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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are both Android smartphones from Samsung, released in early 2022. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, is positioned as a feature-rich option that balances flagship elements with user-friendly design. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, offers a more advanced processor, enhanced camera capabilities, and a refined build. Both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, providing a consistent software experience.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. Both phones benefit from Samsung's commitment to extended updates, though the slightly newer S22 Plus gains a marginal advantage in overall longevity.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G followed shortly after in February 2022 [3, 4, 31]. This means the S22 Plus is a slightly newer device.
• Software Longevity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are eligible for four years of Android operating system upgrades and five years of security patches from their respective release dates [9, 15, 18, 26, 32, 33]. Consequently, the S22 Plus will receive software support for a few months longer than the S21 FE.
• Build and Durability: Both models feature IP68 dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes [4, 16, 30, 39]. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S22 Plus 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, potentially offering slightly enhanced scratch and drop resistance [4, 11, 30].

The performance of a smartphone is central to the user experience, influencing everything from app responsiveness to multitasking efficiency. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G deliver capable performance, though they utilize different generations of processing technology.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for everyday tasks and gaming [2, 5, 34]. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a newer generation processor, which offers a noticeable performance upgrade, resulting in faster app loading and more seamless multitasking, though some users have noted it can generate more heat during intensive gaming sessions [1, 17, 18].
• Storage and RAM: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM in many configurations, which supports efficient multitasking and app management [4, 8, 16, 30]. Storage options typically include 128GB and 256GB for both models, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos [4, 8, 16, 30]. Neither device includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage [3, 5, 8, 18, 39].
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, with some users reporting it can last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, while others find it less consistent under heavy loads [2, 5, 34, 35, 36]. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also features a 4500 mAh battery, generally offering good battery life for typical daily usage, though some reviews indicate it is not exceptional compared to other devices in its class [1, 13, 18, 24]. The S22 Plus supports faster 45W wired charging compared to the S21 FE's 25W wired charging [1, 8, 13, 14, 30].

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offer high-quality viewing experiences with vibrant colors and smooth motion.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 FE, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S22 Plus) [3, 4, 8, 14, 27, 30]. This technology provides deep blacks and vibrant colors, suitable for media consumption and general use.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions [1, 3, 4, 8, 14, 27, 30]. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G distinguishes itself with a significantly higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally clear and easy to view in bright outdoor conditions, compared to the S21 FE 5G's peak brightness of around 700 nits [1, 8, 14, 22, 37]. The S22 Plus also features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency [22].
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, offering a comfortable balance between screen real estate and single-handed usability [3, 27, 34]. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a slightly larger 6.6-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area for content and productivity [4, 8, 14, 22].

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and video content, though the S22 Plus introduces advancements in sensor technology.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-lens setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom [3, 27, 30]. Users generally praise its ability to take detailed photos with good color reproduction in various lighting conditions [2, 34, 39]. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also has a triple-lens system, but with a higher resolution 50MP main wide sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom [4, 8, 16, 19]. This configuration allows for more detailed images and improved low-light performance compared to its predecessor [1, 18].
• Front Camera and Video Quality: The S21 FE 5G includes a 32MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies [12, 27, 30, 38]. The S22 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera [4, 8, 16]. Both devices support 4K video recording at 30/60fps, with the S22 Plus also offering 8K recording at 24fps, providing higher resolution video capture for those who need it [4, 16, 30].
• Photography Features: Both phones offer features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on their main and telephoto lenses, enhancing clarity and reducing blur in photos and videos [30, 39]. The S22 Plus also benefits from faster shot capture in low-light environments [1].