result by cropping from the larger sensor. In good light, the results are broadly comparable; at maximum distance or in low light, the S22 Ultra's native 10x optical zoom still has an edge.

Is the S Pen included with the refurbished S22 Ultra?

The S22 Ultra's S Pen silo is built into the phone, but the product listing doesn't confirm that a physical S Pen is included with this specific refurbished unit. Check current stock details or ask the store before ordering if this matters to you. The S24 Ultra's listing does confirm a built-in S Pen.

What condition grades are available for each phone?

Both are sold in the same four condition grades: Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair. Neither listing publishes the exact cosmetic criteria per grade.

Do both phones work on UK networks?

Yes. Both the S24 Ultra and S22 Ultra are sold unlocked and SIM-free, and are confirmed to work on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three.

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