Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S23 FE

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£180.00

Versus £605.75 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's Galaxy series. While the S22 Plus was part of the flagship line, the S23 FE is positioned as a more accessible option, often incorporating elements from previous flagship generations. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, specific camera hardware, and the materials used in their construction, influencing their overall longevity and user experience.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus was released in February 2022, making it older than the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release directly impacts their software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: Both devices are expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. This means the Galaxy S23 FE, being newer, will receive major OS updates for approximately one year longer than the S22 Plus, extending its software longevity. For example, the S23 FE is expected to receive Android 17, while the S22 Plus will likely stop at Android 16.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its front and back, which is a less durable material. Both phones, however, carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S23 FE offer robust performance for daily tasks, though there are nuances in their capabilities.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both devices are powered by similar generation processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, depending on region). This means both can handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games smoothly. However, the S23 FE's processor may benefit from later optimizations, potentially offering slightly better sustained performance or thermal management in some scenarios.
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: With 8GB of RAM as standard, both phones provide a responsive user experience, allowing for efficient app switching and background process management. Users can expect quick app loading times and smooth navigation across the interface on either device.
  • Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. The Galaxy S22 Plus, despite its slightly larger screen, has shown adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use, though heavy gaming can lead to faster drain. The Galaxy S23 FE also offers a full day of battery life for many users, with some reports indicating strong standby time.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S23 FE is vibrant and fluid, characteristic of Samsung's AMOLED technology.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing clear and detailed visuals. This technology delivers deep blacks and rich colors, enhancing the viewing experience for various content.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, which can be beneficial for visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE has a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still ample for most outdoor scenarios but may be slightly less luminous under direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Size: Both phones feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 6.6-inch display, offering a slightly larger viewing area compared to the Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4-inch screen.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with some differences in their telephoto capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: Both the S22 Plus and S23 FE feature a triple-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, delivering detailed and vibrant images in various lighting conditions. The S22 Plus includes a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, while the S23 FE has an 8 MP telephoto lens also with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: Users generally praise the camera quality of both devices, noting good dynamic range and color reproduction. The larger main sensor on the S22 Plus was designed to improve low-light performance. The S23 FE also offers strong low-light capabilities, with its Nightography features enhancing video and photo capture in dim environments.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The front-facing cameras are both 10 MP, with the S22 Plus having a slightly wider aperture (f/2.2) compared to the S23 FE (f/2.4).

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet. The Galaxy S23 FE features Bluetooth 5.3, a slight upgrade from the Bluetooth 5.2 on the S22 Plus. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both devices incorporate an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. They also include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses.
  • Dimensions and Build: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The Galaxy S23 FE is slightly thicker and heavier at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and 209g. The S22 Plus uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back, while the S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5, indicating a difference in material durability.

Weight

195 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Galaxy S22 Plus often highlights its superb display, premium design, and capable camera system as strong points. Many users appreciate its overall solid performance for daily tasks and the smooth user interface. However, some criticisms have been directed towards its battery life, particularly under heavy usage, and occasional heating during intensive gaming or camera use.

The Galaxy S23 FE receives praise for offering a flagship-like experience at a more accessible point, with its strong camera system, vibrant display, and smooth performance for everyday use. Users also note its good battery life for general use. Common concerns include its slightly thicker bezels compared to more premium models, and some users have reported heating issues, particularly with the Exynos variant, and slower charging speeds compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a slightly larger, brighter display and a more premium build with enhanced glass durability may lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus. Those who value extended software support and a more recent release, along with a capable camera system and solid everyday performance, might find the Galaxy S23 FE better suited to their needs. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons