Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it a year older than the Galaxy S22 5G, which launched in February 2022. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining software support.
• Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides several years of Android OS upgrades and security updates for its flagship devices. The Galaxy S22 5G was promised four Android OS upgrades (up to Android 16) and five years of security updates, with support expected to end around 2027. While the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also received substantial support, its earlier release means its update cycle will conclude sooner than the S22 5G.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum frame and are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for its front and back panels, while the Galaxy S22 5G upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced scratch and drop protection. Repairability scores for the S22 series have been noted as challenging due to strong adhesives, particularly for battery and screen replacements.

The performance of both smartphones is driven by their respective internal components, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks, demanding applications, and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday operations and moderate gaming efficiently. The Galaxy S22 5G features a newer generation processor, which provides a noticeable improvement in overall system responsiveness and can manage more intensive tasks and graphically demanding games with greater ease.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. They offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. Neither model supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 4800 mAh battery, which generally provides good endurance, often lasting a full day of heavy use for many users. In contrast, the Galaxy S22 5G features a smaller 3700 mAh battery. User feedback frequently points to the S22 5G's battery life as a concern, often requiring more frequent charging, especially for heavy users.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though with some differences in size and brightness capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and Galaxy S22 5G feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 Plus, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S22), providing sharp and clear visuals for everyday viewing.
• Size and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a larger 6.7-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area, while the Galaxy S22 5G features a more compact 6.1-inch screen. The S21 Plus 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits, whereas the S22 5G can achieve a higher peak brightness of 1500 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate: Both models support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which contributes to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during gaming.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and Galaxy S22 5G offer capable photography and videography experiences, with the newer model introducing some hardware enhancements.

• Rear Camera Configuration: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid zoom. The Galaxy S22 5G also has a triple-camera system, but with a 50MP main sensor (with optical image stabilization), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: User reviews indicate that the S21 Plus 5G delivers vibrant colors and good dynamic range in everyday photos. The S22 5G's camera system is generally praised for its solid all-around performance, with particular improvements noted in low-light photography and overall clarity and color accuracy. The S22 5G's dedicated optical zoom provides a clearer zoomed-in image compared to the S21 Plus 5G's hybrid zoom at similar magnifications.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution. They offer features like 4K 60fps recording and various stabilization options. Microphone quality for calls and recording is generally clear on both. Speaker output provides a good experience for media consumption.

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

• Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and Galaxy S22 5G support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds where available. They also feature modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6E for S21 Plus) and Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 5.2 for S21 Plus). Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
• Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both smartphones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor and support face recognition. These methods offer convenient and reliable access to the device.
• Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G measures 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs around 200g. The Galaxy S22 5G is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and a weight of 167g or 168g. This makes the S22 5G easier for one-handed use and more pocket-friendly, while the S21 Plus 5G offers a larger screen for media consumption.