Galaxy S22 5G vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$374.00

Versus A$1,149.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$539.00

Versus A$1,953.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, represent two successive generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a high-end Android experience, the S23 Plus introduces advancements in internal components, battery capacity, and display size, building upon the foundation established by its predecessor. Both smartphones operate on the Android platform, providing a consistent software experience with Samsung's One UI overlay.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both offer robust software support, though the Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from its more recent release date.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive major Android OS updates until approximately 2026, with security updates extending until February 2027. The Galaxy S23 Plus, being a year newer, will receive major OS updates until around 2027, with security updates continuing until 2028, providing an additional year of official support.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front and back, while the Galaxy S23 Plus upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering slightly enhanced drop protection.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both phones to remain functional and secure for several years. The Galaxy S23 Plus holds a slight advantage in long-term software relevance due to its extended update timeline.

Release year

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

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 have reported a decrease in performance.
  • Demanding Applications: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more advanced and power-efficient processor, which allows it to manage demanding applications and multitasking with greater consistency and smoother operation. This translates to a more fluid experience during intensive gaming sessions or when running multiple complex apps simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G, with its 3700 mAh battery, often requires more frequent charging for heavy users, leading to some reports of battery anxiety. The Galaxy S23 Plus, equipped with a larger 4700 mAh battery, offers significantly improved battery life, with many users reporting it comfortably lasts a full day even with consistent use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant display technologies, but the Galaxy S23 Plus provides a larger viewing area and enhanced brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and S23 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vivid colours with deep blacks. Both maintain a sharp Full HD+ resolution, providing excellent detail for media consumption and text.
  • Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 5G has a more compact 6.1-inch display, making it suitable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more expansive 6.6-inch screen, which enhances the viewing experience for videos, gaming, and productivity tasks.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers improved peak brightness, making it easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy S22 5G.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones feature capable camera systems, with the Galaxy S23 Plus offering some refinements, particularly in the front-facing camera.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices share a similar triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. They are capable of capturing detailed photos in various conditions and recording video at up to 8K resolution.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: Both models deliver good low-light performance, with the Galaxy S22 5G showing improvements over its predecessors. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers enhanced image processing, which can result in slightly more consistent and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting.
  • Front Camera and Video Quality: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 10-megapixel front camera, while the Galaxy S23 Plus upgrades to a 12-megapixel front camera, offering improved detail and clarity for selfies and video calls. Both devices provide good video stabilisation and a range of recording options.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Options: Both support 5G cellular networks. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Galaxy S23 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device, weighing 167 grams, which can make it easier for one-handed use. The Galaxy S23 Plus is larger and heavier at 195 grams, providing a more substantial feel and a larger screen for media consumption. Both feature an aluminium frame and a premium build.
  • Storage and Ports: The Galaxy S22 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers 256GB and 512GB storage options, with the larger capacities benefiting from faster UFS 4.0 storage technology. Both devices utilise a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional headphone jack.

Weight

340 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy S23 Plus both deliver a premium Android experience, but they cater to slightly different priorities. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its compact size and capable camera system, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a smaller device that still offers strong performance for everyday tasks. However, some users have noted that its battery life can be a limitation for heavy use, and sustained performance in demanding applications might not always be consistent.

The Galaxy S23 Plus is frequently lauded for its significantly improved battery life, robust and consistent performance, and a brighter, larger display. While its camera system is largely similar to its predecessor, the enhanced front camera and overall processing contribute to a refined photography experience. Some users have pointed out that despite the larger screen, the resolution remains Full HD+, and the display does not feature LTPO technology for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments.

Users who prioritise a more compact form factor and a capable camera for general use may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, consistent performance under heavy loads, and a larger display for media consumption will likely lean towards the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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