Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

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Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the S22 was a compact flagship, the S23 FE is positioned as a 'Fan Edition' model, offering a blend of features from the flagship S23 line with some adjustments. Key differentiators include their physical size, display characteristics, and battery capacities, catering to slightly different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS updates, extending to Android 16, along with five years of security updates until February 2027. The Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, launched with Android 13 and is also promised four major OS updates, taking it to Android 17, and five years of security patches until October 2028. This means the S23 FE will benefit from an additional year of software support due to its later release.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, providing robust protection against drops and scratches. The Galaxy S23 FE, while still durable, uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its front and back panels. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE has been noted for its relatively higher repairability score, partly due to the inclusion of pull tabs for easier battery removal, a design choice that simplifies component replacement.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely defined by its processing power, battery endurance, and overall system responsiveness during daily use.

  • Processing Capabilities: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE utilize processors from a similar generation, which deliver capable performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications. Users can expect smooth app loading and efficient handling of various operations. However, some users of the Galaxy S23 FE, particularly the Exynos variants, have reported instances of the device warming up during intensive use like gaming or 4K video editing.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3,700 mAh battery. User experiences frequently highlight that its battery life can be a concern for heavy users, often requiring a midday charge, especially when utilizing features like a high refresh rate display and 5G connectivity. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE features a larger 4,500 mAh battery. While some users find it sufficient for a full day of moderate use, others report that it drains faster than anticipated, particularly under heavy loads or with consistent 5G usage.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models typically offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB, and come with 8GB of RAM, which contributes to effective multitasking and overall system responsiveness. The Galaxy S23 FE's performance is generally considered fast enough for most users, even with its slightly older processor.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is heavily influenced by its display technology, size, and clarity.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a compact form factor. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with a slightly larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. Both displays provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, characteristic of AMOLED technology.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday viewing. The Galaxy S22 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE can achieve a slightly higher peak brightness of 1450 to 1500 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor use.
  • Refresh Rate and Design: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience. However, the Galaxy S23 FE has been noted for having thicker bezels around its display compared to the S22, which can impact the overall aesthetic.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S23 FE are designed to capture detailed photos and videos in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices are equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup. The Galaxy S22 5G includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 FE also features a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, but its telephoto lens is 8-megapixels with 3x optical zoom. Both are capable of recording 8K video.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones deliver strong performance in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. The main camera on the S23 FE is considered similar to that of the flagship S23. Some users have observed that Samsung's image processing can sometimes lead to oversaturated or oversharpened results. Both handle low-light situations well, with the S23 FE noted for its capable low-light photography.
  • Audio and Video Experience: Both models offer stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption. The S23 FE's speakers are described as crisp. For video recording, both support 8K resolution, offering high-quality capture for those who need it.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S23 FE support 5G networks for fast mobile data. The S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the S23 FE offers slightly newer standards with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, potentially providing faster and more stable 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 phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 FE uses an optical fingerprint sensor, which some users have found to be less consistent or slower than the ultrasonic sensors typically found in higher-end Galaxy S models.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S22 5G is the more compact and lighter device, measuring 6.1 inches and weighing approximately 167 grams, making it easier for one-handed use. The Galaxy S23 FE is larger and heavier, with a 6.4-inch display and a weight of around 209 grams. The S22 features a more premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, while the S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5.

Weight

195 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S23 FE both offer compelling smartphone experiences, each with distinct advantages that cater to different user priorities. User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G often highlights its compact size and premium build as strong positives, though its battery life is a frequent point of concern, with many users reporting the need for frequent charging, especially with heavy usage.

The Galaxy S23 FE, being a newer model, generally receives praise for its capable camera system and overall smooth performance. However, user sentiment regarding its battery life is mixed, with some finding it sufficient for a full day, while others note faster-than-expected drain and occasional heating, particularly with the Exynos processor variants during demanding tasks. The thicker display bezels are also a common observation.

Users prioritizing a more compact and lightweight device with a premium feel and robust glass protection may find the Galaxy S22 5G more appealing, provided they are mindful of its battery performance. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly larger display, a newer device with extended software support, and a capable camera system that includes a telephoto lens might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. It offers a strong balance of features for its category, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a modern Android experience without necessarily needing the absolute latest flagship specifications.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the lifespan of these capable smartphones.

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