Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 Series UK: Buy S22, Plus & Ultra

If you're trying to decide between a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+ or S22 Ultra in the UK, here's the short version: the S22 is the compact, budget-friendly option, the S22+ adds a bigger screen and much faster charging for a modest premium, and the S22 Ultra is the one to buy if you want a built-in S Pen and Samsung's best camera in this generation. All three are sold by The Tech Gadgets fully refurbished, unlocked, and graded Like New, Excellent, Very Good or Fair, with a 12-month warranty and 30-day UK returns. This guide walks through the real specification differences, what "refurbished" and each condition grade actually mean, whether the S22 series is still worth buying in 2026, and exactly which model and storage size suit different buyers — so you can order with confidence rather than guessing.

Shop Refurbished Galaxy S22 Series

Prices vary by storage, colour and condition grade (Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest) and can change with stock — check each product page for live pricing, storage options and colour availability.

Comparison: Galaxy S22 vs S22+ vs S22 Ultra

Buyer Match: Which Galaxy S22 Fits You?

Which Should You Buy?

If budget is the deciding factor and you don't need a huge screen, the standard Galaxy S22 is the obvious pick — it's the cheapest way into this generation of Samsung's flagship line while still getting the same core camera system as the S22+. If you find the S22's 6.1-inch display cramped, or you regularly run the battery down before the day is out, the S22+ solves both problems for a modest step up in price at the entry storage tier and Samsung specifies nearly double the wired charging speed (45W vs 25W). The S22 Ultra is a different proposition rather than simply "the expensive one" — it's the only model in the trio with a built-in S Pen, a 108MP main sensor, and a true 10x periscope zoom lens, so it's worth the jump if you use a stylus, shoot a lot of photos, or want reach that a triple-camera phone can't match. If none of those Ultra-specific features matter to you, the S22+ gives you a very similar screen size and battery capacity for meaningfully less.

Galaxy S22: Compact Flagship on a Budget

The Galaxy S22 is the smallest and most affordable phone in this series, built around a 6.1-inch display in a genuinely one-handed-friendly body. Samsung specifies a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080) with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and HDR10+ support, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back within an aluminium frame. Samsung specifies IP68 dust and water resistance (up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes) when new — a rating The Tech Gadgets does not separately re-verify on refurbished units, so treat it as a manufacturing spec rather than a guarantee on a used device.

The rear camera system is a 50MP wide sensor paired with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom, with a 10MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Samsung specifies the Exynos 2200 chipset for UK and other international markets (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powers US, China and India variants), running Android with Samsung's One UI software on top. Battery capacity is 3,700mAh with 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging for topping up accessories like earbuds.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists the Galaxy S22 with 128GB and 256GB storage in Like New condition, across Phantom Black, Green, Phantom White and Pink Gold colourways, with Excellent, Very Good and Fair grades also listed (stock on non-Like-New grades varies — check the live variant selector on the product page for current availability). Check current price for the Galaxy S22.

Galaxy S22+: The Bigger-Screen Value Pick

The Galaxy S22+ takes the same core design language and camera hardware as the standard S22 and puts it behind a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also FHD+ resolution with 120Hz adaptive refresh and Samsung-specified peak brightness around 1,750 nits. It sits in a flat-edge aluminium frame with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, and carries the same IP68 rating as new from Samsung.

Camera-wise, the S22+ is identical to the S22: a 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP 3x telephoto rear system with a 10MP front camera. The meaningful difference is battery and charging — Samsung specifies a 4,500mAh cell with 45W wired fast charging, nearly double the S22's charging speed, plus the same 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. UK models run the Exynos 2200 chipset, launched on One UI 4.1 and upgradable through later Android versions depending on the specific unit's update history.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists the Galaxy S22+ with 128GB and 256GB storage in Like New condition, in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold, Sky Blue, Violet and Cream, with Excellent, Very Good and Fair grades also listed. Check current price for the Galaxy S22+.

