Galaxy S22 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the Galaxy S22 5G represents a compact flagship from an earlier generation, the Galaxy S24 FE is a more recent 'Fan Edition' model, offering a blend of updated features and a larger display. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, but they differ significantly in their release timelines and core hardware.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two devices, separated by over two years, offer different expectations in this regard.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, launched with Android 12 and was promised four generations of OS updates and five years of security patches. The Galaxy S24 FE, released in late 2024 with Android 14, benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, offering seven years of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. This means the S24 FE will receive major Android versions and security patches for a significantly longer period, extending its usable life.
• Build Durability: Both models feature an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, contributing to their overall durability and resistance to scratches and drops. Both also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which typically involves specialized tools and expertise for repairs. The availability of parts and service for the S22 5G may diminish sooner than for the more recently released S24 FE.

Performance in smartphones is determined by the internal processing unit, impacting everything from app responsiveness to gaming capabilities and multitasking efficiency. The Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S24 FE feature different generations of processing technology.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a processor from early 2022, while the Galaxy S24 FE features a more recent processing unit, the Exynos 2400e. This newer chip in the S24 FE generally provides enhanced capabilities for demanding applications and multitasking, offering a smoother experience with current-generation software and games.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G houses a 3700 mAh battery, which some users found to offer mediocre battery life, often requiring a charge before the end of a heavy day. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a larger 4700 mAh battery, which generally translates to longer usage times, with many users reporting it can last up to 1.5 days with moderate use. However, some S24 FE users have reported mixed experiences, with battery drain issues, particularly with 5G usage or certain software configurations.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and app management. Storage options for both include 128GB and 256GB, with the S24 FE also offering a 512GB variant, providing more flexibility for users with extensive storage needs.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S24 FE offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S22 5G has a more compact 6.1-inch screen, while the Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger 6.7-inch display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both devices share a similar Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text. The Galaxy S24 FE boasts a higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, compared to the S22 5G's 1300 nits (or up to 1500 nits), which can improve outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Clarity: Both models support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S24 FE's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, similar to the S22 5G, offering good scratch resistance.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S24 FE offer versatile camera systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The Galaxy S22 5G includes a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S24 FE also has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, but its telephoto lens is 8MP with 3x optical zoom. Both main and telephoto lenses on both devices include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G is known for producing vibrant and sharp images, particularly in good lighting, with its telephoto lens being a strong feature. The Galaxy S24 FE also delivers good overall camera performance with vibrant colors and respectable low-light capabilities, though its ultrawide camera can sometimes produce softer images.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K video. The S22 5G supports 8K at 24fps, while the S24 FE supports 8K at 30fps. Both phones feature stereo speakers for media consumption, and their microphones generally offer good audio pickup for calls and recordings.