Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S22 has become much more affordable in 2026. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S22 models now start at around $150+, making it one of the lowest-priced former Samsung flagships you can buy.
In this guide, we'll explain why the Galaxy S22's low price comes with an important tradeoff, take a closer look at its hardware and software support in 2026, and compare it with the Galaxy S23 to help you decide which phone offers better long-term value.
Quick Verdict
| Category |
Verdict |
| Overall Recommendation |
❌ Not Recommended |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price |
Starts at around $150+ |
| One UI 9 (Android 17) |
Not Supported |
| Security Updates |
Quarterly Security Updates |
| Best Alternative |
Galaxy S23 starting at $210+ |
| Price Difference to Galaxy S23 |
About $60 |
We don't recommend buying the Galaxy S22 in 2026. Its new starting price of around $150+ is certainly attractive, especially for a former flagship Samsung phone. However, the lower price reflects where the Galaxy S22 now sits in its lifecycle.
The Galaxy S22 has been excluded from One UI 9 (Android 17) and now receives only quarterly security updates. While it hasn't completely lost security support yet, the move from more frequent updates to quarterly patches is an important sign that the phone is approaching the end of Samsung's support lifecycle.
For more information about Samsung's software support lifecycle and older Galaxy models, read our What Samsung Galaxy Will Stop Working guide.
Instead, we recommend the Galaxy S23, starting at around $210+. For approximately $60 more, you get support for One UI 9 (Android 17), significantly more remaining software support, a faster and more efficient processor, improved cameras, Galaxy AI features, and better long-term value.
If your budget absolutely stops at around $150, the Galaxy S22 still offers impressive hardware for the money. But if you can spend another $60, we believe the Galaxy S23 is easily the smarter Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone to buy in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S22 in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S22 still feels like a premium smartphone in 2026. It has a compact design, a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, a capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and a versatile triple-camera system. For everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, social media, navigation, photography, and video calls, the Galaxy S22 still has plenty of performance.
The problem isn't the hardware. The bigger concern is how little software support remains. Samsung has excluded the Galaxy S22 from One UI 9 (Android 17) and moved it to quarterly security updates. That's an important tradeoff to consider before buying one, even at its attractive $150+ starting price.
Price and Availability
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S22 models have dropped to around $150+ in 2026. That's an attractive price for a phone that originally launched as one of Samsung's flagship models.
At this price, the Galaxy S22 competes with many budget and mid-range smartphones while offering premium features such as a 120Hz AMOLED display, wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and a dedicated telephoto camera.
However, the low price comes with a cost. The Galaxy S22 is nearing the end of Samsung's support lifecycle. With the Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 starting at around $210+, we believe spending approximately $60 more is the smarter long-term decision.
Software Support
Software support is the biggest reason we don't recommend buying the Galaxy S22 in 2026.
The Galaxy S22 does not support the latest One UI 9 (Android 17). That means it has reached the end of its major Android OS upgrade cycle and will no longer receive Samsung's newest Android versions and major One UI releases.
The Galaxy S22 still receives security patches, but Samsung has moved the device to quarterly security updates. While that's better than receiving no security updates at all, it shows that the Galaxy S22 is entering the final stage of its official support lifecycle.
For more information about Samsung's software support lifecycle and which older Galaxy phones are approaching the end of support, read our What Samsung Galaxy Will Stop Working guide.
Chipset and Performance
The U.S. Galaxy S22 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM. International versions may use Samsung's Exynos 2200 processor.
Performance is still very good in 2026. The Galaxy S22 can comfortably handle everyday apps, multitasking, streaming, photo editing, and most mobile games. For typical users, it doesn't feel like an outdated phone.
However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 isn't particularly power efficient and can generate noticeable heat during demanding tasks. Samsung made a major improvement with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the Galaxy S23, which delivers better performance while consuming less power.
Display
The Galaxy S22 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Full HD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Even several years after its release, the screen remains one of the phone's strongest features.
Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smooth. Its compact 6.1-inch size is also ideal for buyers who prefer smaller smartphones that are comfortable to use with one hand.
