Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S20 FE 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$135.00

Versus $903.28 new

See options
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$212.82

Versus $959.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, released in October 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022, are both prominent smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While both devices offer 5G connectivity and a premium Android experience, the S22 Plus 5G introduces a more refined design, an updated processor, and enhanced camera capabilities compared to its predecessor. Both run on the Android operating system, offering a familiar user interface.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G, being an older model, has a shorter remaining software support window compared to the S22 Plus 5G.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G was released in October 2020, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G followed in February 2022. This two-year difference means the S22 Plus 5G benefits from a longer period of guaranteed software updates.
  • OS Support: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G launched with Android 10 and is upgradable to Android 12, with security updates moving to a quarterly schedule as of late 2024. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive more major Android updates, extending its software longevity.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The S20 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a plastic back, while the S22 Plus 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, providing enhanced scratch and drop resistance.

Release Year

2020

2022

Last OS Compatibility

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver capable performance for daily tasks, but the newer S22 Plus 5G offers a more powerful and efficient processing experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a newer generation processor, providing a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency for more intensive tasks like high-end gaming and complex video editing.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking, with the S20 FE 5G available in 6GB or 8GB configurations and the S22 Plus 5G typically featuring 8GB of RAM. The S20 FE 5G supports expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present in the S22 Plus 5G.
  • Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the S22 Plus 5G generally offers good battery life, lasting through a full day for many users, while the S20 FE 5G also provides reliable all-day power.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant displays, but the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G provides a more advanced viewing experience with higher brightness and a slightly different display technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comes with a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones have a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S20 FE 5G and 1080 x 2340 pixels for S22 Plus 5G), providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday use.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S22 Plus 5G offers significantly higher peak brightness, making it easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions. The S20 FE 5G's display is also bright and well-suited for various lighting conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are capable of capturing quality photos and videos, but the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a more advanced camera system with improved sensors and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also has a triple camera system, but with a higher resolution 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Plus 5G generally offers improved low-light performance and sharper zoomed-in images due to its larger main sensor and enhanced processing. The S20 FE 5G still delivers good image quality in various conditions, with a dedicated Night mode for low-light shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording. The S22 Plus 5G can record up to 8K video at 24fps. The S20 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the S22 Plus 5G features a 10MP front camera.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Galaxy smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The S22 Plus 5G upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S20 FE 5G uses an optical sensor, while the S22 Plus 5G employs an ultrasonic sensor, which can offer improved reliability. Both also support face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has dimensions of 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and weighs 190g. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is slightly more compact and heavier at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 195g. The S20 FE 5G features a plastic back with a matte finish, while the S22 Plus 5G has a glass back, contributing to a different in-hand feel.

Weight

6 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.5

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G both offer a robust smartphone experience, but cater to slightly different user priorities. Users often praise the S20 FE 5G for its balanced feature set, including its capable camera system and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for everyday use. Some users have noted its plastic back as a practical, less fragile alternative to glass. Criticisms sometimes point to its older processor and the eventual end of major software updates.

The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is frequently lauded for its brighter, more advanced display, enhanced camera capabilities, and faster performance, particularly for demanding applications. Its more premium build materials are also a common positive. Some users might find its battery life, while good, not a significant leap from its predecessor despite the newer processor. The lack of expandable storage is also a point of consideration for some.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software support window, a more powerful processor for intensive tasks, and a more premium build will find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who value expandable storage, a slightly more budget-friendly option, and still-capable performance for general use may lean toward the Galaxy S20 FE 5G. Both models, when purchased as quality-assured refurbished options, provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

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