If you want a premium Samsung Galaxy phone in Kenya without paying the price of a brand-new flagship, Ex-UK Samsung phones can be an interesting option.

The Galaxy S Ultra range is especially popular in the Kenyan second-hand and imported-phone market because older Ultra models still offer premium AMOLED displays, powerful processors, advanced cameras, S Pen support and 5G.

However, not every Ex-UK Samsung flagship offers the same combination of performance, software support, camera capability and long-term value.

In this guide, we compare some of the best Samsung flagship Ex-UK phones available in Kenya in 2026, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S22 Ultra and older options.

Important: “Ex-UK” describes a phone’s previous market or origin. It does not automatically mean the phone is refurbished, original, unlocked, or in excellent condition. The condition and history of each individual device must be checked.

Quick Comparison: Samsung Flagship Ex-UK Phones in Kenya

Samsung’s own current S-series guide lists the S21 through S26 generations, while the S22, S23 and S24 Ultra models remain common in the Kenyan pre-owned market.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Ex-UK

The modern Ultra to look for

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the most compelling Ex-UK Samsung flagships for Kenyan buyers who want a premium phone without moving all the way to the latest generation.

It combines a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, 200MP main camera, 5,000mAh battery and built-in S Pen.

The phone also introduced a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor display protection. Samsung rates it IP68 for water and dust resistance under laboratory conditions.

Key specifications

• 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• QHD+ 3120 × 1440 resolution
• 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage options
• 200MP main camera
• 50MP 5x telephoto
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 12MP ultrawide
• 12MP selfie camera
• 5,000mAh battery
• Built-in S Pen
• IP68 water and dust resistance
• 5G
• Samsung DeX

Samsung also committed the S24 series to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, which is a major advantage when buying a pre-owned phone.

Why consider the S24 Ultra Ex-UK?

It gives you several flagship features that remain highly relevant in 2026.

The camera system is particularly versatile. You get a 200MP primary camera alongside multiple telephoto cameras, making the phone suitable for photography, video, social media and content creation.

Kenyan-market listings currently show Ex-UK S24 Ultra units around the KSh 80,000–90,000 range, although actual prices vary according to storage, condition, battery health and warranty. One Kenyan retailer currently lists an Ex-UK 512GB unit at KSh85,000.

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Ex-UK

One of the strongest value propositions in Samsung’s Ultra family

The Galaxy S23 Ultra remains extremely relevant in the Ex-UK market.

Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, 200MP camera, 5,000mAh battery, QHD+ 120Hz display and S Pen mean it still feels like a genuine flagship rather than simply an old phone.

Samsung’s comparison shows that the S23 Ultra has the same 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display category as the S24 Ultra and also includes S Pen support.

Key specifications

• 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• QHD+ resolution
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
• 8GB or 12GB RAM
• 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage
• 200MP main camera
• 10MP 10x telephoto
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 12MP ultrawide
• 12MP selfie
• 5,000mAh battery
• S Pen
• IP68
• 5G

Why Kenyans consider the S23 Ultra

The biggest attraction is the combination of premium hardware and a lower Ex-UK price.

Current Kenyan listings show S23 Ultra Ex-UK units around KSh61,000–80,000, depending heavily on storage, condition and seller.

Some Kenyan listings are considerably cheaper, so buyers should compare condition rather than choosing based purely on the lowest price.

3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Ex-UK

The cheaper Ultra experience

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is where the Ex-UK market becomes particularly interesting.

Although it is older than the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra, it introduced the integrated S Pen design that made the Ultra feel much closer to Samsung’s old Note experience.

It features:

• 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• QHD+ resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 108MP main camera
• 10MP 10x telephoto
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 12MP ultrawide
• 40MP selfie camera
• 5,000mAh battery
• S Pen
• IP68
• 5G

The major caveat is the processor.