Galaxy S22 Ultra: S Pen, Best Camera, Longest Battery

The Galaxy S22 Ultra was the first standard Galaxy S phone to inherit the Note series' built-in S Pen, and it remains the most feature-packed model in this trio. Samsung specifies a 6.8-inch QHD+ (1440 x 3088) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh, HDR10+ and peak brightness around 1,750 nits, protected front and back by Gorilla Glass Victus+. The frame is built from what Samsung marketed at launch as "Armor Aluminum" — a reinforced aluminium alloy, not titanium. Titanium frames did not appear on a Samsung Ultra phone until the Galaxy S24 Ultra two years later, so don't expect S24/S25 Ultra-style titanium rigidity from this model.

The camera system is where the Ultra separates itself: a 108MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP telephoto offering 3x optical zoom, and a second 10MP periscope telephoto lens giving 10x optical zoom, plus a 40MP front camera — among the highest-resolution selfie cameras Samsung has shipped. The built-in S Pen slots into a silo in the chassis, ready for note-taking, sketching and on-screen navigation without needing a separate accessory or Bluetooth pairing. Samsung specifies a 5,000mAh battery, the largest in this series, with 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. UK models run the Exynos 2200 chipset and, like the S22+, launched on One UI 4.1.

The Tech Gadgets currently lists the Galaxy S22 Ultra with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage in Like New condition, across Green, Burgundy, Graphite, Phantom Black, Phantom White, Red and Sky Blue, with Excellent, Very Good and Fair grades also listed. Check current price for the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Galaxy S22 vs S22+: Is the Extra Screen Worth It?

Since the S22 and S22+ share an identical camera system and chipset, the decision between them really comes down to three things: screen size, battery life and charging speed. The S22+'s 6.6-inch display is noticeably more comfortable for video, browsing and gaming than the S22's 6.1-inch panel, and its 4,500mAh battery (versus 3,700mAh on the S22) should comfortably outlast it on a typical day. Samsung also specifies 45W wired charging on the S22+ against 25W on the S22 — in practical terms that's a meaningfully faster top-up when you're in a hurry, though neither phone ships with a fast charger in the box from Samsung, so you'll need a compatible PD charger either way. For a modest step up in price at the entry storage tier, most buyers who can afford it will get more day-to-day satisfaction from the S22+. The S22 remains the better choice if a smaller, one-handed phone matters more to you than screen real estate or charging speed.

Is the Galaxy S22 Ultra Worth It?

Whether the Ultra premium is worth paying depends entirely on whether you'll use its two headline features: the S Pen and the periscope zoom camera. If you take handwritten notes, sketch, or annotate PDFs and screenshots regularly, the built-in S Pen is a genuine productivity tool that neither the S22 nor S22+ can replicate — there's no clip-on or Bluetooth stylus accessory that matches having one permanently stored in the chassis. Photographers who want real optical reach will also notice the difference: the Ultra's 10x periscope telephoto captures detail at distance that the S22 and S22+'s 3x telephoto simply can't reach, and the 108MP main sensor gives more room to crop after the fact. If you don't use a stylus and mostly shoot everyday photos at normal distances, the S22+ delivers a very similar screen size and an only slightly smaller battery for less money — in that case, the Ultra's premium buys features you may never touch.

Best Camera in the Galaxy S22 Series?

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the clear camera advantage on paper: its 108MP main sensor outresolves the 50MP sensor shared by the S22 and S22+, and its dual-telephoto setup (3x and 10x optical) gives genuine reach that a single 3x lens can't match. The Ultra's 40MP front camera is also considerably higher resolution than the 10MP selfie camera on the other two models. That said, the S22 and S22+ share exactly the same rear camera hardware, so neither is a compromise relative to the other — you're not sacrificing photo quality by choosing the smaller or larger of the two non-Ultra models, only screen size and battery. For most everyday photography — family shots, food, landscapes, social media content — all three models perform well; the Ultra's advantage shows up specifically when you need to zoom in tight or shoot in demanding low-light conditions where the larger sensor and additional resolution help.

What Storage Size Should You Choose?

The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are available from The Tech Gadgets in 128GB and 256GB, while the S22 Ultra extends to 512GB and 1TB given its higher-resolution camera and video capabilities. Use this rough framework to pick a tier:

If you're unsure, 256GB is the safer default across all three models — it costs a modest amount more than the base tier but avoids the day-to-day friction of managing storage on a phone you'll likely keep for a few years.

