Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €829.91 new

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Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, launched in February 2022, represent two distinct offerings within Samsung's smartphone lineup. Both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, providing a consistent software experience. While the S21 FE offers a larger display and a more substantial battery, the S22 distinguishes itself with a more compact form factor and an updated camera system.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G benefit from Samsung's commitment to software support, typically receiving four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. This means the S22, being released slightly later, will generally receive support for a year longer than the S21 FE. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.

  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S21 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on its display and a plastic back with an aluminum frame, offering a balance of durability and a lighter feel. The Galaxy S22 upgrades to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, providing enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • User Experiences: Some users of the S21 FE have reported concerns such as heating during use, network connectivity issues, and instances of display problems like green lines appearing after extended periods. Similarly, the S22 has faced user feedback regarding battery drain, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity challenges, and occasional screen defects.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given their similar software support policies and robust build quality, both phones are designed for a practical lifespan of several years, with the S22 potentially offering a slightly longer period of official software updates due to its later release.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G is driven by capable processors, though they belong to different generations. The S21 FE is equipped with a processor from the previous generation, which delivers smooth performance for everyday applications and multitasking. The S22, on the other hand, incorporates a newer generation processor, providing enhanced capabilities for more demanding tasks and improved efficiency.

  • Processing Power: The S21 FE handles typical daily usage, including web browsing, social media, and moderate gaming, with consistent responsiveness. The S22 offers a noticeable boost in processing power, resulting in quicker app loading times, smoother transitions, and a more fluid experience with graphically intensive games and complex applications.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S22 typically comes with 8GB of RAM as standard. Both devices offer internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE features a 4500mAh battery, generally providing a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S22 has a smaller 3700mAh battery, which some users report may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy usage. Both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Both screens also support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and a fluid visual experience.

  • Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 FE offers a larger 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 403 pixels per inch (ppi). The Galaxy S22 features a more compact 6.1-inch display, also with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), but with a slightly higher pixel density of around 425 ppi due to its smaller size.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The S22's display can achieve a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility and content clarity even in bright sunlight. While the S21 FE's display is also bright and clear, the S22 offers a noticeable advantage in extremely bright conditions.
  • Responsiveness: Both devices feature a 240Hz touch sampling rate in Game Mode, which translates to highly responsive touch input, particularly beneficial for gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and videographic content. While both offer a triple-lens rear setup, there are key differences in their sensor configurations and advanced features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE includes a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. The Galaxy S22 features a 50MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S22's larger main sensor is designed to capture more light, improving low-light performance.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the S21 FE is equipped with a 32MP front camera. The S22 features a 10MP front camera. Both devices can record video up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second with their rear cameras, and 4K video with their front cameras. The S22 introduces advanced features like 'Nightography' for improved low-light photography and enhanced Portrait Video mode.
  • Audio Experience: Both phones offer stereo speakers for media consumption and clear microphone quality for calls and recordings.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core performance and display, both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22 5G offer a suite of practical features that enhance daily usability. These include modern connectivity standards, biometric security, and thoughtful design elements.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds where available. They also include contemporary Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections. Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Sensors: For secure unlocking, both the S21 FE and S22 incorporate an in-display optical fingerprint sensor. They also feature a range of sensors such as accelerometers, barometers, and gyroscopes to support various applications and functionalities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 FE measures 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9mm and weighs 177g, offering a slightly larger and marginally heavier profile. The Galaxy S22 is more compact at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and weighs 167g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. Both devices support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing them to power compatible accessories.

Weight

177 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S22 5G each present a compelling package, catering to slightly different user preferences. Users often praise the S21 FE for its vibrant display, generally good camera performance (especially upon release), smooth software experience, and the inclusion of features like an IP68 rating and wireless charging. However, common criticisms have included heating issues, occasional network problems, battery drain for heavy users, and some reports of display anomalies like green lines appearing over time.

The Galaxy S22 is frequently lauded for its more compact design, its updated camera system with enhanced low-light capabilities, and the performance gains from its newer processor. Conversely, user concerns for the S22 often revolve around its comparatively shorter battery life, instances of overheating, and various software bugs or screen defects.

Users prioritizing a larger screen and a potentially longer-lasting battery for moderate use may find the Galaxy S21 FE well-suited to their needs. Those who value a more compact device, a slightly more advanced camera for diverse lighting conditions, and the benefits of a newer generation processor for demanding applications might lean towards the Galaxy S22. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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