[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] An assessment said older-generation Ultra models could be a more realistic alternative for consumers who feel burdened by the high price of Samsung Electronics' latest flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

On May 18, IT media outlet TechRadar said older Ultra series phones can still be sufficient choices, keeping performance and camera competitiveness while lowering the price burden.

The key is the length of use for the price. The Galaxy S26 Ultra was rated top-tier for its camera and performance, privacy display and S Pen features, but its starting price reaches $1,299. It is the most direct option if you want all the latest features, but many core features remain in older generations, so another choice could be more reasonable when considering cost burden, it said.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra was cited as the cheapest alternative. The model was assessed as still competitive in baseline performance, with a rear quad camera, S Pen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. A weakness was that the end of software support is approaching. With continued Android updates and security patches uncertain, it was seen as better suited as a secondary device for photography or gaming than as a main smartphone.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra was presented as the most balanced choice. Its price has fallen considerably, but it can still receive additional major software updates, and security support continues through 2028. It was cited as a strength that it is the last Ultra model to include a 10x optical-zoom periscope camera. Key specifications were also assessed as still competitive, including a 200-megapixel main camera, an S Pen with Bluetooth support, a titanium exterior and a 5,000 mAh battery.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra was assessed as the model most aligned with the latest generation. It has a boxy design, improved battery efficiency and improved camera performance. Above all, it was cited as the biggest advantage that Samsung Electronics promised 7 years of software updates. That makes it an Ultra model that can be used long term through 2031. In some markets, its price has fallen to the level of mid-range smartphones, drawing attention for value for money.

The previous generation, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, was assessed as the safest choice. That is because its core hardware, including camera, battery, charging performance and display, is almost similar to the S26 Ultra. Differences were analysed as focused on some new AI features and an improved chipset. The S25 Ultra also comes with 7 years of update support, making it usable through 2032. With a lower price than the latest model and frequent discounts, it was cited as a practical alternative.

The used and refurbished market is also in focus. A significant number of older Ultra models are distributed mainly as refurbished or used units rather than as new-product inventory. In particular, refurbished devices are often relatively stable because they have undergone condition checks and some parts replacements, an assessment said.

By contrast, the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy S20 Ultra were excluded from recommended options. That is because software support is nearing its end, and parts supply and battery ageing issues could overlap. Since more than 5 years have passed since launch, it is difficult to fully expect initial performance, and there is also not much supply actually available for purchase, the analysis said.

Ultimately, the comparison was based on how long devices can be maintained for the price and on core features, rather than on a simple generation gap. If the latest features are not essential, the S23 Ultra can be an alternative for balance between price and features, the S24 Ultra for long-term updates, and the S25 Ultra for an experience most similar to the S26 Ultra. By contrast, the S22 Ultra is expected to be considered only when budget is the top priority and the risk of software support ending can be accepted.