What Does "Refurbished" Actually Mean?

A refurbished Galaxy S22, S22+ or S22 Ultra from The Tech Gadgets is a previously owned device that has been inspected, functionally tested and graded before being resold — it is not new, and it is not simply a returned or "as-is" second-hand phone sold without checks. Every unit is tested for full functionality before dispatch, meaning the screen, cameras, buttons, charging, connectivity and other core features work as expected at the point of sale. Refurbished does not mean the battery is new or that cosmetic wear is absent — the condition grade selected at checkout (Like New, Excellent, Very Good or Fair) reflects the cosmetic state of that specific unit, and battery-related issues sit outside the 12-month warranty (see below). Buying refurbished is a trade-off: you get genuine Samsung hardware, tested and warrantied, at a lower price than new — but you should expect a used device's history, not an unopened one.

Condition Grades Explained

The Tech Gadgets lists these Galaxy S22 series phones in four condition grades: Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair. Select the grade at checkout, and price and stock update automatically for that combination of colour, storage and condition. The Tech Gadgets does not publish exact cosmetic criteria for each grade on the product pages, so if the precise physical condition matters to your decision — for example, whether "Very Good" might include light scratches or scuffs — check the product photos for that specific variant, or contact The Tech Gadgets directly at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or via WhatsApp on +44 7563 734444 before ordering. All grades are functionally tested regardless of cosmetic condition, and all carry the same 12-month warranty and 30-day return window.

Are They Unlocked? Network Compatibility

Yes — every Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra sold by The Tech Gadgets is unlocked and SIM-free, meaning it isn't tied to a specific network or carrier. That makes it compatible with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other UK networks, as well as most international SIMs, subject to normal network compatibility (a handful of network-specific features or bands can occasionally differ, so it's worth confirming with your provider if you have unusual requirements). UK models of the S22 series support a physical Nano-SIM tray alongside eSIM, so you can set up either a physical SIM, an eSIM, or both for dual-SIM use, again subject to your network's own eSIM support.

What's Included in the Box?

Exact box contents for these listings are not published on the product pages, and Samsung itself stopped including a charging plug in the box with new Galaxy phones from this generation onward, shipping only a USB-C cable in many markets. For a refurbished unit, box contents can vary by batch and grade. If receiving specific accessories — a charger, cable, original box or SIM tool — matters to your purchase, contact The Tech Gadgets at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or via WhatsApp before ordering to confirm what will be included with your specific unit.

Battery Health: What to Expect

Battery health percentage is not published for these listings. As with any refurbished phone from the 2022 model year, some reduction in maximum battery capacity compared to new is normal after roughly four years of charge cycles — how much depends on the individual unit's usage history, which The Tech Gadgets does not disclose on the product page. Battery wear, along with physical, water and electrical/short-circuit damage, is explicitly excluded from the 12-month warranty, which instead covers manufacturing defects and functional faults. If battery longevity is a priority — for example, if you plan to use the phone heavily away from a charger — it's worth contacting The Tech Gadgets to ask about battery health for your specific unit before ordering, and budgeting for a battery replacement as a realistic possibility over the phone's remaining lifespan.

Still Worth Buying in 2026?

This is worth answering honestly rather than glossing over. The Galaxy S22 series launched in February 2022, and Samsung committed to four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates at the time. As of early 2026, Samsung has shipped One UI 8 (based on Android 16) as the S22 series' final major software upgrade, and the phones have moved to a reduced quarterly security patch schedule — meaning no further Android version upgrades are expected. Samsung's own support timeline points to security patches continuing until around February 2027, after which the S22 series is expected to fall out of active software support entirely.

What that means practically: if you buy a Galaxy S22 series phone today, you're getting roughly the last stretch of official security coverage rather than a device with years of update runway ahead of it. For buyers who prioritise having the newest software features or the longest possible support window, a newer model in The Tech Gadgets' range — the Galaxy S23, S24 or S25 series — will have meaningfully more years of updates left. For buyers who mainly care about a phone that's fast, capable and inexpensive today — good screen, solid camera, reliable performance for calls, apps, social media and photos — the S22 series is still a genuinely capable flagship, and at these refurbished prices it remains one of the cheapest ways to get real Samsung flagship hardware, S Pen included on the Ultra. Just go in aware that its software update clock is close to running out, and factor that into how long you expect to keep the phone.

