Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and Samsung's software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, followed closely by the Galaxy S22+ 5G in February 2022. This means the S22+ is marginally newer, potentially offering a slightly longer period of active software support.
• Software Longevity: Both models are part of Samsung's policy to provide four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their respective release dates. This means both devices are expected to receive major Android updates until 2026 and security patches until early 2027.
• Build and Durability: Both phones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in fresh water. The S21 FE uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display and a plastic back, while the S22+ upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, encased in an Armor Aluminum frame, suggesting enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22+ 5G deliver robust performance suitable for a wide range of tasks, though the S22+ benefits from a slightly newer generation of internal components.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for daily activities and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S22+ offers a similar level of responsiveness, with its updated processor contributing to efficient handling of intensive tasks and a generally snappier feel.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S21 FE is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The S22+ comes with 8GB of RAM as standard, with storage options of 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space and memory for most users. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with the S21 FE's battery life vary, with some reporting it lasts a full day with moderate use, while heavy users might need to charge it more frequently. The S22+ generally offers solid battery performance, often lasting a full day with typical usage, though intensive tasks can reduce this.

The display experience on both devices is vibrant and immersive, characteristic of Samsung's AMOLED technology, with the S22+ offering a notable improvement in brightness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and vivid colors. The S21 FE has a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in sharp visuals. The S22+ offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, maintaining excellent clarity.
• Brightness Levels: The S21 FE's display can reach a peak brightness of around 700-800 nits, with some sources indicating up to 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in most lighting conditions. The S22+ significantly enhances this with a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it exceptionally bright and easy to view even in direct sunlight.
• Viewing Experience: Both displays offer HDR support for enhanced contrast and color in compatible content. The 120Hz refresh rate on both devices contributes to a fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming and scrolling.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with the S22+ featuring an upgraded main sensor.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S22+ also has a triple-camera system, but it upgrades the main sensor to 50MP, alongside a 12MP ultrawide and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE delivers good all-around results in various lighting conditions, with predictable and easy-to-use cameras. The S22+ shows improvements in detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance, particularly with its main sensor, offering more vibrant and contrasted images.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices can record 4K video at 60fps, with the S22+ also capable of 8K video at 24fps. The S21 FE has a 32MP front camera, while the S22+ features a 10MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and video calls.

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two Samsung Galaxy models.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The S21 FE includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the S22+ offers the newer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 standards, potentially providing more stable and faster wireless connections. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
• Biometric Security: The S21 FE uses an optical in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S22+ features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which can offer faster and more reliable authentication. Both also support face recognition.
• Physical Design and Handling: The S21 FE measures 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighs 177g, featuring a plastic back. The S22+ is slightly larger and heavier at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 195g, with a glass back, contributing to a more premium feel. The S22+ also features an Armor Aluminum frame for enhanced durability.