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

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G (released February 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (released October 2023) are both Android smartphones from Samsung, offering distinct experiences within the Galaxy ecosystem. While the S22 Plus was part of Samsung's flagship line, the S23 FE is positioned as a 'Fan Edition' device, aiming to deliver core flagship features in a slightly different package. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, display characteristics, and long-term software support.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the availability of replacement parts. Both devices offer robust construction and benefit from Samsung's commitment to software updates.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S23 FE followed in October 2023. This nearly two-year difference means the S23 FE benefits from a more recent starting point for its lifecycle.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and was promised four major OS updates and five years of security updates, with support expected to end around early 2027. The Galaxy S23 FE launched with Android 13 and is also eligible for four OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support further into 2028.
• Physical Durability: The S22 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame. The S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its front and back panels, also with an aluminum frame. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in fresh water.

Performance in daily use is a key factor for any smartphone, encompassing how smoothly applications run, how efficiently the battery manages power, and the overall responsiveness of the system.

• Processor Capabilities: Both the US variants of the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S23 FE are powered by the same generation of processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This processor handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. Users report that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the S23 FE, despite its age, still offers strong performance for gaming and general use.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the Galaxy S22 Plus generally offers a full day of use for many users, with some reporting around seven hours of screen-on time. The Galaxy S23 FE also aims for a full day of battery life, though some users have noted that heavy use, particularly with the camera or continuous activity, can lead to more frequent charging.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both models typically come with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. This configuration allows for efficient multitasking and sufficient space for applications and media. The system responsiveness on both devices is generally fluid, with smooth transitions and quick app loading times.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S22 Plus and S23 FE offer vibrant viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S22 Plus has a 6.6-inch display, while the S23 FE has a slightly smaller 6.4-inch display. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday content consumption.
• Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, which significantly enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE has a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still bright for most environments but may be less visible under direct sunlight compared to the S22 Plus.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature an adaptive refresh rate that can scale up to 120Hz. This results in smooth scrolling and fluid animations, contributing to a responsive user experience, especially during gaming or browsing.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy S22 Plus and S23 FE offer versatile camera systems for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 50MP main wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S22 Plus has a 10MP telephoto lens, while the S23 FE has an 8MP telephoto lens. Both are capable of producing detailed images in good lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: The 50MP main sensor on both devices utilizes pixel-binning technology to enhance low-light performance. User reviews suggest that the S23 FE takes good pictures in various environments, with strong performance in good sunlight. The S22 Plus also delivers good camera performance, with improvements over its predecessors, particularly in low-light situations.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps. They also feature a 10MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.