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

Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$154.99

Versus $1,000.00 new

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Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$259.99

Versus $999.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship 'Plus' series. While they share a similar design philosophy and core functionalities, the newer Galaxy S23 Plus introduces enhancements in performance, battery efficiency, and camera capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with the S23 Plus launching with a more recent version, offering a slightly longer software support window.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S23 Plus followed a year later in February 2023. This difference in launch date directly impacts their expected software longevity.
  • OS Support: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship phones. The Galaxy S22 Plus, launching with Android 12, is expected to receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches through 2027. The Galaxy S23 Plus, starting with Android 13, is anticipated to receive OS updates up to Android 17 and security support through 2028, offering an additional year of software relevance.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 Plus utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame for enhanced resilience. The Galaxy S23 Plus further refines this with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, offering improved drop and scratch resistance.

Release Year

2022

2023

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from casual browsing to demanding applications and gaming. Both devices offer robust performance for their respective generations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a newer, more advanced processor, which provides a noticeable boost in overall speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, more fluid navigation, and enhanced capabilities for graphically intensive games and complex tasks.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus houses a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a larger 4700 mAh battery. Coupled with its more efficient processor, the Galaxy S23 Plus demonstrates significantly improved battery endurance, often lasting up to two days on a single charge for many users.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models offer 8GB of RAM, ensuring capable multitasking. Storage options for the S22 Plus include 128GB and 256GB, utilizing UFS 3.1 technology. The Galaxy S23 Plus is available with 256GB and 512GB storage options, featuring the faster UFS 4.0 standard for quicker data access and app launches.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and S23 Plus offer high-quality displays designed for vibrant visuals and smooth interactions.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). This technology delivers deep blacks, rich colors, and excellent contrast, making content visually engaging.
  • Brightness Levels: Both devices boast an impressive peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. This high brightness level contributes to a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both models incorporate an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which allows for exceptionally smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a responsive gaming experience. The display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 48Hz to conserve battery when static content is shown.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S22 Plus and S23 Plus are designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, with the newer model bringing some refinements.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear. This includes a 50MP main wide-angle sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers improved low-light photography compared to its predecessors, producing brighter and cleaner night shots. The Galaxy S23 Plus builds on this with enhanced image processing, resulting in better detail, more accurate colors, and improved zoom capabilities, particularly in challenging lighting. Portrait mode also sees improvements on the S23 Plus.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices can record 8K video at 24fps, with the S23 Plus improving to 8K at 30fps, making 8K footage more usable. The S23 Plus also benefits from enhanced video stabilization (VDIS) and more natural color rendition in videos. For selfies and video calls, the S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera, while the S23 Plus upgrades to a 12MP front camera, offering better detail and clarity.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 Plus features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The Galaxy S23 Plus maintains Wi-Fi 6E and upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3, offering slightly more stable and efficient wireless connections. Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and notably lack a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking and authentication, both models incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. They also support facial recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g or 196g. The Galaxy S23 Plus has very similar dimensions at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g. Both phones feature a flat design with an Armor Aluminum frame, providing a premium feel and comfortable handling.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and Galaxy S23 Plus both offer a comprehensive smartphone experience, catering to users who appreciate a large, vibrant display and a capable camera system. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 Plus for its bright screen, solid cameras, and reliable performance for daily use. However, some criticisms for the S22 Plus include its battery life, which, while decent, was not always exceptional compared to some competitors, and occasional reports of the phone running warm under heavy load.

The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, frequently receives acclaim for its significantly improved battery life, often lasting two days for many users, and its enhanced overall performance due to a more efficient processor. Its camera system also sees refinements, particularly in low-light performance and video stabilization. Some users, however, noted that while the S23 Plus is a strong performer, it might not feel like a revolutionary upgrade if coming directly from the S22 Plus, as many core features remain similar.

Users prioritizing extended software support, superior battery endurance, and slightly refined camera capabilities will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those seeking a capable device for everyday tasks, with a still-excellent display and camera, may find the Galaxy S22 Plus to be a compelling option. Both models represent strong choices within the Android ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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