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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G are both Android smartphones released by Samsung in early 2022. While the Galaxy S21 FE arrived in January and the Galaxy S22 Plus followed in February, they target slightly different user preferences. The S22 Plus offers a more premium build and enhanced camera capabilities, whereas the S21 FE provides a balanced experience with a focus on core features.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G followed shortly after in February 2022. This means the S22 Plus is marginally newer, potentially offering a slightly longer period of active support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE was launched with Android 12 and was promised three major OS upgrades, likely concluding with Android 15, though some reports suggest it might receive Android 16 (One UI 8) as its final major update. The Galaxy S22 Plus, also launched with Android 12, was promised four major OS upgrades, officially ending with Android 16 (One UI 8). Both devices have transitioned to a quarterly security update schedule as of early 2026, with security patches expected to continue until early 2027 for both models. [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 19, 22, 23, 30]
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE generally received a decent repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating it is relatively easier to repair. [11] In contrast, the Galaxy S22 Plus received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, largely due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for components like the battery and display, making disassembly more challenging. [31, 33, 37, 38]

Both smartphones deliver robust performance suitable for daily tasks, but they differ in their underlying hardware and real-world responsiveness.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with a powerful processor from the previous generation, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S22 Plus features a newer generation processor, which provides a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency, resulting in quicker app loading times and a more fluid experience, especially during intensive gaming or complex computations. [15, 20, 32, 35]
• Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 4500 mAh battery. The Galaxy S21 FE's battery life is generally considered sufficient for moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to charge daily. [14, 29] The Galaxy S22 Plus, despite having the same battery capacity, often demonstrates better real-world battery endurance, frequently lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage, attributed to its more power-efficient components. [26, 27, 28, 32]
• Storage and RAM: Both models offer configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for applications and media. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card. [8, 9, 15, 20, 35]

The visual experience on both phones is vibrant and clear, though the Galaxy S22 Plus offers some enhancements.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE and the Galaxy S22 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, high contrast, and vivid colors. They both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), providing sharp and detailed visuals for everyday viewing. [1, 8, 9, 15, 17, 20, 28, 35]
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 FE has a peak brightness of 1200 nits, which ensures good visibility in most lighting conditions. The Galaxy S22 Plus, however, significantly boosts this to a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally bright and easier to view content clearly even under direct sunlight. [9, 28]
• Screen Size and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.4-inch display, offering a comfortable viewing area. The Galaxy S22 Plus provides a slightly larger 6.6-inch display, which can enhance the immersive experience for media consumption and productivity. Both phones support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [1, 8, 15, 20, 28, 35]

Both devices are capable of capturing high-quality images and videos, but the Galaxy S22 Plus introduces a more advanced main camera sensor.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 12-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. [8, 17, 24] The Galaxy S22 Plus also has a triple-camera system, but it upgrades the main sensor to 50 megapixels, alongside a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. [15, 20, 35] This higher resolution main sensor on the S22 Plus generally results in more detailed photos, especially in good lighting.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: While the S21 FE performs well in various lighting conditions, the S22 Plus offers improved low-light performance due to its larger main sensor and enhanced image processing, often producing brighter and clearer night shots with less noise. [18, 26, 28]
• Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S21 FE supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. [8] The Galaxy S22 Plus elevates this with the ability to record in 8K at 24 frames per second, in addition to 4K at 60 frames per second, offering higher resolution video capture. [15, 36]
• Front Camera: The S21 FE is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera, which captures detailed selfies. [1, 8, 17] The S22 Plus features a 10-megapixel front camera, which still delivers clear and capable results for video calls and self-portraits. [15, 20, 35]