The Galaxy S23 uses a similar 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, so display quality alone isn't a major reason to upgrade. The newer model does, however, offer improved peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
Camera
The Galaxy S22 has a versatile triple-camera system consisting of a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. It also features a 10MP front-facing camera.
This remains an excellent camera setup for a $150+ smartphone. The Galaxy S22 can capture detailed daylight photos, good portraits, ultra-wide shots, and true optical zoom images. It can also record video at up to 8K resolution.
The Galaxy S23 uses a similar camera configuration, but newer image processing and a 12MP front camera give it an advantage in areas such as low-light photography, selfies, and video.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the Galaxy S22's weaker areas. The phone has a relatively small 3,700mAh battery, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 isn't as efficient as newer Snapdragon processors.
For light to moderate users, the Galaxy S22 can still provide acceptable everyday battery life. Heavy users may need to recharge before the end of the day, especially if the battery has experienced normal capacity loss over several years of use.
The phone supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare. However, the Galaxy S23 delivers noticeably better battery efficiency thanks to its larger 3,900mAh battery and much more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor.
Design
The Galaxy S22 still looks and feels premium in 2026. It features an Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, and IP68 water and dust resistance.
Its compact 6.1-inch form factor is another major advantage. At a time when many smartphones have become increasingly large, the Galaxy S22 remains comfortable to hold, easy to carry, and convenient to use with one hand.
From a design perspective, there's little about the Galaxy S22 that feels outdated. If Samsung were still providing major Android updates for the phone, its combination of premium hardware and $150+ price would make it much easier to recommend.
The Hidden Cost of the Galaxy S22's $150+ Price
A Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 starting at around $150+ looks like an excellent bargain. You get flagship-level build quality, a 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, wireless charging, and strong everyday performance for roughly the price of a budget smartphone.
But when buying an older phone, the purchase price isn't the only cost to consider. Remaining software support directly affects how long the phone can realistically remain a good primary device.
That's where the Galaxy S22's $150+ price becomes less attractive.
No One UI 9 (Android 17)
The Galaxy S22 has been excluded from One UI 9 (Android 17). It has reached the end of its major Android OS upgrade cycle, so buyers shouldn't expect future Android versions or major One UI releases.
The phone won't suddenly stop working because it doesn't have Android 17. Existing apps and features will continue to function. However, as newer Android versions arrive, the Galaxy S22 will gradually fall further behind supported Galaxy models in features and software compatibility.
The Galaxy S23, by comparison, supports One UI 9 (Android 17). For buyers purchasing a phone today, that additional software life is an important advantage.
Only Quarterly Security Updates
The Galaxy S22 hasn't completely lost security support yet. However, Samsung has moved the device to its quarterly security update schedule.
This means security patches arrive less frequently than they do for newer Galaxy models receiving more regular updates. More importantly, the move to quarterly updates shows that the Galaxy S22 is approaching the end of Samsung's official security support.
If you already own a Galaxy S22, continued quarterly security updates are good news and there's no reason to stop using the phone simply because it doesn't support Android 17. But buying one today is a different decision. You're purchasing a device with relatively little official support life remaining.
How Much Longer Can You Use the Galaxy S22?
There's no fixed date when a Galaxy S22 will suddenly stop working. Even after Samsung eventually ends security updates, the phone can continue making calls, sending messages, browsing the web, and running many apps.
The better question for a buyer is: How long do you want your next phone to remain officially supported?
If you're looking for a very inexpensive phone that you plan to use for a relatively short period, the Galaxy S22's $150+ price may still be appealing. But if you want to keep your next phone for several years, buying a device that's already on quarterly security updates isn't the best long-term investment.
That's why we recommend spending about $60 more on the Galaxy S23. The additional cost gives you One UI 9 (Android 17), significantly more remaining software support, newer hardware, better battery efficiency, and a longer useful lifespan.
Best Alternative: Galaxy S23
If you're considering a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22, we recommend spending a little more on the Galaxy S23. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 models start at around $210+ in 2026, approximately $60 more than the Galaxy S22 at $150+.
