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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, launched in February 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's popular Galaxy S series. While sharing a common operating system and many core functionalities, these devices present key differences in their internal processing power, camera systems, and external build materials. This comparison aims to highlight these distinctions to help consumers make an informed decision.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in January 2022, closely followed by the Galaxy S22+ 5G in February 2022. This close proximity in launch dates means both devices benefit from similar generational advancements and support cycles.
• Software Longevity: Both models launched with Android 12 and were promised four years of operating system updates and five years of security updates. This commitment suggests a comparable software lifespan, with updates likely extending until Android 16 and security patches until early 2027.
• Durability Features: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22+ 5G feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The S21 FE uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, while the S22+ upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.

Performance is a critical factor for daily use, impacting everything from app responsiveness to gaming experiences.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. The Galaxy S22+ 5G, however, features a newer generation processor, which generally translates to a performance advantage, offering slightly faster app loading times and smoother operation, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks and gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S21 FE is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, alongside storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S22+ typically comes with 8GB of RAM and similar storage configurations, providing ample capacity for applications and media.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with battery life on the S22+ suggest it can last about a day and a half with moderate usage, though heavy use, especially with 5G connectivity, can lead to more frequent charging. The S21 FE is also noted for providing good battery life and standby times.

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and its quality significantly influences the overall experience.

• Display Technology and Refresh Rate: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22+ 5G feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This technology delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
• Size and Clarity: The S21 FE offers a 6.4-inch display, providing a comfortable viewing area. The S22+ features a slightly larger 6.6-inch display, which can enhance the immersive experience for media consumption and productivity. Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals.
• Brightness Levels: The S22+ has a notable advantage in brightness, capable of reaching a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, which improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The S21 FE's display reaches around 700 nits of peak brightness.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though with some distinctions in their capabilities.

• Rear Camera Configuration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a versatile triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S22+ 5G also features a triple rear camera system, but with a 50MP wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The S22+'s higher resolution main sensor can capture more detailed images, particularly in well-lit environments, and its newer image processing may contribute to improved low-light photography. The S21 FE also delivers a capable photography experience, offering features like Night Mode and Scene Optimizer for various shooting conditions.
• Video and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. The S22+ extends this capability to 8K video recording at 24fps. For selfies and video calls, the S21 FE has a 32MP front camera, while the S22+ features a 10MP front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.