Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung. While sharing a similar design philosophy and the Android operating system, the S23 FE introduces a more recent processor and an extended software support timeline, distinguishing it from its slightly older counterpart. Both devices aim to deliver a comprehensive smartphone experience with robust features.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release dates and subsequent software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S23 FE followed in October 2023. This difference means the S23 FE benefits from a later starting point for software updates.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 FE is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support until Android 17, along with five years of security patches, likely until 2028. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, having launched with Android 12, will receive fewer major OS updates compared to the S23 FE.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE has been noted for a relatively high repairability score, partly due to design elements like pull tabs for easier battery replacement. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the S22 Plus 5G is less prominent, but both devices feature durable builds with Gorilla Glass protection and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Both smartphones offer capable performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though there are nuances in their underlying hardware and real-world behavior.

• Processor Capabilities: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE utilize either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region. The S23 FE's implementation of these processors, particularly the Snapdragon variant, is sometimes noted for better thermal management and more consistent performance under sustained load compared to the S22 Plus.
• System Responsiveness: Users generally report smooth operation and quick app loading on both devices. The 8GB of RAM in both models ensures efficient multitasking for most users. However, some users of the S23 FE with the Exynos variant have reported occasional warming during continuous use or demanding tasks.
• Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. Despite the similar capacity, the S23 FE's more optimized processor can contribute to comparable or sometimes better battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, some S23 FE users have expressed concerns about average battery life, especially with heavy use or gaming.

The visual experience on both devices is vibrant and clear, thanks to their advanced display technologies, with some differences in size and peak brightness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), providing sharp images and rich colors. The S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display, while the S22 Plus offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch screen.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The S22 Plus 5G boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility. The S23 FE reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still very bright and offers good visibility in direct sunlight.
• Viewing Experience: The Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology on both devices ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast, making them suitable for media consumption and general browsing. The S23 FE's display is often praised for its vivid colors and smoothness.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems capable of capturing detailed photos and videos, with similar main sensor specifications but some differences in telephoto capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE feature a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a telephoto lens. The S22 Plus 5G has a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, while the S23 FE has an 8MP telephoto lens, also with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: Both devices offer good photography performance in well-lit conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. The S23 FE's main camera is noted for its quality, especially in daylight, and its Nightography system aims to improve low-light video. However, some S23 FE users have observed oversaturation and noise in low-light photos. The S22 Plus 5G's camera system is generally well-regarded for its clarity and zoom capabilities.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record video up to 8K resolution at 24fps with the main camera, and 4K at 60fps. They also feature a 10MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The S23 FE includes features like Super Steady mode for video stabilization.