That $60 difference is meaningful, but we believe it's money well spent. The Galaxy S23 supports the latest One UI 9 (Android 17), while the Galaxy S22 has already reached the end of its major Android OS upgrade cycle and now receives only quarterly security updates.
The Galaxy S23 also brings one of the biggest generation-to-generation improvements in the series: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. It's faster and significantly more power efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the U.S. Galaxy S22. Combined with a slightly larger battery, this gives the Galaxy S23 a noticeable advantage in battery life.
If your budget allows the extra $60, the Galaxy S23 is the much better Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone to buy in 2026.
Galaxy S22 vs Galaxy S23 Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy S22 |
Galaxy S23 |
| Release Year |
2022 |
2023 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2026) |
$150+ |
$210+ |
| Latest Software Support |
Does not support One UI 9 (Android 17) |
Supports One UI 9 (Android 17) |
| Security Updates |
Quarterly security updates |
Supported through 2028 |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Octa-core |
| RAM |
8GB |
8GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB |
128GB / 256GB |
| microSD Card |
No |
No |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.1-inch |
6.1-inch |
| Resolution |
2340 × 1080 |
2340 × 1080 |
| Refresh Rate |
Adaptive up to 120Hz |
Adaptive up to 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Up to 1,300 nits |
Up to 1,750 nits |
| Main Camera |
50MP |
50MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Camera |
10MP, 3x Optical Zoom |
10MP, 3x Optical Zoom |
| Front Camera |
10MP |
12MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
3,700mAh |
3,900mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
25W |
| Wireless Charging |
15W |
15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water and Dust Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| Front Protection |
Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Back Protection |
Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| 5G |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6E |
Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth |
5.2 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
Limited / Not the full newer Galaxy AI experience |
Yes |
Key Differences
Price
The Galaxy S22 wins on price. At around $150+, it's approximately $60 cheaper than the Galaxy S23 at $210+. If your budget is extremely tight, that's a significant saving.
However, we wouldn't choose between these two phones based on price alone. The Galaxy S23's additional software support and newer hardware give you a phone that should remain useful for considerably longer. For that reason, we think the extra $60 is justified.
Software Support
This is the most important difference. The Galaxy S22 does not support One UI 9 (Android 17) and has already been moved to quarterly security updates.
The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and continues to receive security updates through 2028. If you're buying a phone in 2026 and plan to keep it for several years, the Galaxy S23 provides much better peace of mind.
Performance
The Galaxy S22's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still fast enough for most everyday tasks, but the Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is a significant improvement. It's faster, more efficient, and generally runs cooler under demanding workloads.
The efficiency improvement is especially important because it affects more than benchmark scores. It helps the Galaxy S23 deliver better battery life and more consistent performance during gaming, video recording, and other demanding tasks.
Display
The two phones are very similar in display size and resolution. Both feature compact 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz, making either phone an excellent option for buyers who don't want a large smartphone.
The Galaxy S23 has the advantage outdoors because its display can reach a higher peak brightness. If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, this is a useful improvement.
Camera
Camera hardware is quite similar. Both phones have a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
The Galaxy S23 benefits from newer image processing and upgrades the front camera from 10MP to 12MP. It generally delivers better low-light photography and more refined photo and video processing, but the Galaxy S22 remains a capable camera phone.
Camera quality alone probably isn't enough to justify upgrading from an S22 you already own, but it's another advantage for the S23 if you're choosing between the two today.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the strongest reasons to choose the Galaxy S23. The Galaxy S22 has a relatively small 3,700mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 increases capacity to 3,900mAh.
More importantly, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is considerably more power efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The combination of a larger battery and a more efficient processor gives the Galaxy S23 noticeably better real-world battery life.
Battery age is another consideration when shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished device. Because the Galaxy S23 is a year newer, you're also starting with a newer generation of hardware.
Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S23 has access to Samsung's Galaxy AI features, including AI-powered tools for search, translation, productivity, and photo editing.
AI features shouldn't be the only reason to choose a phone, but they add additional value to the Galaxy S23 and help keep the device closer to Samsung's current software experience.
Which One Should You Buy?
We recommend the Galaxy S23.
