Galaxy S22 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE

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 lineup. While they share a similar design approach and the core Android operating system experience, the S23 FE offers a larger display and a more substantial battery, alongside extended software support, positioning it as a refreshed option compared to its predecessor. Both devices run on Samsung's One UI over Android.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates. This means its major OS support is expected to conclude around early 2026, with security updates extending until early 2027. The Galaxy S23 FE, being an October 2023 release, benefits from a longer support window, extending its major OS updates until late 2027 and security updates until late 2028.
• Build Materials: The S22 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, offering robust scratch and drop resistance. The S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its front and back, which provides good protection but is an older generation. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating similar resilience against environmental elements.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and the latest Android features will find the S23 FE offers a more extended practical lifespan. Both models are designed for durability in daily use, with the S22 having a slight edge in glass technology.

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE deliver capable performance for everyday tasks, though there are nuances in their real-world usage, particularly concerning battery endurance and thermal management.

• Processor Capabilities: Both devices are equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. However, some users have reported that the S22 can experience heating and throttling during intensive use, which can affect sustained performance. The S23 FE, while using a similar generation processor, has reportedly improved thermal dissipation, which may lead to more consistent performance under load.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, which many users have noted often requires more frequent charging, especially with heavy use. The Galaxy S23 FE features a larger 4500 mAh battery, providing a more substantial capacity for extended use throughout the day. This difference translates to the S23 FE generally offering better battery longevity.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both models offer 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for applications and media. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

The display experience on both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE is vibrant and responsive, though the S23 FE offers a slightly larger viewing area.

• Display Technology: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent contrast. This technology provides an immersive viewing experience for photos, videos, and general content.
• Size and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G has a compact 6.1-inch display, while the Galaxy S23 FE offers a more expansive 6.4-inch screen. Both maintain a sharp 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution, ensuring text and images appear clear. The S22 has a slightly higher pixel density due to its smaller screen size.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23 FE's display can reach a slightly higher peak brightness of 1450 nits compared to the S22's 1300 nits, offering marginally better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality images and videos in various conditions.

• Rear Camera System: Both devices feature a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens for optical zoom. The S22's telephoto camera is 10 MP with 3x optical zoom, while the S23 FE uses an 8 MP telephoto lens, also with 3x optical zoom. In practical terms, both deliver good detail and color reproduction in good lighting. Some users have noted that the S22's camera might perform better in certain low-light or indoor video recording scenarios.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, offering a higher resolution option for video enthusiasts. The S23 FE offers 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Audio: Both phones are equipped with a 10 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The speaker output on both devices provides a clear audio experience for media consumption and calls.