Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Galaxy S22 5G • Unlocked

Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon
Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon
Starting at

Refurbished price:$143.00

Versus $699.99 new

See options
Galaxy S22 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S22 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$148.99

Versus $579.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G are both Android smartphones released in early 2022, offering distinct experiences within a similar timeframe. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, presents a larger display and battery, the Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, features a more compact design and a newer generation processor. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in January 2022, followed closely by the Galaxy S22 5G in February 2022. This means both devices began their lifecycle around the same period.
  • Software Longevity: Both models launched with Android 12 and are expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their release dates. This commitment to software support ensures a comparable duration of access to the latest Android features and security enhancements.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a plastic back and an aluminum frame, while the Galaxy S22 5G incorporates a glass front and back with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, alongside an aluminum frame. Both devices share an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating similar protection against environmental elements.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these smartphones is influenced by their internal components, impacting daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S22 5G, on the other hand, features a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced capabilities for more intensive tasks like advanced gaming and video editing.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S22 5G typically starts with 8GB of RAM. Both offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB, without expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides extended usage throughout the day. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, which may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though with differences in size and peak brightness.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a larger 6.4-inch screen, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S22 5G features a more compact 6.1-inch display, which can be more comfortable for one-handed use.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both displays offer a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The Galaxy S22 5G has a slightly higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 1200 nits, which can offer a marginal advantage in very bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Users generally report that both screens provide excellent viewing experiences with rich colors and good contrast. The choice between them often comes down to a preference for a larger screen versus a more compact form factor.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both devices offer versatile camera systems, but with different strengths in their photographic capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-lens setup with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a triple-lens system, but with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S22's larger main sensor generally results in more detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Front Camera: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32MP front camera, which can capture more detail in self-portraits. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front camera, which still delivers quality results but with less resolution.
  • Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video, with the Galaxy S22 5G also supporting 8K video recording.
  • Audio Experience: Both devices include stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 5G support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The Galaxy S22 5G also offers additional features like eSIM support and Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is noticeably more compact and lighter, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g (or 168g for the mmWave model). The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is larger at 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighs 177g. This difference impacts one-handed usability, with the S22 being easier to handle for some users.
  • Biometrics and Ports: Both devices feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking, with the S21 FE using an optical sensor and the S22 an ultrasonic one. Neither phone includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack or a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Weight

6 oz

6 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Verizon

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 5G, despite their close release dates, cater to slightly different user preferences. Users often praise the Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its larger display and significantly larger battery, which can be a deciding factor for those prioritizing extended usage without frequent recharging. Its 32MP front camera is also frequently highlighted for producing detailed selfies. Some users note that while its processor is a generation older, it still delivers robust performance for most daily tasks and even gaming.

Conversely, the Galaxy S22 5G is often lauded for its more compact and premium design, featuring a glass back and a slightly brighter screen. Its newer generation processor offers a performance edge for the most demanding applications, and its 50MP main camera generally captures more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in low-light conditions. However, its smaller battery capacity is a common point of consideration for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a larger screen, longer battery life, and a high-resolution selfie camera may find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs. On the other hand, those who prefer a more compact device, a more advanced main camera system, and the latest processing power for intensive tasks might lean towards the Galaxy S22 5G. Both devices offer a strong Android experience with comparable software support. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing an eco-friendly alternative to new purchases.

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