The Galaxy S22's $150+ starting price makes it tempting, and its hardware remains excellent for the money. If you already own a Galaxy S22, there's no urgent reason to stop using it while Samsung is still providing security updates.
However, buying one in 2026 is a different decision. The Galaxy S22 no longer supports One UI 9 (Android 17) and has already moved to quarterly security updates, leaving it with limited remaining support life.
For approximately $60 more, the Galaxy S23 at $210+ gives you Android 17 support, security updates through 2028, a much more efficient processor, better battery life, a brighter display, improved camera processing, and Galaxy AI features.
If your budget allows, we believe spending the extra $60 on the Galaxy S23 is the smarter long-term investment.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S22 has become very affordable in 2026. At around $150+ for a Certified Used or Refurbished model, you get a premium compact design, a beautiful 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, capable cameras, wireless charging, and performance that's still more than enough for everyday use.
However, we don't recommend buying the Galaxy S22 in 2026. The lower price comes with an important cost: the Galaxy S22 does not support the latest One UI 9 (Android 17) and has already moved to quarterly security updates. While Samsung hasn't completely ended security support yet, the Galaxy S22 is approaching the end of its support lifecycle.
Instead, we recommend spending about $60 more on the Galaxy S23, with Certified Used and Refurbished models starting at around $210+. It supports One UI 9 (Android 17), continues to receive security updates through 2028, and offers a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, better battery life, improved camera processing, and Galaxy AI features.
If you already own a Galaxy S22 and it's still working well, there's no urgent need to replace it while Samsung continues providing security updates. But buying one today is a different decision. For approximately $60 more, the Galaxy S23 gives you significantly more remaining software support and a longer useful lifespan.
For most buyers shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone in 2026, we believe the Galaxy S23 is the better long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 still worth buying in 2026?
No. Although the Galaxy S22 starts at an attractive $150+ and still has capable flagship hardware, we don't recommend buying it in 2026. It does not support One UI 9 (Android 17) and now receives only quarterly security updates.
2. How much does a Certified Used Galaxy S22 cost in 2026?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S22 models start at around $150+ in 2026.
3. Does the Galaxy S22 support One UI 9 (Android 17)?
No. The Galaxy S22 does not support One UI 9 (Android 17). It has reached the end of its major Android OS upgrade cycle.
4. Does the Galaxy S22 still receive security updates in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S22 still receives security updates in 2026, but Samsung has moved it to quarterly security updates. This means security patches arrive less frequently, and the phone is approaching the end of its official support lifecycle.
5. Is the Galaxy S22 safe to use in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S22 still receives quarterly security updates, so you can continue using it in 2026. However, if you're buying a phone today, we recommend choosing a newer model with more remaining software and security support.
6. Is the Galaxy S22 still fast enough in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S22's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is still fast enough for browsing, streaming, social media, photography, gaming, and most everyday apps. Performance isn't the main reason we don't recommend the Galaxy S22; its limited remaining software support is.
7. Is the Galaxy S22 camera still good in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S22 still has a capable triple-camera system with a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. It remains an excellent camera system for a phone starting at around $150+.
8. Is the Galaxy S23 better than the Galaxy S22?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17), has significantly more remaining software support, and features a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor. It also offers better battery life, a brighter display, improved camera processing, and Galaxy AI features.
9. Is the Galaxy S23 worth $60 more than the Galaxy S22?
Yes. We believe the Galaxy S23 is worth the additional $60. It starts at around $210+ and gives you One UI 9 (Android 17), security updates through 2028, better battery efficiency, newer hardware, and a longer useful lifespan.
10. Should I upgrade if I already own a Galaxy S22?
Not necessarily. If your Galaxy S22 is still working well, you can continue using it while Samsung provides quarterly security updates. However, you should start planning for an upgrade as the Galaxy S22 approaches the end of its official security support.
11. What is the best alternative to the Galaxy S22 in 2026?
We recommend the Galaxy S23, which starts at around $210+ for Certified Used and Refurbished models. It costs about $60 more than the Galaxy S22 but offers One UI 9 (Android 17), significantly more remaining software support, better battery efficiency, and newer hardware.
Sale
