Galaxy S22+ 5G • Locked T-Mobile vs Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S22 Plus was a flagship device at its release, the S24 FE is positioned as a 'Fan Edition,' offering a blend of premium features with some adjustments to make it more accessible. The primary distinctions lie in their release timelines, processor generations, and the extent of their software support.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus was introduced in February 2022, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S24 FE, which launched in October 2024. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining support cycles.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus was promised four generations of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates from its launch, meaning it will receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches until approximately February 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending its support until around October 2031. This makes the S24 FE a more future-proof option for users prioritizing long-term software support.
• Build Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S24 FE utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front display and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, offering robust protection against scratches and drops. The S22 Plus also features durable glass protection, contributing to its overall resilience.

Performance in daily use is a key factor for any smartphone, encompassing everything from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus is powered by a processor that was a flagship offering at its 2022 release, providing strong performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and gaming. The Galaxy S24 FE features a newer generation processor, the Exynos 2400e, which, while a slightly adjusted version of the flagship Exynos 2400, is designed for efficient performance. It handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, with some reports indicating improved sustained performance due to better thermal management compared to some higher-tier chips.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer ample RAM configurations to support smooth multitasking and quick app switching. Users of the S22 Plus generally experience fluid navigation and responsive interactions. The S24 FE, with its optimized processor, also delivers a responsive user experience, ensuring applications load quickly and run without significant delays.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which typically provides enough power for a full day of moderate use. It supports 45W wired fast charging, allowing for a full charge in about 75 minutes, though the charger is sold separately. The Galaxy S24 FE has a slightly larger 4700 mAh battery, and user reports suggest it can last up to 1.5 days on a single charge. It supports 25W wired charging, taking approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes for a full charge, and also includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S24 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Both screens offer Full HD+ resolutions, providing sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption, web browsing, and social media.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S24 FE boasts a peak brightness of 1900 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S22 Plus also offers a bright display that is generally visible in sunlight, though its specific peak brightness is not as widely highlighted in comparisons.
• Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: Both models feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive touch experience. The Galaxy S24 FE has a 6.7-inch display, slightly larger than the S22 Plus's 6.6-inch screen, offering a marginally more expansive viewing area. However, the S24 FE has slightly thicker bezels compared to the S24 series, which might affect the overall immersive feel for some users.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer versatile camera systems.

• Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S24 FE feature a triple-camera setup. The S22 Plus includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24 FE also has a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS.
• Photography Performance: In well-lit conditions, both phones capture detailed images with vibrant colors, characteristic of Samsung's processing. The S24 FE's low-light performance is noted as admirable, producing good results even in challenging lighting. While the S24 FE's telephoto sensor is 8MP compared to the S22 Plus's 10MP, both offer effective 3x optical zoom.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 FE supports 8K video recording, offering high-resolution video capture. The S22 Plus also offers strong video capabilities. For selfies, the S24 FE features a 10MP front camera, while the S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera with autofocus.