Samsung confirms S22 launch next month, hints S22 Ultra will replace Note

Samsung confirms S22 launch next month, hints S22 Ultra will replace Note
(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung will launch the Galaxy S22 next month, it has confirmed, and it looks like it will replace the Galaxy Note.

In its announcement, Samsung stopped short of naming the S22. But Dr. TM Roh, president and head of MX Business at Samsung did confirm a new Galaxy S series phone will launch at an Unpacked event in February. The S21 launched last January, so it follows that this new phone will be the S22. He also dropped rather a large hint that the S22 Ultra will replace the Galaxy Note phone that Samsung retired last year.

The new phone will be "the most noteworthy S series device we've ever created," he said. (Geddit? NOTEworthy?) "We know many of you were surprised when Samsung didn’t release a new Galaxy Note last year," he added, noting that the next generation Galaxy S device will "[bring] together the greatest experiences of our Samsung Galaxy into one ultimate device."

In other words, expect the S22 Ultra to have the squared-off corners and S Pen stylus functionality, as rumoured. It should also have a slot to hold the stylus, so you don't lose it, and a Super Clear lens to reduce glare and reflections.

Samsung also posted a teaser video for its Unpacked event. The tagline? 'Break the rules of what's possible.'

The announcement says that the device will "take the best and brightest photos and videos you’ve ever captured with a phone," hinting at some kind of night mode. The other promises are more nebulous, giving you "power, speed and tools that can’t be found elsewhere", along with "cutting edge-innovations made possible thanks to the smartest Galaxy experience yet". It will also "rewrite the future of smartphones", though how you can rewrite something that hasn't happened is beyond us.

We could see more devices launch at the same event. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has leaked recently (even appearing on Samsung's own website), while the Samsung announcement also mentions 'Galaxy Z Series' and 'Foldable' in the tags at the bottom. So we might see a new foldable phone or two.

Samsung Korea previously confirmed that the S22 will launch on 8th February, though Samsung's UK arm refused to comment when asked. Expect another announcement reconfirming the 8th February date before too long, followed by more teasers of what to expect.

Pre-orders are said to go live on 9th February, with shipping starting on 24th February.

MORE:

The full lowdown: Samsung Galaxy S22: release date, price, specs and all of the leaks

Our guide to the best Android smartphones

Best smartphones 2021: best phones for music and movies on the move

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 20 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (now defunct), Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more. His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S25 range of smartphones standing in portrait on a display table.
Samsung Galaxy S25: price, launch date, screen specs and more
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, S25 and S25 Ultra side by side
Samsung announces the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra featuring one of the best innovations from its 8K TVs
A crowd surrounding a table with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge display unit
Samsung announces a mysterious fourth version of the Galaxy S25 at Unpacked 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in hand
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: what’s new?
Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S24: what's new, and should you upgrade?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 range of smartphones standing in portrait on a display table.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: how do the flagship phones compare?
Latest in Smartphones
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
iPhone 16 Plus smartphone
Got an old iPhone? We'll help you decide on how to upgrade
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
iPhone 16e vs Sony Xperia 10 VI: what are the differences?
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if, like me, movies on the move are your priority
iPhone 16e on white background
Apple officially unveils the affordable iPhone 16e complete with an OLED display and Dolby Atmos support
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
Latest in News
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you