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

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 the same operating system and a similar design language, these devices cater to slightly different user preferences through variations in their display size, build materials, and core internal components.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G offer comparable software support and physical resilience.

• Software Longevity: Both models were launched with Android 12 and are eligible for four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their respective release dates. This means users can expect continued software functionality and security patches for several years, extending their practical lifespan.
• Physical Durability: Each device features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for its front display and a plastic back, while the Galaxy S22 5G offers a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back panels.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both Samsung devices are generally designed with components that allow for professional servicing, contributing to their overall practical lifespan.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 5G deliver capable experiences, though with some distinctions in their underlying hardware and battery endurance.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking efficiently, providing a smooth user experience for most activities. The Galaxy S22 5G features a newer generation processor, which offers enhanced performance for more intensive tasks such as advanced gaming or complex video editing, resulting in slightly faster app loading and overall system responsiveness.
• Battery Life: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides ample power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, which may require more frequent charging for users with high usage patterns. User reports suggest that the S22's battery life can be a concern for those who heavily rely on their device throughout the day.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices offer configurations with 8GB of RAM and internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, ensuring sufficient space for applications and media. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a 6GB RAM option.

The visual experience on both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 5G is characterized by vibrant displays, though they differ in size and some technical aspects.

• Display Technology and Size: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vivid color reproduction. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a larger 6.4-inch screen, providing a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S22 5G has a more compact 6.1-inch display, which can be preferred by users seeking a device that is easier to handle with one hand.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both displays offer Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 FE, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S22), ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1200 nits, while the Galaxy S22 5G can achieve a slightly higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G operates at a fixed 120Hz or 60Hz, whereas the Galaxy S22 5G offers an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 48Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption based on content.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 5G are equipped with versatile camera systems capable of capturing quality photos and videos, with some key differences in their main sensors and front-facing capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a triple-camera system, but it upgrades the main sensor to 50 MP, alongside a 12 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The larger main sensor on the S22 generally translates to better low-light performance and more detailed images.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32 MP front camera. The Galaxy S22 5G features a 10 MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second, with the S22 also offering 8K video recording at 24 frames per second.
• Photography Features: Both phones include features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on their main and telephoto lenses, enhancing clarity and reducing blur in photos and videos.