Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra already has a major display problem for this model [Update]

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with S Pen
(Image credit: Future)

Update Feb 23: We've included a video of the display issue in action below and a response from a Samsung rep. 

It's only a couple of days until the Samsung Galaxy S22 launches, but unfortunately some models of the Galaxy S22 Ultra may be shipping with a dodgy display.

Complaints on Reddit sourced by 9to5Google show users who got their Galaxy S22 Ultras powered by an Exynos 2200 chip early are experiencing flashing bands of what looks like TV static across the width of the display when watching video or playing games. 

One unlucky user has even found the issue happening on the S22 Ultra's always-on display and lock screen too. Ignore the flicking effect though, as that's apparently caused by the camera they were recording with.

Users who have encountered this issue have all had their S22 Ultra displays to 1440p (QHD) resolution with Samsung's natural color profile. Changing either of these seems to bypass the problem, although if you prefer natural to vivid color, or want to use the full capability of the S22 Ultra's display resolution, it's disappointing that it's seemingly necessary to alter these just to use the phone properly. 

Note that this display problem seems to be affecting only Galaxy S22 Ultra phones with the Exynos 2200 chip, not the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 version that American and Chinese buyers get. This is causing concern that the issue is therefore hardware-based, since a software problem would theoretically affect both versions of the phone, although without further research it's hard to confirm that. 

Samsung responds

Samsung hasn't made a statement itself, but a moderator on its Community Forum, replying to a long thread about these display problems, gave the following response, apparently from Samsung:

"We are aware of a limited number of Galaxy S22 Ultra devices experiencing a pixelated line on the display when customer plays Youtube or unlocks the device with fingerprints.

This issue may occur rarely when user set the device resolution to WQHD and Screen mode to Natural mode.

We have already worked to develop a patch on Galaxy S22 Ultra and will release software updates to address the issue soon.

We recommend that until then, please change the screen mode to Vivid or resolution to FHD+ of your device.

And please keep your devices updated with the latest software."

We have not experienced the above issue with our Galaxy S22 Ultra review unit, but it is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. 

TOPICS
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

Read more
Galaxy S25 Ultra against night sky.
Galaxy S25 Ultra camera glitch is real — here's what Samsung has to say
Camera lenses on the Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bad night mode camera glitch — here's what I found
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in hand.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra owners are complaining about warped and stained screens — here's what's going on
A Galaxy S25 Ultra face down on a table
Samsung Galaxy S25 users are facing charging issues — what you need to know
samsung galaxy s25 case leak with cases for galaxy s25, s25 plus and s25 ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 displays: What to expect from Samsung’s latest screens
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra astrophotography.
I tried astrophotography on my Galaxy S25 Ultra and I’m not impressed — here’s why
Latest in Samsung Phones
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge back
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge price comes into focus with latest leak
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped for a huge outer screen upgrade — here’s what we know
Galaxy Z Fold 6 shown in hand
Samsung just killed the crease with this breakthrough foldable phone display
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra astrophotography.
I tried astrophotography on my Galaxy S25 Ultra and I’m not impressed — here’s why
samsung galaxy s25 edge at mwc 2025
I just saw the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge up close — and I'm not impressed
Latest in News
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Asus ROG Ally X
Xbox handheld reportedly being made with Asus — all to take on Steam Deck
A person typing on a laptop with warning messages displayed on screen
240 million Windows 10 users are vulnerable to six different hacker exploits — update your PC now
Genshin Impact on a OnePlus Nord 4
Genshin Impact on Android finally adds controller support — 4 years after iOS
A render of the iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max just tipped for this performance secret weapon
Google Play logo on an android smartphone with corner hole punch camera
At least 5 North Korean spy apps have been found on Google Play — what you need to know
  • Mark_Shawley
    admin said:
    Several users of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are finding the screen shows static-like bands across it when certain basic settings are enabled.

    Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra already has a major problem : Read more
    That's not the only display bug. On a S22 black, 512 meg, snap Dragon processor, I had the screen go black. The phone was still on, and I could feel the haptics when message was received. Reset fixed it, after I pulled over on the highway. This concerned my because my job requires me to use navigation aids. I lost 30 minutes on my route because of this phone returned and back to my pixel 4.
    https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s22-series/s22-ultra-screen-randomly-turns-off-goes-black/m-p/4880553
    Reply