Buying Guide
Galaxy S22 to S25: Should You Upgrade in 2026?
Galaxy S22 (2022) is now well past its update commitment (4 years from launch). The S25 line ships with 7-year updates, Galaxy AI, and dramatically better cameras. Here's the upgrade decision.
Updated · By SmartphoneAwards Editorial
Why the S22 is end-of-life
Samsung's pre-S24 update commitment was 4 years of major Android updates. S22 launched in early 2022, so: - Last major Android update: Android 15 (2024) - Last security patches: early 2026 As of mid-2026, the Galaxy S22 line (S22, S22+, S22 Ultra) is essentially end-of-life. New apps may stop being updated for the older Android version. This alone is a strong upgrade signal.
Why the S25 line specifically
Samsung introduced the 7-year update commitment with the S24 line — meaning S24+ and all S25 models are supported through 2031+. The S25 Ultra was runner-up Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. Galaxy AI (Live Translate, generative photo editing, Circle to Search) ships natively on S24+ and S25. The S22 doesn't support these features. Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Ultra is roughly 100% faster than Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the S22, with dramatically better thermals (the 8 Gen 1's thermal throttling was infamous).
Which S25 is the right upgrade?
**From S22** → **Galaxy S25** (when available, $799) for size match. Or **discounted S24** at $599 for value. **From S22+** → **Galaxy S25+** (when available, $999) for size match. Or **discounted S24+** at $699. **From S22 Ultra** → **Galaxy S25 Ultra** ($1,299) for full upgrade. Or **discounted S24 Ultra** at $899 for $400 savings — won MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year and shares S Pen, 5x periscope, and 7-year commitment.
Samsung · From $1299
Trade-in math
Samsung trade-in for S22 line in good condition: $150–$250 (depending on model). Net upgrade cost to S25 Ultra: roughly $1,049+. Net upgrade to discounted S24 Ultra: roughly $649+. Third-party trade-in (Swappa, eBay) typically nets 25–40% more if your phone is in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy S25 worth upgrading from S22?
Yes — S22 is at end-of-life (security patches ended early 2026). S25 line adds 7-year update commitment, Galaxy AI, and dramatically better cameras and chip.
Should I buy S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra as the upgrade?
S24 Ultra at $899 — won MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year and shares the same S Pen, 5x periscope, and 7-year update commitment as S25 Ultra at $400 less.
Galaxy S22 software support — is it really ending?
Yes — Samsung's pre-S24 commitment was 4 years of major updates and 5 years of security. S22 launched early 2022, so security patches ended in early 2026.