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:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 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, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While sharing a similar operating system and core functionalities, the S22+ 5G introduces a slightly more advanced processor and a brighter display, alongside refinements in its camera system and build materials. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a consistent user experience with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Longevity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22+ 5G were launched with Android 12 and are eligible for four generations of Android OS updates, extending their support up to Android 16. They also receive five years of security updates, ensuring a comparable practical lifespan in terms of software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both models 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. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on its front display, while the Galaxy S22+ 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Build Materials: The S21 FE 5G features a plastic back with an aluminum frame, contributing to its lighter weight. In contrast, the S22+ 5G utilizes a glass back in addition to an aluminum frame, providing a different tactile experience.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these smartphones is driven by their internal components, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor that handles multitasking and demanding applications effectively, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S22+ 5G features a newer generation processor, which translates to slightly faster overall performance, quicker app loading times, and potentially smoother operation during intensive gaming or video editing.
  • Battery Performance: Both devices house a 4500 mAh battery. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is noted by users for its ability to last through a full day of typical use. While the S22+ 5G has the same battery capacity, its larger and brighter display, combined with its newer processor, may result in varying real-world battery endurance depending on usage patterns.
  • Storage and Memory: Both models are available with 128GB and 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S22+ 5G also has a 512GB option in some configurations. For RAM, the S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB, while the S22+ 5G generally offers 8GB, with some variants featuring 12GB, which can benefit extensive multitasking.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though with some notable distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Refresh Rate: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S22+ 5G feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing fluid scrolling and a responsive touch experience.
  • Size and Clarity: The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The S22+ 5G offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a clear and vibrant viewing area.
  • Brightness for Outdoor Use: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S22+ 5G significantly enhances this with a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it exceptionally bright and easy to view even in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photos and videos, with some differences in sensor capabilities and video recording options.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S22+ 5G also has a triple-camera system, but with a higher resolution 50MP wide main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The larger main sensor on the S22+ 5G can contribute to better low-light performance and more detailed images.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: For selfies and video calls, the S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32MP front camera. The S22+ 5G has a 10MP front camera. In terms of video, the S21 FE 5G supports 4K recording at 30 or 60 frames per second. The S22+ 5G offers the additional capability of 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, alongside 4K at 30/60fps.
  • Audio Experience: Both devices include stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Galaxy S22+ 5G offers newer standards with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, potentially providing more stable and faster wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both smartphones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S21 FE 5G uses an optical sensor, while the S22+ 5G features an ultrasonic sensor, which can offer enhanced security and reliability.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G measures 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighs 177 grams. The Galaxy S22+ 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 195 grams, offering a slightly larger screen in a marginally thinner body, though with a noticeable difference in weight.

Weight

177 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G often highlights its balanced performance and capable camera system as strong points, making it a reliable daily driver. Some users appreciate its durable build, despite the plastic back, and its consistent software experience. Criticisms sometimes point to its processor being a generation behind the flagship at its release, and its battery life, while generally good, can be impacted by heavy use of the 120Hz display.

The Galaxy S22+ 5G is frequently praised for its exceptionally bright and vibrant display, which significantly enhances outdoor visibility. Its newer processor and improved main camera sensor are also commonly cited as advantages, offering a more refined and powerful experience, particularly for photography and demanding tasks. Some user discussions mention its slightly heavier build compared to its predecessor and the S21 FE 5G.

Users prioritizing a highly visible display for outdoor use and a more advanced camera system, especially for video recording, may find the Galaxy S22+ 5G better suited to their needs. Those who value a slightly lighter device with a robust feature set and strong software support, without needing the absolute latest in processing power or peak display brightness, might lean towards the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Both devices offer a solid Android experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be a sustainable choice for consumers.

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