Galaxy S22+ 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE

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

Refurbished price:A$395.00

Versus A$1,690.00 new

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Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$380.00

Versus A$1,172.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the S22 Plus was part of Samsung's flagship S-series, the S23 FE (Fan Edition) aims to deliver a premium experience with some adjustments. The primary differences lie in their release timelines, internal components, and subtle refinements in user experience.

Scores

Durability

These two devices offer different timelines for software support and expected practical lifespan, largely due to their respective release dates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023.
  • OS Support Duration: Both devices are eligible for four years of Android updates and five years of security patches from their release dates. This means the Galaxy S23 FE will receive major Android updates and security patches for approximately one year longer than the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect the Galaxy S23 FE to remain current with software features and security for a longer period, potentially making it a more future-proof option for those prioritizing extended software longevity. The S22 series has already received all four major OS updates it was promised and is now on quarterly security updates, with support ending in 2027.

Performance

Performance in both devices is robust, though the newer Galaxy S23 FE benefits from optimizations that can impact daily usage.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE both utilize powerful processors that handle demanding applications and multitasking effectively. The S23 FE, however, often features a more refined version of the processor, which can lead to better sustained performance and thermal management, especially during intensive tasks like gaming.
  • Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 4500mAh battery. While the S22 Plus 5G offers a solid day of use for many users, the S23 FE's newer, more power-efficient processor can sometimes translate to comparable or even slightly better battery longevity in real-world usage, despite the similar battery capacity.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices provide a smooth and responsive user experience for everyday tasks, app loading, and navigation. The Galaxy S23 FE, with its slightly newer hardware and software optimizations, may offer a marginally snappier feel in certain scenarios.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, offering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, though there are slight differences in size and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing sharp images and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G can achieve a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, offering excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE has a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still very bright and provides a good viewing experience in most environments.
  • Screen Size and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 6.6-inch display, while the Galaxy S23 FE features a slightly smaller 6.4-inch display. Both devices offer an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations.

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE feature a versatile triple-camera setup. They both include a 50-megapixel main wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones deliver detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The S23 FE's camera system benefits from newer imaging software, which can lead to improved processing and potentially better results in challenging scenarios, including low-light photography.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 24fps on the main camera. For selfies, both feature a 10-megapixel front-facing camera that captures clear and detailed images.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Build Materials and Durability: Both phones feature a premium build with Gorilla Glass protection on the front and back, offering good resistance against scratches and drops. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against immersion in water.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The S22 Plus 5G supports a physical SIM and eSIM, while the S23 FE supports dual Nano-SIMs. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighing 196g. The Galaxy S23 FE is 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209g, making it marginally thicker and heavier despite its smaller screen size.

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 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE both offer compelling smartphone experiences, each with its own strengths. Users often praise the S22 Plus for its bright display, premium feel, and reliable camera performance. However, some users have noted that the S22 Plus can experience heating during intensive use and that its battery life, while decent, might not always last a full day for heavy users.

The Galaxy S23 FE, being a newer release, is frequently lauded for its refined performance, improved thermal management, and a camera system that benefits from updated software. Criticisms sometimes point to its slightly thicker bezels and the fact that its processor, while optimized, is not the absolute latest generation. Some users have also reported mixed experiences with battery life, particularly with the Exynos variant.

Users prioritizing a slightly larger, brighter display and a more established flagship experience from an earlier generation may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value longer software support, potentially better sustained performance, and the benefits of newer camera software might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. Both devices represent strong choices within the Samsung ecosystem, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be a sustainable choice for consumers.

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