Why Buy Refurbished Instead of New?

Samsung no longer sells the Galaxy S22 series new — it's been superseded by multiple newer generations — so a refurbished unit from a retailer like The Tech Gadgets is now the primary way to get one at all. Beyond availability, the appeal of refurbished is straightforward: you get genuine Samsung hardware, functionally tested and covered by a 12-month warranty, at a fraction of the phone's original launch price. That makes the S22 series an efficient way to get a large-screen, 120Hz, multi-lens flagship camera phone — or S Pen productivity on the Ultra — without paying current flagship prices. The trade-offs are the ones covered throughout this guide: cosmetic wear depending on grade, unconfirmed battery health, and a software update window that's closing. Buying refurbished also has a lower environmental footprint than buying new, since it keeps a working device in use for longer rather than adding to e-waste.

How Much Does a Refurbished Galaxy S22 Cost in the UK?

Pricing at The Tech Gadgets depends on the model, storage tier, condition grade and current stock, and rises with storage tier. Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Prices can move with availability, so use the live product pages for exact current pricing on your preferred colour, storage and condition combination.

• Check current price: Galaxy S22
• Check current price: Galaxy S22+
• Check current price: Galaxy S22 Ultra

Where to Buy a Refurbished Galaxy S22 in the UK

The Tech Gadgets is a UK retailer based in Manchester (01 Broughton Lane, Manchester, M8 9TY), specialising in refurbished, unlocked smartphones. Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day. Every Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra sold comes with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults, and a 30-day return window from delivery — contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back. You can browse the full range of refurbished Samsung phones in the Samsung collection, or see every handset The Tech Gadgets stocks in the full phones collection. Questions before you order can go to info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444.

Buying Check: Before You Order

Common Mistakes When Buying a Refurbished Galaxy S22

• Assuming the S22 Ultra has a titanium frame — it doesn't. Samsung used "Armor Aluminum" on the S22 Ultra; titanium frames arrived with the Galaxy S24 Ultra two years later.
• Assuming all three models have the same camera — only the S22 and S22+ share identical camera hardware; the Ultra's 108MP sensor and dual telephoto lenses are a genuine step up.
• Buying the cheapest condition grade without checking photos first, then being surprised by cosmetic wear.
• Assuming "refurbished" means the battery is new — it isn't, and battery wear is excluded from the warranty.
• Not confirming eSIM or dual-SIM needs with your network before ordering.
• Assuming a charging plug is included in the box without confirming — check with The Tech Gadgets first.
• Choosing 128GB storage for heavy 108MP photo or 4K video use on the Ultra, then running out of space.
• Assuming the S22 Ultra's S Pen has Bluetooth remote-control features by default without confirming — the base functionality is note-taking and navigation via the built-in silo.
• Overlooking that Samsung's major OS updates for the S22 series ended with One UI 8 in early 2026.
• Confusing the Galaxy S22 with the newer S23, S24 or S25 when comparing prices or specs elsewhere online.
• Assuming IP68 water resistance is guaranteed on a used unit — Samsung's rating applies to the phone when new and isn't separately re-verified on refurbished stock.
• Not checking current stock and price on the live product page before assuming the listed "from" price applies to every colour, storage and condition combination.
• Forgetting to contact The Tech Gadgets before returning a unit — returns must be arranged within the 30-day window, not simply posted back unannounced.
• Assuming the S22 and S22+ have different chipsets — both run the same Exynos 2200 in UK models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S22 series refurbished or new?

All Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra units sold by The Tech Gadgets are refurbished, not new. They are tested for full functionality before dispatch and sold in one of four condition grades: Like New, Excellent, Very Good or Fair.

What's the difference between the Galaxy S22 and S22+?

The S22 has a 6.1-inch screen, 3,700mAh battery and 25W charging; the S22+ has a larger 6.6-inch screen, 4,500mAh battery and 45W charging. Both share the same camera system and Exynos 2200 chipset in UK models.

Does the Galaxy S22 Ultra have a titanium frame?

