Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked 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-based smartphones from Samsung's flagship Galaxy S series. While sharing the same operating system and a similar design philosophy, the S22 introduces a more compact form factor and an updated main camera system, whereas the S21 FE offers a larger display and a more substantial battery capacity. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing a consistent software experience with Samsung's One UI overlay.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. Both phones were launched in early 2022, meaning their software support cycles began around the same time.

• OS Support: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G were released with Android 12 and are expected to receive four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates. This means they will likely continue to receive official software support for a similar duration, extending their practical lifespan.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S22 5G received a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10 from one assessment, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for components like the screen and battery, though adhesive use can make disassembly challenging. The Galaxy S21 FE's repairability is generally considered moderate, with some users noting the plastic back can be easier to remove than glass.
• Build Materials: The S21 FE features a plastic back with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, while the S22 boasts a glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) and front (Gorilla Glass Victus+) with an aluminum frame, offering a more premium feel and potentially enhanced scratch resistance for the S22. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The performance of both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G is robust, designed to handle a wide range of applications and multitasking demands. Both devices utilize current-generation processors for their respective release periods.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, including browsing, social media, and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S22 5G features a slightly newer generation processor, which provides a marginal improvement in raw processing power and graphics rendering, leading to smoother operation in demanding applications and more intensive gaming scenarios.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones offer a fluid user experience with quick app loading and efficient multitasking. The S22, with its slightly more advanced processor and standard 8GB RAM, may offer a small edge in maintaining responsiveness during heavy multitasking or when running very resource-intensive applications. The S21 FE is available with 6GB or 8GB RAM options.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a larger 4500 mAh battery, which generally translates to longer usage times for many users. However, some users have reported that despite the larger capacity, the S21 FE's battery life can be inconsistent, especially with heavy use or 120Hz refresh rate enabled. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, and user reviews often indicate that it may require more frequent charging, particularly for heavy users or those who keep the high refresh rate and always-on display features active.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G offer high-quality display experiences, utilizing Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology for vibrant visuals.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), providing sharp images and vivid colors. This technology ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast, enhancing the viewing experience for photos, videos, and general content.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers good brightness, with a peak of around 800 nits, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Galaxy S22 5G, however, can achieve a higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, which can provide better visibility in direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Size: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S21 FE has a larger 6.4-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The S22 has a more compact 6.1-inch display, making it easier for one-handed use.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G are designed to capture quality images and videos, though they have different sensor configurations.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides versatility for various shooting scenarios. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a triple camera system, but it includes a higher-resolution 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The larger main sensor on the S22 can capture more detail and perform better in challenging lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: Both devices offer good everyday photography performance with vibrant colors and decent detail. The S22's larger main sensor generally provides an advantage in low-light situations and overall image clarity. The S21 FE's camera is noted for producing good results, though some users have observed inconsistencies in color profiles between its ultrawide and main lenses.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps. The S21 FE features a high-resolution 32MP front camera, which can capture detailed selfies and is suitable for video calls. The S22 has a 10MP front camera, which still delivers clear and capable results for selfies and video conferencing.