Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both offer robust software support, though the newer S23 Plus benefits from an extended update timeline.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive major Android OS updates until approximately 2026 and security updates until 2027. The Galaxy S23 Plus, being a year newer, will extend its major OS updates until around 2027 and security updates until 2028, providing an additional year of official support.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an Armor Aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The S22 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, while the S23 Plus upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering slightly enhanced drop protection.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S22 series received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for the battery and glass panels, making repairs challenging. While a specific iFixit score for the S23 Plus is not widely available, Samsung's design philosophy often carries over, suggesting a similar level of repair difficulty.

Performance is a key area of differentiation, with the S23 Plus offering notable advancements in processing power and efficiency.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G handles daily tasks, app switching, and moderate gaming smoothly. However, under sustained heavy loads, some users reported a decrease in performance and increased warmth. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more advanced and power-efficient processor, which allows it to manage demanding applications and multitasking more consistently and with less heat generation.
• Battery Behavior: The S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, which some users found to require more frequent charging, especially with heavy use. The S23 Plus significantly improves battery life with a 4700 mAh capacity and a more efficient processor, allowing most users to comfortably get through a full day of use without needing to recharge.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both devices typically come with 8GB of RAM, providing sufficient capacity for smooth multitasking. The S22 5G offers 128GB and 256GB storage options, while the S23 Plus starts with 256GB and also offers a 512GB option, providing more base storage for users.

Both devices offer vibrant display technologies, but the S23 Plus provides a larger viewing area and enhanced brightness.

• Display Technology: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and S23 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vivid colors with deep blacks.
• Size and Clarity: The S22 5G has a compact 6.1-inch display, while the S23 Plus offers a more expansive 6.6-inch screen. Both maintain a sharp Full HD+ resolution, providing excellent detail for media consumption and text.
• Brightness and Visibility: The S22 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which is sufficient for most outdoor conditions. The S23 Plus, however, boosts this to an impressive 1750 nits peak brightness, significantly improving visibility in bright sunlight.

Both phones feature capable camera systems, with the S23 Plus introducing refinements that enhance overall image and video quality.

• Rear Camera System: Both devices are equipped with a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S23 Plus features a slightly larger main sensor, which contributes to better light absorption and improved clarity, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: While both perform well in good lighting, the S23 Plus shows noticeable improvements in low-light photography and dynamic range, producing clearer images with less noise. Some users of the S23 series have reported occasional camera focus issues, sometimes referred to as "Bananagate," where certain areas of photos may appear blurred.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones support 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The S23 Plus offers enhanced video stabilization, reducing jitter and motion blur more effectively than the S22 5G, making it a stronger choice for smooth video capture. The S23 Plus also features a 12MP front-facing camera, an upgrade from the S22 5G's 10MP selfie camera, with improved HDR10+ support for selfies.

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two smartphones.

• Connectivity: Both devices support 5G cellular networks. The S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the S23 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, especially in congested network environments.
• Physical Design and Handling: The S22 5G is a more compact device, weighing 167 grams, making it easier for one-handed use. The S23 Plus is larger and heavier at 195 grams, providing a more substantial feel and a larger screen for media consumption. Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional headphone jack.
• Biometrics: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and S23 Plus feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, which is generally fast and reliable.