Galaxy S22 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in late 2024, represent two distinct approaches within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While the Galaxy S22 5G was positioned as a compact flagship, the Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger display and extended software support. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but their differing release timelines result in variations in their hardware capabilities and long-term software longevity.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and ease of repair. These factors determine how long a device remains functional and secure for daily use.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S24 FE benefits from a commitment of seven years of operating system upgrades and security updates from its 2024 launch, meaning support is expected until 2031. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G, released in 2022, received four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, with security support concluding around February 2027. [5, 17, 25, 31, 33, 38, 43, 46]
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 FE generally offers a more favorable repair experience, with some sources giving it a repairability score of 8.5 out of 10, noting easier battery replacement. The Galaxy S22 5G received lower repairability scores, with some assessments as low as 3 out of 10, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive making battery and screen repairs more challenging. [2, 4, 7, 12, 13, 18, 23, 27, 37, 42]
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and potentially easier maintenance for a longer practical lifespan will find the Galaxy S24 FE more aligned with their needs. The Galaxy S22 5G, while still functional, is nearing the end of its official software support window.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, affecting how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 FE, featuring a more recent generation processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with notable fluidity, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S22 5G, while capable, may exhibit slightly less immediate responsiveness with the most intensive tasks due to its older processor generation. [14]
• Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a larger 4700 mAh battery, which generally translates to longer usage times, often lasting a full day or even 1.5 days for moderate users. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, and users frequently report that it may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy use throughout the day. [3, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 19, 21, 30, 32, 44, 45]
• Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various internal storage options, typically starting at 128GB, and come with ample RAM for efficient multitasking. The newer architecture of the Galaxy S24 FE's processor may offer slightly improved efficiency in managing background processes. [3, 8, 16, 24]

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and differences in technology, size, and brightness can significantly impact the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S24 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S24 FE has a 6.7-inch screen, providing a larger viewing area compared to the S22 5G's 6.1-inch display. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals for typical content. [1, 3, 8, 16, 33, 35, 36]
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S24 FE boasts a higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S22 5G's 1300 nits peak brightness. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. [8, 16, 33, 39]
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S24 FE is well-suited for media consumption and productivity tasks, offering a more expansive canvas. The Galaxy S22 5G's smaller display makes it more comfortable for one-handed use and enhances portability. [1]

Camera capabilities are a crucial aspect for many users, with differences in sensor configurations and software processing influencing the quality of photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a versatile triple-camera setup. The Galaxy S22 5G includes a 50MP main, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S24 FE also has a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both main and telephoto lenses on both models include optical image stabilization (OIS). [3, 8, 9, 15, 16, 24, 33, 35, 40]
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 FE generally produces consistent results across its lenses, with users noting vibrant colors and good detail in daylight. Its low-light performance is considered admirable, though the ultrawide camera can be softer in certain conditions. The Galaxy S22 5G also delivers strong photographic results, particularly with its main sensor, offering good detail and dynamic range. [9, 14, 26, 29, 33]
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K footage, and offer stable video capture. The stereo speakers on both provide clear audio, with the larger body of the Galaxy S24 FE potentially allowing for a slightly fuller sound profile during media playback. [1, 8, 15, 16, 24, 33, 40]