Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, are both advanced Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S21 FE is positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering core flagship features, the S22 Ultra represents Samsung's top-tier device, integrating elements from the former Galaxy Note line. The primary distinctions lie in their camera systems, display capabilities, and overall design philosophy, catering to different user priorities.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: Both devices launched with Android 12. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, is part of Samsung's commitment to providing several years of Android operating system updates and security patches. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released a month later in February 2022, benefits from Samsung's policy of offering four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches until 2027.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally offers a more straightforward repair process compared to many modern smartphones, with some sources indicating a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, though battery removal can be challenging due to adhesive. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making disassembly and battery replacement particularly difficult.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Given the S22 Ultra's longer guaranteed software support, it offers a slightly extended practical lifespan in terms of receiving the latest Android features and security enhancements. However, the physical durability and ease of repair can also influence how long a device remains functional and cost-effective to maintain.

The performance of these smartphones is driven by their respective processors, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers strong performance for everyday use, handling multitasking, web browsing, and most applications with responsiveness. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a more advanced processor, providing enhanced capabilities for intensive tasks such as high-fidelity gaming, advanced photo and video editing, and running multiple demanding applications simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.
• Storage and RAM: The S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The S22 Ultra 5G offers more generous configurations, starting with 8GB of RAM and going up to 12GB, paired with storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, providing greater flexibility for users with extensive data and application needs. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 FE 5G houses a 4500mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage, especially with the 120Hz display refresh rate, may require more frequent charging. The S22 Ultra 5G features a larger 5000mAh battery, designed to last a full day even with its more powerful components and larger, higher-resolution display.

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, though they offer different levels of display technology and immersion.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), offering a clear and sharp viewing experience for most content. The S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088x1440 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density and even finer detail, particularly noticeable when viewing high-resolution media.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S21 FE 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of around 800 to 1044 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, though it is not adaptive, meaning users must manually switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. The S22 Ultra 5G offers a significantly higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. Its adaptive refresh rate can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing smoothness while conserving battery life.
• Viewing Experience: The S21 FE 5G provides a spacious and immersive viewing experience suitable for media consumption and gaming. The S22 Ultra 5G, with its larger size, higher resolution, and adaptive refresh rate, offers a more premium and fluid visual experience, especially beneficial for detailed work, high-end gaming, and extended media viewing.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the S22 Ultra 5G provides a more versatile and advanced photography experience.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration is well-suited for capturing a variety of scenes with good detail and color accuracy in well-lit conditions. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G elevates this with a quad-camera system, featuring a 108MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and an additional 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom and OIS. This setup provides exceptional flexibility for zooming and capturing distant subjects with clarity.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers vibrant and social media-ready photos, performing well in good lighting. Its low-light performance is generally good for its class. The S22 Ultra 5G excels in various lighting conditions, offering superior detail, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities across its multiple lenses.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices can record video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) from both front and rear cameras. The S22 Ultra 5G further supports 8K video recording at 24fps, providing ultra-high-definition video capture. Both phones offer good microphone quality for calls and recordings, and stereo speakers for media consumption.