Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

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Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£173.00

Versus £605.75 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S22 Ultra was a top-tier flagship device at its release, the S23 FE is positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering a blend of premium features with some adjustments. The primary distinctions lie in the S22 Ultra's more advanced display and camera system, alongside its integrated S Pen, whereas the S23 FE provides a more recent release with a focus on core experiences.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release date means the S23 FE will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was promised 4 years of major Android updates, extending its software support. The S23 FE, being newer, is expected to receive updates for a comparable or slightly longer duration from its release, ensuring access to the latest Android features and security patches for an extended period.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE generally exhibits a higher repairability score, with some assessments giving it an 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10. This is partly due to design elements like battery pull tabs, which simplify component replacement. The S22 Ultra, while repairable, does not feature these specific design considerations for ease of battery replacement.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds with glass front and back panels and aluminum frames. The S22 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced scratch and drop resistance, while the S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5. Both are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in water.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is influenced by its internal components, affecting everything from app loading to multitasking and gaming.

  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a wider range of storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
  • Processing Capabilities: Both devices are powered by processors that deliver strong performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The S22 Ultra's processor, while from an earlier generation, still handles intensive gaming and multitasking smoothly. The S23 FE's processor, depending on the region, is either the same generation as the S22 Ultra's or a comparable Samsung-made chip, providing a responsive user experience for most applications and games.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally providing ample power for a full day of varied use. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with the S23 FE's battery life vary, with some reporting it lasts a full day with typical use, while heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently. Both support fast wired charging, with the S22 Ultra supporting up to 45W and the S23 FE up to 25W, and both offer wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S22 Ultra boasts a higher Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels) on its 6.8-inch screen, resulting in a sharper image with approximately 500 pixels per inch. The S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), offering clear visuals at around 403 pixels per inch.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S22 Ultra's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The S23 FE's display reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is also bright and generally performs well outdoors. Both devices feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S22 Ultra's refresh rate can scale down to 1Hz for power efficiency, while the S23 FE typically scales between 60Hz and 120Hz.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S22 Ultra provides a more expansive and detailed viewing experience, particularly beneficial for media consumption and productivity tasks. The S23 FE offers a slightly more compact screen size, which some users may find easier for one-handed use, while still delivering a high-quality visual experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though they differ in their specific configurations and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera setup, including a 108 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10 MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom. This provides extensive zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Ultra's larger main sensor and dual telephoto lenses offer greater flexibility and detail, especially at higher zoom levels and in challenging lighting conditions. The S23 FE's main camera performs well in good lighting, producing detailed and vibrant photos, and also handles low-light situations effectively.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. The S22 Ultra features a 40 MP front camera, while the S23 FE has a 10 MP front camera. Both deliver clear selfies and support 4K video recording from the front camera.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and NFC. The S22 Ultra features Bluetooth 5.2 and a USB 3.2 Type-C port, while the S23 FE comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and a USB 2.0 Type-C port. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both phones incorporate in-screen fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S22 Ultra uses an ultrasonic sensor, while the S23 FE uses an optical sensor. Both also support face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The S22 Ultra has a more angular design, reminiscent of the Galaxy Note series, and integrates an S Pen stylus for note-taking and drawing. It measures 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighs 228g. The S23 FE has a slightly more rounded design, measuring 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighing 209g, making it marginally lighter and more compact.

Weight

228 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE cater to slightly different user needs, reflecting their respective positions in Samsung's lineup. User feedback for the S22 Ultra often praises its comprehensive camera system, particularly the versatile zoom capabilities, and its expansive, high-resolution display, which is further enhanced by the integrated S Pen for productivity and creative tasks. Some users have noted that while the S22 Ultra's battery is large, its longevity can vary with heavy use of its advanced features.

For the Galaxy S23 FE, common praise points include its vibrant display and capable main camera, which performs well in various conditions. Users appreciate its solid build quality and overall smooth performance for daily tasks. However, some criticisms have been directed towards its battery life, with heavy users occasionally finding it insufficient for a full day without a recharge, and its processor, while powerful, being a generation older than current flagships.

Users prioritizing a top-tier display with the highest resolution and brightness, along with an advanced and versatile camera system featuring extensive optical zoom, and the unique functionality of an integrated S Pen, may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. This device is particularly appealing for those who engage in creative work, detailed note-taking, or desire a premium multimedia experience. Conversely, users who prioritize a more recent device with a strong core performance for everyday use, a capable camera for general photography, and a slightly more compact form factor, might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. It offers a balanced smartphone experience, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a modern device without all the absolute top-tier specifications. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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