Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:295.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship S series. While they share a similar design philosophy and operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S23 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, battery capacity, and display brightness.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G was launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS updates, with Android 16 being its last, and five years of security updates, concluding around February 2027. The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched with Android 13, is slated for four major OS updates, reaching Android 17, and five years of security updates, extending support until at least 2028. This provides the S23 Plus with an additional year of official software relevance.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The S22 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its display and back, while the S23 Plus upgrades to the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 5G received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive, particularly for the battery, making repairs challenging. While the Galaxy S23 Plus is generally considered to have improved repairability compared to its predecessor, with some sources giving the S23 series a score of 8.2 out of 10, battery replacement still involves dealing with adhesive.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area of differentiation, with the Galaxy S23 Plus offering notable advancements in processing power and efficiency.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G handles daily tasks, app switching, and moderate gaming smoothly. However, under sustained heavy loads, some users reported it could experience thermal throttling. The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its current-generation processor, delivers a more consistently smooth experience, handling demanding apps and multitasking with greater efficiency and faster app launches.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, which for heavy users often requires more frequent charging throughout the day. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a larger 4700 mAh battery, and combined with its more efficient processor, it offers significantly improved battery life, often lasting a full day or even two days for moderate use.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for multitasking. The Galaxy S22 5G offers 128GB or 256GB storage options with UFS 3.1 technology. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers 256GB and 512GB storage options, with the larger capacities benefiting from faster UFS 4.0 storage technology, which can contribute to quicker app loading and file transfers.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and S23 Plus feature vibrant displays, but there are differences in size and brightness that impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both models utilize a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. They both offer a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing sharp and clear visuals for text and images.
  • Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 5G has a more compact 6.1-inch display, making it suitable for one-handed use and those who prefer a smaller device. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more expansive 6.6-inch screen, which enhances the viewing experience for videos, gaming, and productivity tasks.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both models offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S22 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The S23 Plus significantly boosts this to 1750 nits, making its display more easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, with the Galaxy S23 Plus benefiting from software enhancements and a slightly improved front camera.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices share a similar triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G delivers good image quality in various conditions, with notable improvements in low-light photography compared to its predecessors. The Galaxy S23 Plus, while having similar hardware, leverages its more advanced processor and improved AI features to produce better image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios and with enhanced zoom capabilities. Users report crisp shots and improved detail.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record video at up to 8K resolution, with the S22 5G at 24fps and the S23 Plus at 30fps, offering more flexibility for post-processing. The S23 Plus also features improved video stabilization (VDIS). For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S22 5G has a 10-megapixel front camera, while the S23 Plus upgrades to a 12-megapixel front camera, offering improved detail and clarity, and includes autofocus.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and security measures.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The S23 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g, which can make it easier for one-handed use. The Galaxy S23 Plus is larger and slightly heavier at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 195g, offering a more substantial feel in hand and a larger screen for media consumption.
  • Security and Other Features: For secure unlocking, both models incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor and support face recognition. The S23 Plus also features a flatter design for the camera lenses on the back, giving it a more streamlined appearance.

Weight

195 g

168 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

User sentiment for the Galaxy S22 5G often highlights its compact size, vibrant display, and capable camera system as strong points. However, a frequent criticism revolves around its battery life, which many heavy users found to be less than ideal, often requiring mid-day charging. The Galaxy S23 Plus generally receives praise for its excellent battery life, smooth and responsive performance, and bright display. While its camera system is considered very good, some users note it may not reach the absolute top tier of other flagship devices like the Ultra models or some competitors.

Users prioritizing a more compact form factor and who are not heavy users or have consistent access to charging may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who prioritize extended battery life, a larger display, and slightly more future-proof performance will likely lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, and choosing between them often comes down to these key practical differences. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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