No. The S22 Ultra uses what Samsung called "Armor Aluminum" at launch — a reinforced aluminium alloy. Titanium frames didn't appear on a Samsung Ultra phone until the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Does the Galaxy S22 Ultra come with an S Pen?

The S22 Ultra has a built-in S Pen silo as part of its design. Whether the S Pen itself is included with a specific refurbished unit isn't confirmed on the product page — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering.

Are these phones unlocked?

Yes, every Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra sold by The Tech Gadgets is unlocked and SIM-free, compatible with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other UK and international networks, subject to normal compatibility.

What chipset does the Galaxy S22 series use in the UK?

Samsung specifies the Exynos 2200 chipset for UK and other international markets, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powers US, China and India variants.

Which Galaxy S22 model has the best camera?

The Galaxy S22 Ultra, with its 108MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). The S22 and S22+ share an identical, capable but less versatile 50MP triple-camera system.

How much battery capacity does each model have?

Samsung specifies 3,700mAh for the S22, 4,500mAh for the S22+, and 5,000mAh for the S22 Ultra.

Is the Galaxy S22 series still getting software updates in 2026?

Samsung shipped One UI 8 (Android 16) as the S22 series' final major OS update, with security patches expected to continue on a reduced schedule until around February 2027. No further Android version upgrades are expected after that.

What condition grades does The Tech Gadgets offer?

Like New, Excellent, Very Good and Fair. Exact cosmetic criteria per grade aren't published on the product pages — check photos or contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering if this matters to you.

Is battery health disclosed before I buy?

No, battery health percentage isn't published on these listings. Contact The Tech Gadgets directly if you want to check before ordering, and note that battery wear is excluded from the 12-month warranty.

What's covered under warranty?

The 12-month warranty covers manufacturing defects and functional faults. It excludes battery wear, physical damage, water damage and electrical/short-circuit damage.

Can I return a Galaxy S22 series phone if I change my mind?

Yes, The Tech Gadgets accepts returns within 30 days of delivery. Contact them at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or via WhatsApp before sending anything back.

Does the Galaxy S22 series support 5G?

Yes, Samsung specifies 5G support across the S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra, alongside 4G and Wi-Fi.

Does the Galaxy S22 series support eSIM?

Yes, UK models support eSIM alongside a physical Nano-SIM tray, so you can use either or set up dual-SIM, subject to your network's own eSIM support.

What storage sizes are available?

The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are listed in 128GB and 256GB. The Galaxy S22 Ultra extends to 512GB and 1TB.

Is the Galaxy S22 Ultra worth the extra cost over the S22+?

Only if you'll use its S Pen or its 10x periscope zoom camera — otherwise, the S22+ offers a similar screen size and battery for less.

What colours are available?

Availability varies by model: the Galaxy S22 is listed in Phantom Black, Green, Phantom White and Pink Gold; the S22+ adds Sky Blue, Violet and Cream; the S22 Ultra is listed in Green, Burgundy, Graphite, Phantom Black, Phantom White, Red and Sky Blue. Check each product page for current colour and condition stock.

Does the box include a charging plug?

Box contents aren't confirmed on the product pages. Samsung itself stopped including a charging plug with new phones from this generation in many markets. Contact The Tech Gadgets to confirm what's included with your specific unit.

Final Word: Buy a Refurbished Galaxy S22, S22+ or S22 Ultra

All three Galaxy S22 series phones remain capable, genuinely flagship-grade Samsung devices at refurbished prices well below their original launch cost — the trade-off is a software update window that's closing and the usual caveats of buying used electronics, both covered honestly above. Choose the S22 for the lowest price and a compact size, the S22+ for a bigger screen and much faster charging at a modest premium, or the S22 Ultra if the built-in S Pen and best-in-series camera matter to you.

• Shop the refurbished Galaxy S22
• Shop the refurbished Galaxy S22+
• Shop the refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra

Browse the wider range in the refurbished Samsung collection or the full mobile phones collection. If a newer generation with more software update runway suits you better, see our guides to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S24 series or Galaxy S25 series. Before ordering, it's worth reading The Tech Gadgets' warranty policy and refund policy, and you can reach the team anytime via the contact page, at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk, or on WhatsApp at +44 7563 734444.