Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Updated Jul 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Samsung Galaxy S26 is the better pick — it scores 73/100 to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's 68, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra instead if display and rear camera matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra overall by 5 points (73 vs 68 out of 100).
  • Samsung Galaxy S26 stands out on Storage capacity: 512 GB (100% more), Benchmark Antutu score: 2,441,481 (152% more), Benchmark Geekbench multi-core score: 10,824 (176% more).
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads overall
Samsung Galaxy S26
73
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
68
Why it stands out
  • Storage capacity: 512 GB (100% more)
  • Benchmark Antutu score: 2,441,481 (152% more)
  • Benchmark Geekbench multi-core score: 10,824 (176% more)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.

Samsung Galaxy S26

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium, compact smartphone running Android 16 with One UI 8.5, tailored for users who prefer a smaller form factor. Depending on the region, it is powered by either the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the 2nm Samsung Exynos 2600 processor. It features a remarkably slim 7.2mm profile, a 167-gram lightweight body, and a 4300 mAh battery.

Best for Gamers who want top-tier processing power in a smaller, highly portable sizeBest for Buyers looking for an ultra-slim, lightweight flagship phone that easily fits…
Pros
  • Extremely thin and lightweight design measuring 7.2 mm in depth and weighing 167 grams
  • Excellent processing and gaming performance powered by next-generation chipsets
  • Equipped with modern Wi-Fi 7 support for fast wireless connectivity
Cons
  • Subpar battery endurance that struggles to survive a full day of regular use
  • Wired charging speeds are limited to a relatively slow 25W
  • Unchanged camera hardware that can struggle when photographing moving subjects

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a premium flagship smartphone released by Samsung Electronics in 2022. Its design emphasizes high camera versatility and performance for demanding users. It features an integrated style that supports advanced productivity via the S Pen, making it suitable for professionals and power users who rely on mobile efficiency.

Best for Photography enthusiastsBest for Productivity usersBest for Heavy multitaskers
Pros
  • Includes a large battery capacity (5000 mAh) relative to its generation
  • Offers extensive camera functionality with multiple lenses, including notable optical zoom levels
  • Supports both wireless and faster wired charging rates
  • Features advanced display and chipset options suitable for high-performance tasks
Cons
  • The device has dimensions making it physically large and relatively heavier (228g)
  • Specifications indicated a split approach to chipsets globally (Snapdragon/Exynos), which can affect user experience
  • Some sources noted performance throttling controversies associated with the hardware generation

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Samsung Galaxy S26

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Samsung Galaxy S262,441,481
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra968,359

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Samsung Galaxy S264,300 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra5,000 mAh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

167 g228 g
Samsung Galaxy S26Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is 61 g (37%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy S26.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Samsung Galaxy S26 rates higher at 81/100 versus 76/100 for Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra — a 5-point lead. Samsung Galaxy S26 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 81/100 for Samsung Galaxy S26 and 76/100 for Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
At launch, Samsung Galaxy S26 was the more affordable option ($860) versus Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (81/100 vs 76/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Samsung Galaxy S26 (81/100) edges out Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (76/100). But if Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.

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