Galaxy S21+ 5G Vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

Galaxy S21+ 5G
Galaxy S21+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:185.00

Versus €1,059.00 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 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, launched in February 2022, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship 'Plus' series. While they share a similar design philosophy and operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the newer S22 Plus introduces refinements in camera technology, display brightness, and processing power. Both devices offer a robust smartphone experience, catering to users who prefer a larger screen and advanced features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates and Samsung's software support policies.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G followed in February 2022, making the S22 Plus a year newer.
  • Software Longevity: Both models are part of Samsung's policy to provide four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for their flagship devices. This means the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G will receive software support for approximately one year longer than the S21 Plus 5G, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features and security patches.
  • Build Durability: Both devices feature Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, with the S22 Plus upgrading to Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced scratch and drop resistance. The S22 Plus also incorporates an Armor Aluminum frame, which is advertised to offer tougher resistance against drops and scratches. Both carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and S22 Plus 5G deliver strong performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though the newer model features an updated processor.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that handles multitasking and gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a next-generation processor, offering improved speed and efficiency for demanding apps and a generally more responsive user experience.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. Storage options typically include 128GB and 256GB, with neither model offering expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 4800 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of typical use. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a slightly smaller 4500 mAh battery. Despite the smaller capacity, the S22 Plus's more efficient processor and display technology aim to maintain comparable real-world battery life, with some tests showing similar endurance to its predecessor.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a notable improvement in brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, providing vibrant colors and sharp details for everyday viewing. They also support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
  • Brightness for Outdoor Use: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which is generally sufficient for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G significantly boosts this to a peak of 1750 nits, making it easier to view content clearly even in bright sunlight.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch display. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a slightly smaller 6.6-inch display. This minor difference in size means both offer an expansive viewing experience, suitable for media consumption and productivity.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both phones are capable, but the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G brings advancements in sensor technology and optical zoom.

  • Main Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto (offering 3x hybrid optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G upgrades the main sensor to 50MP, alongside a 10MP telephoto lens with true 3x optical zoom and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This larger main sensor on the S22 Plus allows for better light capture and improved detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The S22 Plus 5G shows improvements in low-light photography, producing brighter and cleaner night shots with less noise compared to its predecessor. Both phones are capable of recording video up to 8K resolution at 24fps, and 4K at 30/60fps, offering flexibility for video creators.
  • Selfie Camera and Audio: Both devices feature a 10MP front-facing camera capable of taking detailed selfies and recording 4K video. For audio, both include stereo speakers, providing a good experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and S22 Plus 5G support 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The S22 Plus 5G also supports Wi-Fi 6E, which can offer faster and more consistent connections in compatible environments.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both phones feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both integrate an in-display fingerprint sensor and support face recognition.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G measures 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 200g (or 202g for some variants). The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 195g (or 196g for mmWave models). This makes the S22 Plus marginally easier to handle for some users.

Weight

200 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback often praises the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G for its robust battery life and solid overall performance, with many finding its camera system to be highly capable for everyday photography. Some common criticisms for the S21 Plus included its hybrid zoom telephoto lens not matching the optical capabilities of more premium models and the lack of a microSD card slot.

The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is frequently lauded for its significantly brighter display, improved main camera sensor with better low-light performance, and the inclusion of true optical zoom. However, some users noted that its battery life, while still good, was a slight step back from its predecessor due to a smaller battery capacity, and that its 45W charging didn't always translate to significantly faster full charge times in practice.

Users prioritizing extended software support and a slightly larger battery capacity might find the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a brighter display, enhanced camera capabilities with optical zoom, and a marginally more compact design will likely lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, and choosing between them often comes down to these specific preferences. For those looking for a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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