Depending on the original regional variant, the S22 Ultra can use Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200. This matters when purchasing an Ex-UK device, so check the exact model number before paying. Current Kenyan listings also show both processor descriptions.

Current Kenyan Ex-UK pricing

The market currently shows S22 Ultra Ex-UK units roughly around KSh43,000–67,000, depending on storage and condition.

That makes the S22 Ultra particularly interesting for someone who wants:

• A large premium display
• An S Pen
• A flagship camera system
• 5G
• Samsung’s Ultra design
• A lower purchase price

4. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Ex-UK

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is another option for buyers looking below the S22 Ultra price range.

It introduced a very capable 108MP camera system and a large 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display.

Key specifications

• 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• QHD+ resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on region
• Up to 16GB RAM
• Up to 512GB storage
• 108MP main camera
• 10MP 10x telephoto
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 12MP ultrawide
• 40MP selfie
• 5,000mAh battery
• 5G

Current Kenyan Ex-UK listings can place the S21 Ultra around the mid-KSh30,000 range, although prices vary by storage and condition.

The important consideration

The S21 Ultra is considerably older than the S24 Ultra.

Therefore, software-support life is an important part of the buying decision. Samsung’s current UK information shows the S21 generation is now an older generation, so buyers should not expect the same remaining support period as an S24 or S25.

5. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Ex-UK

The S20 Ultra is now an older flagship, but it can still appear in the Kenyan Ex-UK market.

Its specifications were impressive for its generation:

• 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• 120Hz display
• 108MP main camera
• 48MP telephoto
• 12MP ultrawide
• 40MP selfie
• 5,000mAh battery
• 5G on supported variants

Current Kenyan Ex-UK listings show S20 Ultra units around the mid-KSh30,000 range, depending on condition and storage.

However, this is where buyers need to think beyond specifications.

A phone can still have impressive hardware but be less attractive as a long-term purchase because of its age and software-support situation.

Samsung Ex-UK Ultra Comparison

S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: The Real Difference

This is probably the most important comparison for someone shopping for an Ex-UK Samsung in Nairobi.

S24 Ultra

You are paying more for:

• Newer processor
• Titanium frame
• Flat display
• Newer camera processing
• 5x optical telephoto
• Longer software-support window
• Galaxy AI features
• Newer overall hardware

Samsung says the S24 Ultra improved CPU, GPU and NPU performance over the S23 Ultra and also increased its vapor chamber size for improved heat management.

S23 Ultra

You still get:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
• 200MP camera
• 10x optical telephoto
• S Pen
• 5,000mAh battery
• QHD+ 120Hz display
• Premium build

This is why the S23 Ultra remains an important Ex-UK option in Kenya.

S22 Ultra

The S22 Ultra gives you the Ultra experience for substantially less money.

Its biggest attraction is the combination of:

S Pen + 108MP camera + QHD+ AMOLED + 120Hz + 5G + premium design.

But because it is older, buyers should pay much closer attention to software support, battery condition and physical condition.

What Does “Ex-UK” Actually Mean?

This is one of the most important things to understand before buying.

An Ex-UK phone generally means the device was originally sold or used in the UK market before being imported into Kenya.

It does not automatically tell you:

• How old the phone is
• Whether the screen has been replaced
• Whether the battery is original
• Whether the phone has been repaired
• Whether it is carrier unlocked
• Whether the phone has water resistance remaining
• Whether the phone has genuine Samsung components

That is why two phones carrying the “Ex-UK” label can have very different values.

8 Things to Check Before Buying an Ex-UK Samsung in Kenya

1. Check the IMEI

Dial:

*#06#

Compare the IMEI shown on the phone with the packaging where applicable.

2. Check the exact model number

Don’t assume every S22 Ultra or S23 Ultra uses the same processor.

The original regional variant can affect the chipset and network configuration.

3. Inspect the display

Look for:

• Green lines
• Pink lines
• Burn-in
• Dead pixels
• Touch problems
• Uneven brightness

A replacement screen can significantly affect the value of an Ex-UK flagship.

