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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S21 FE is positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering core flagship features, the S22 Ultra represents Samsung's top-tier device, integrating the functionality of the former Galaxy Note series with an included S Pen and a more advanced camera system.

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

• Software Longevity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G launched with Android 12. Samsung has committed to providing four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for both models. This means both devices are expected to receive updates up to Android 16, with security patches extending into early 2027.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally offers a more straightforward repair experience, with some teardowns indicating a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making battery and screen replacements more challenging.
• Practical Lifespan: Given Samsung's update policy, both phones are designed to remain functional and secure for several years. Users prioritizing ease of maintenance and repair might find the S21 FE 5G more appealing for a longer practical lifespan, while the S22 Ultra 5G's extended software support ensures its core functionality remains current.

The performance of both devices is driven by capable processors, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with either the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. This provides snappy performance for everyday use, multitasking, and mobile gaming. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor, offering a notable step up in raw processing power. This translates to even smoother operation for intensive applications and more efficient handling of complex tasks, though some users have noted it can generate warmth under sustained heavy loads.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S21 FE 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S22 Ultra 5G offers more generous configurations, starting with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, providing greater headroom for extensive multitasking and storing large files. Neither device includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery, typically offering all-day power even for more demanding users, though its more powerful components and larger display can also consume significant power.

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but there are distinct differences in their specifications and viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), resulting in a pixel density of around 401-411 PPI. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), providing a sharper image with approximately 500 PPI.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S21 FE 5G offers a peak brightness of 700-800 nits, ensuring good visibility in most outdoor conditions. The S22 Ultra 5G significantly surpasses this with a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it exceptionally clear and readable even in direct sunlight. The S22 Ultra also features an adaptive refresh rate (LTPO), which can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz to optimize power consumption.
• Viewing Experience: The S21 FE 5G provides a vibrant and smooth viewing experience suitable for media consumption and daily tasks. The S22 Ultra 5G, with its larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display, offers a more immersive and detailed visual experience, particularly beneficial for content creation, detailed work, or users who frequently use their phone outdoors.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G cater to different photography needs, with the Ultra model offering more advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera Setup: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G comes with a more comprehensive quad-camera array: a 108MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and an additional 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom and OIS.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers good quality photos with accurate colors and detail in well-lit conditions, and its night mode improves low-light shots. The S22 Ultra 5G excels in detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance, particularly benefiting from its larger main sensor and advanced image processing. Its dual telephoto lenses provide exceptional zoom capabilities, allowing for clear images at significant distances.
• Video and Audio: Both devices can record 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps) with their main cameras, and the S21 FE 5G can record 4K 30fps across all cameras. The S22 Ultra 5G further supports 8K video recording at 24fps. Both offer stereo speakers, with the S21 FE 5G providing average quality that can fill a room without significant distortion.