Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22+ 5G

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including their initial release and ongoing software support.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, making it approximately one year older than the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, which debuted in February 2022. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining software support.
• Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. Given its later release, the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is expected to receive software updates for a longer period, extending its practical lifespan by about a year compared to the S21 5G.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and a plastic back, while the S22 Plus 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G deliver strong performance for daily tasks, but the newer model offers a noticeable boost in processing power.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 5G handles typical applications, web browsing, and multitasking with smooth performance. Users generally report a fluid experience for most activities.
• Demanding Applications and Gaming: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G provides a more responsive experience for graphically intensive games and demanding applications, with smoother frame rates and quicker loading times. While the S21 5G is capable, the S22 Plus 5G offers more headroom for future software and more intensive use cases. Some users of the S22 Plus 5G have noted that it can experience heating during extended heavy use, such as gaming or prolonged camera use.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for efficient multitasking and keeping multiple applications open without significant slowdowns. Storage options for both models include 128GB and 256GB, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 4000 mAh battery, while the S22 Plus 5G has a larger 4500 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the S22 Plus 5G generally offers better battery endurance, often lasting a full day for moderate to heavy users, though some users report it as average. The S21 5G's battery life is described as good by some, but others find it drains faster, especially with heavy use. The S22 Plus 5G also supports faster 45W wired charging compared to the S21 5G's 25W.

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a brighter viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. They both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 5G, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S22 Plus 5G), providing sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a significantly higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, compared to the S21 5G's 1300 nits. This makes the S22 Plus 5G's screen more easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions, thanks to its Vision Booster technology.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both models feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This adaptive technology adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being viewed, helping to conserve battery life when a high refresh rate is not necessary.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch display, offering a more compact form factor. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G features a larger 6.6-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.

Both devices offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality images and videos, with the S22 Plus 5G featuring updated sensors for improved performance.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G includes a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto (with 3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also has a triple-camera system, but with a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto (with 3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. The S22 Plus 5G's larger main sensor and optical telephoto zoom generally result in more detailed and clearer images, especially when zooming.
• Photography Performance: Both phones excel in well-lit conditions, producing vibrant and detailed photos. The S22 Plus 5G shows improvements in low-light photography and overall image processing, leading to better clarity and reduced noise in challenging environments. User feedback for the S21 5G's camera is generally positive, though some users have noted issues with oversharpening or noise in certain conditions.
• Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution, offering high-quality video capture. They also include features like Super Steady video for smoother footage. The S22 Plus 5G benefits from enhanced video stabilization and improved low-light video performance.
• Front Camera and Audio: Both phones feature a 10MP front-facing camera that delivers clear selfies and is suitable for video calls. For audio, both models include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive sound experience for media consumption. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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

• Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to the latest mobile network speeds. The Galaxy S21 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, while the newer Galaxy S22 Plus 5G upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, especially with compatible routers.
• Physical Design and Materials: The Galaxy S21 5G features a plastic back panel, which contributes to its lighter weight (171g) and slightly smaller dimensions (151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm). The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, with its glass back and aluminum frame, offers a more premium feel, though it is slightly heavier (195g/196g) and larger (157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm). Both designs are sleek, with the S22 Plus 5G having a slightly flatter aesthetic.
• Security and Ports: Both models incorporate an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. They both rely on a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, omitting the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
• User Interface: Both phones run Samsung's One UI on top of Android, providing a feature-rich and customizable user experience. The S22 Plus 5G launched with a newer version of Android and One UI, offering a slightly more refined interface and additional features.