4. Test every camera

Don’t only test the main camera.

Test:

• Main camera
• Ultrawide
• 3x zoom
• 5x/10x zoom
• Front camera
• Video recording
• Autofocus

5. Check the battery

A used flagship can have excellent specifications but poor battery health.

Ask whether the battery has been replaced and whether the replacement is genuine.

6. Test the S Pen

For the S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra, make sure the S Pen:

• Connects correctly
• Writes correctly
• Registers touches
• Charges where applicable
• Performs Air Actions where supported

7. Test network connectivity

Test:

• Safaricom
• Airtel
• 4G
• 5G where available
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• NFC

8. Ask about warranty

This is especially important with imported phones.

A cheap phone with no warranty can become expensive if the display or motherboard develops a problem shortly after purchase.

Why Ex-UK Samsung Flagships Are Popular in Kenya

Kenyan buyers often look at Ex-UK phones because they can access older flagship hardware at prices below newer flagship models.

Current Kenyan listings illustrate the price gap. For example, listings show S22 Ultra Ex-UK units around KSh43,000–67,000, S23 Ultra units around KSh61,000–80,000, and S24 Ultra units around KSh80,000–90,000 depending on configuration and condition.

That creates several different buying levels.

Around KSh30,000–46,000

Look at older flagship options such as:

• S21 Ultra
• S22
• S21 Plus

Around KSh40,000–60,000

Look at:

• S22 Ultra
• Higher-condition S21 Ultra
• Some S22+ variants

Around KSh60,000–80,000

Look at:

• S23 Ultra
• Higher-storage S22 Ultra
• Some S24 variants

Around KSh80,000+

Look at:

• S24 Ultra
• Newer S25 Ultra depending on availability and condition

These are market examples rather than fixed ValueHub Kenya prices. Ex-UK prices can change considerably with storage, condition, warranty and battery health.

What About the Samsung S25 Ultra Ex-UK?

The S25 Ultra is also worth watching as more Ex-UK units enter the Kenyan market.

Samsung gives it a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It also comes with seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.

Its newer Snapdragon platform, titanium construction and updated camera system make it a more recent option than the S24 Ultra.

However, its Ex-UK price can be substantially higher.

For a buyer focused on getting maximum flagship hardware for a controlled budget, the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra therefore remain important phones to compare against the S25 Ultra.

Which Samsung Ex-UK Flagship Should You Look At?

Rather than simply choosing the newest phone, consider what matters most.

For the newest premium experience

Galaxy S24 Ultra

You get newer hardware, excellent cameras, S Pen functionality and a long software-support commitment.

For flagship performance at a lower price

Galaxy S23 Ultra

It retains the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, 200MP camera, S Pen and 10x optical zoom.

For a lower-cost Ultra experience

Galaxy S22 Ultra

It gives you the large QHD+ display, S Pen and flagship camera system while generally appearing at lower Ex-UK prices.

For the lowest-cost older flagship

Galaxy S21 Ultra

It can make sense when the budget is tighter, but its age and remaining software support need to be considered.

Buying Ex-UK Samsung Phones in Nairobi CBD

If you are shopping for an Ex-UK Samsung flagship, don’t compare only the advertised price.

Compare:

Phone condition + battery + display + storage + processor + warranty + accessories + seller reputation.

A KSh50,000 phone with a questionable screen and no warranty may not represent better value than a KSh55,000 phone that has been properly inspected and comes with warranty coverage.

At Value Hub Kenya, customers can visit the physical shop and inspect available smartphones before purchasing.

Value Hub Kenya

Location: Kenya Cinema Plaza, 4th Floor, Shop C1, Moi Avenue, Nairobi CBD
Phone: 0700 003 640
Website: valuehubkenya.co.ke

Value Hub Kenya serves customers in Nairobi and offers delivery across Kenya and East Africa.