Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 new

See options
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:207.00

Versus €708.98 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, represent different segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While the S22+ was part of the flagship S series, the S23 FE (Fan Edition) aims to deliver a premium experience with some compromises to offer a different value proposition. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a familiar user experience, but they differ in their internal components, affecting aspects like performance and long-term software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors like release date, software update policies, and physical durability are key. The Galaxy S22+ 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE offer solid foundations, but their respective launch timelines create differences in their expected practical lifespans.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S22+ 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy S23 FE followed in October 2023. Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship and high-end devices. This means the S23 FE, being newer, is expected to receive software updates for approximately one year longer than the S22+ 5G, extending its functional life further into the future.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The Galaxy S22+ 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display, offering strong scratch and drop resistance. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for both its front and back panels. Both models also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both Samsung devices are generally designed with components that can be replaced by trained technicians. The S23 FE, for instance, features a design where camera lens covers can be replaced without full phone disassembly, and internal components like the battery are accessible.

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 determined by its internal processing power, memory, and how efficiently it manages its battery. Both the Galaxy S22+ 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE are capable devices, but they approach performance with slightly different hardware configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22+ 5G is powered by a processor that was a top-tier option at its release, providing a responsive experience for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S23 FE, depending on the region, uses a processor that was a flagship option from the previous year, offering strong performance for everyday use, gaming, and productivity tasks. Users report that the S23 FE handles demanding games and apps smoothly, though some regional variants may exhibit different thermal characteristics.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22+ 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which users have found to provide a full day of use with moderate activity, with some reporting 6-7 hours of screen-on time after optimizing settings. The Galaxy S23 FE also features a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with the S23 FE's battery life vary, with some finding it sufficient for a full day, while others report faster drainage, particularly with heavy use or certain regional processor variants. Both devices support fast wired charging and wireless charging.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both models typically come with 8GB of RAM, which is ample for smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. Storage options for both devices generally include 128GB and 256GB, providing sufficient space for apps, photos, and videos, though neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S22+ 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE offer vibrant and responsive viewing experiences, though with some distinctions in size and brightness capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. They both offer Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22+ 5G boasts a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, which contributes to excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE offers a peak brightness of around 1450 nits, which is still very bright and provides a good viewing experience in various lighting environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Size: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S22+ 5G has a larger 6.6-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with a slightly smaller 6.4-inch display, which some users might find more comfortable for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone. Both the Galaxy S22+ 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE are equipped with versatile camera setups designed to capture a variety of moments, with some differences in their specific capabilities and image processing.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices feature a triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. The Galaxy S22+ 5G has a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 FE features an 8-megapixel telephoto lens, also offering 3x optical zoom. Both main and telephoto cameras on the S23 FE include optical image stabilization (OIS).
  • Photography Performance: The 50MP main cameras on both phones are capable of producing detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The S23 FE's camera system is praised for its ability to capture stunning photos in various settings, including low light. However, some users note that Samsung's image processing can sometimes lead to oversaturated or oversharpened results. The telephoto lenses on both allow for clear zoomed-in shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support high-resolution video recording, including 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. The front-facing cameras on both are 10-megapixel sensors, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of a smartphone. The Galaxy S22+ 5G and Galaxy S23 FE share many modern conveniences but have some subtle differences.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones offer 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (or 6E for S22+), and Bluetooth 5.2 (S22+ 5G) or 5.3 (S23 FE). They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Design: Both devices feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S22+ 5G has dimensions of 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The Galaxy S23 FE is slightly thicker and heavier at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and 209g. Both phones feature a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, contributing to a premium feel.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy S23 FE supports Samsung DeX mode, allowing users to connect the phone to a monitor for a desktop-like experience. Both devices offer features like reverse wireless charging.

Weight

195 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE both offer compelling smartphone experiences, each with its own set of strengths that cater to different user priorities. User sentiment for the S22+ often highlights its bright display, solid camera performance, and balanced size as key advantages. Some users, however, noted initial concerns about battery life, which improved with usage pattern learning and software optimizations. For the S23 FE, common praise includes its capable camera system, vibrant display, and overall solid performance for its category. Criticisms sometimes point to inconsistent battery life, particularly with certain processor variants, and occasional heating under heavy load.

Users prioritizing a slightly larger display and a device that was once a flagship, potentially at a more accessible point in its lifecycle, may find the Galaxy S22+ 5G well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and established performance make it a reliable choice. Conversely, users who value longer software support and a device with a more recent release date, offering a blend of flagship features in a slightly more compact form factor, might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. Its updated camera and refined design elements provide a modern experience. Both devices represent strong options within the Android ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons