The Galaxy S22 Ultra matters more than its age suggests: it was the model that absorbed the Galaxy Note. Samsung discontinued the Note line and moved the built-in S Pen into the Ultra, and every Ultra since has carried it.
For anyone who used a Note and never replaced it properly, this is the generation where the replacement arrived — and it is now cheap enough on the pre-owned market to be worth a look.
The trade is age. This is a four-year-old flagship, and the battery and remaining software support are what you need to check.
Brand or model deal overview
| Consideration | What to expect |
|---|---|
| S Pen | Built into the handset — the first Ultra to inherit it from the Note line |
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, with curved edges |
| Design | Squared-off Note-style body rather than the rounded S-series shape |
| Cameras | 108MP main plus telephoto lenses with 10x optical reach |
| Build | Aluminium frame and glass |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Storage | 128GB up to 1TB, not expandable |
| Availability | Certified pre-owned or second-hand; new stock unlikely |
This is an older flagship. Confirm handset condition, battery health and remaining software support before committing to a contract term.
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Network options
New stock is scarce, so check which providers run certified pre-owned ranges rather than assuming the model appears in the main line-up. Where listed, compare:
- handset condition and grading;
- battery health, disclosed in writing — the most important figure on a 2022 flagship;
- the warranty and who honours it;
- storage size;
- remaining software-support period;
- the monthly instalment and contract term;
- the data allocation bundled;
- coverage at your usual locations.
A four-year-old flagship with a healthy battery is a good buy. The same handset with a degraded one is a frustration you will live with daily.
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Budget options
Cheapest route to a Note-style S Pen phone. The main argument. The squared body, flat-ish feel and built-in stylus are what Note users miss, and this is the cheapest Ultra that has them.
Long optical zoom. The 10x telephoto outreaches the S24 and S25 Ultras’ 5x, despite being older.
Certified pre-owned over private sale. More expensive, but a warranty on a four-year-old flagship is worth paying for.
Compare against the S23 Ultra. One generation newer with a 200MP camera and better efficiency, also on the pre-owned market. See Samsung S23 Ultra contract deals.
Compare against a current mid-range. At a similar monthly cost you could have a new A-series or FE handset with full support life but a weaker camera system. That is the real trade.
Current and older alternatives
Alternative models
Samsung S23 Ultra. Newer, with the 200MP sensor and better battery efficiency, still with the S Pen and 10x zoom. See Samsung S23 Ultra contract deals.
Samsung S24 Ultra. Flat display, titanium frame, newer chip — but 5x rather than 10x zoom. See Samsung S24 Ultra contract deals.
Samsung S22. The standard model of the same generation, much cheaper, no S Pen. See Samsung S22 contract deals.
Samsung S25 FE. A newer handset at a similar monthly cost, with full support life but no S Pen. See Samsung S25 FE contract deals.
If you want the S Pen, the choice is between Ultra generations. If you do not, a newer non-Ultra handset at the same price will serve you longer.
What to check before applying
- Battery health percentage, in writing — the decisive figure here.
- Remaining software-support period, confirmed with Samsung.
- Handset grading and what the seller’s warranty covers.
- That the S Pen is present and functioning, on a pre-owned unit.
- Storage capacity — not expandable.
- Whether you get on with a curved display, particularly for stylus use.
- Total contract cost — monthly × term, plus upfront.
- Returns policy and cooling-off period.
- Early cancellation terms.
Contract applications are subject to the provider’s own checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and generally a credit and affordability assessment. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Is the Samsung S22 Ultra basically a Galaxy Note?
In effect, yes. Samsung discontinued the Note line and moved its defining features — the squared body and built-in S Pen — into the S22 Ultra. It is the closest thing to a Note that Samsung has made since.
Does the S22 Ultra have a better zoom than newer Ultras?
It has longer optical reach — 10x, against the 5x on the S24 and S25 Ultras. Newer models process images better overall, but for distant subjects the older reach can be an advantage.
Is a 2022 flagship still worth buying on contract?
It can be, at the right price and with a healthy battery. Check the remaining software-support window against the contract term — you do not want the phone falling out of support mid-contract.
How is the battery after four years?
Degraded, unless replaced. Ask for the battery health figure in writing, and factor a possible replacement into the cost.
Does the curved display cause problems with the S Pen?
Some users find curved edges cause stray inputs when writing near the sides. Samsung moved to a flat display on later Ultras partly for this reason. Handle one if you can.
Can I expand the storage?
No. Galaxy S flagships do not support microSD cards, so the capacity you buy is what you keep.
Is the S Pen replaceable if I lose it?
Yes — replacement styluses are sold separately and are inexpensive relative to the handset. The phone works normally without one.
Compare your options: see all Samsung contract deals, or browse contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.