Galaxy S22 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the Galaxy S22 was part of the flagship lineup, the S23 FE (Fan Edition) aims to offer a blend of premium features with some adjustments. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their release timelines, display size, and battery capacities, influencing their overall user experience and software longevity.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release year directly impacts their expected software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S22 5G launched with Android 12 and is eligible for four years of Android updates, extending its support up to Android 16. The Galaxy S23 FE, launching with Android 13, is guaranteed to receive four major OS updates, meaning it will be supported up to Android 17. Both devices are also slated to receive five years of security patches from their respective release dates.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support will find the Galaxy S23 FE offers an additional year of major Android updates. Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, contributing to their physical durability. The Galaxy S22 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its display and back, while the S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5.

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE offer capable performance for everyday tasks, though there are nuances in their power delivery and efficiency.

• Processor Capabilities: Both devices are powered by similar processing hardware, specifically the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in certain regions like the US, or the Exynos 2200 in others. This hardware is capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly.
• System Responsiveness: Users can expect fluid navigation and quick app loading times on both phones. However, some user reports for the S23 FE, particularly with the Exynos variant, mention occasional heating during intensive use like prolonged gaming or camera usage, which can lead to performance throttling. The S23 FE's Exynos 2200 variant reportedly includes an improved vapor chamber for better cooling compared to its predecessor.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE features a larger 4500 mAh battery, compared to the Galaxy S22's 3700 mAh battery. Despite the larger capacity, some users have reported that the S23 FE's battery life can be average, especially for heavy users, often requiring a charge before the end of a full day. The Galaxy S22 was also noted for its battery life being a common concern. Both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant, though they differ in size and specific display characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vivid colors. They both offer Full HD+ resolutions (1080 x 2340 pixels on S22, 2340 x 1080 pixels on S23 FE), providing sharp and clear visuals for media consumption and daily use.
• Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 FE has a larger 6.4-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area compared to the Galaxy S22's 6.1-inch screen. This larger size can be beneficial for users who frequently watch videos or browse content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S23 FE boasts a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which helps with visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The S22 also offers a bright display with Vision Booster technology.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of moments, with some differences in their telephoto capabilities and image processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple-lens rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 FE also has a triple-lens system, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: Both devices are capable of producing detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The S23 FE's main camera is noted for performing well in low-light situations. However, some users have observed that the S23 FE's image processing can sometimes lead to oversaturated or oversharpened images, and its telephoto lens, despite having optical zoom, may not always deliver consistent focus or detail compared to other devices. The S22 also offers features like Night Mode and Super-steady Video.
• Video and Audio: The Galaxy S23 FE can record 8K video at 24 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second. The S22 also supports 8K video recording. Both phones offer decent speaker output for media consumption, though some S23 FE users note that the sound can lack richness at higher volumes.