Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23+, launched in February 2023, represent two consecutive generations of Samsung's premium smartphone line. While both devices share a similar design philosophy and run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the newer Galaxy S23+ introduces notable enhancements in performance, battery longevity, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22+ 5G, having been released in 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release date. The Galaxy S23+, released a year later in 2023 with Android 13, benefits from an additional year of guaranteed software and security updates, extending its practical lifespan in terms of modern software compatibility.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature robust construction with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection on the front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S23+ upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the S22+ 5G.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23+ has been noted for improved repairability, with a score of 7.0 out of 10, making components like the battery and screen more accessible for servicing. Samsung has also expanded its DIY repair program to include the S23 series, though some parts like the screen and battery may still be offered as a single assembly.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The core performance of these smartphones is largely driven by their internal processing power and how efficiently they manage tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22+ 5G is powered by a capable processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S23+, however, features a newer generation processor specifically optimized for Samsung devices, which translates to a noticeable improvement in overall speed and efficiency. This allows the S23+ to manage demanding applications and graphics-intensive games with greater ease and sustained performance.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S22+ 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, providing sufficient power for a full day of moderate use, with some users reporting around 10.5 hours of continuous video streaming. The Galaxy S23+ includes a larger 4700 mAh battery, and combined with its more efficient processor, it delivers significantly extended battery life, often lasting up to two days with typical usage or around 14 hours and 45 minutes of continuous video playback.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer ample storage options, typically starting from 128GB or 256GB, ensuring enough space for apps and media. The Galaxy S23+ benefits from faster storage technology in its higher capacity variants, contributing to quicker app loading times and a more responsive overall user experience. Both models come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S22+ 5G and Galaxy S23+ offer vibrant and immersive viewing experiences, though with minor distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), resulting in sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology ensures deep blacks and rich, accurate colors on both models.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices boast an impressive peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. They also share an adaptive refresh rate that scales up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming, and down to conserve battery life when static content is displayed. The S22+ 5G adapts between 48Hz and 120Hz, while the S23+ can adapt from 1Hz to 120Hz for potentially greater efficiency.
  • Viewing Experience: The screen size and resolution are identical, providing a consistent viewing area. The flat display design on both models contributes to a comfortable and expansive visual experience, suitable for media consumption and productivity tasks.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S22+ 5G and Galaxy S23+ are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, with the newer model offering refinements.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23+ benefits from improved image processing, which enhances low-light photography and overall detail capture compared to its predecessor. Both models deliver vibrant and well-exposed photos in good lighting conditions. The S22+ 5G already offered improved zoom and night shots over its own predecessor, and the S23+ builds upon this foundation.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S22+ 5G features a 10-megapixel front-facing camera, while the Galaxy S23+ upgrades to a 12-megapixel front camera, offering slightly better detail for selfies and video calls. Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, providing excellent quality for capturing moving moments.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core components, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data speeds. The Galaxy S22+ 5G supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Galaxy S23+ generally features Wi-Fi 6E and upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3, offering slightly improved wireless performance and efficiency.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The dimensions and weight of both phones are very similar, with the Galaxy S22+ 5G measuring 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighing 195g, and the Galaxy S23+ at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196g. This means both offer a comparable in-hand feel, balancing a large screen with manageable ergonomics. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Audio: Both models incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. They also feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing a rich audio experience for media consumption and calls.

Weight

195 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S22+ 5G often praises its bright display, solid camera performance, and premium feel. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life, particularly under heavy usage, occasionally requiring a midday charge. The general sentiment suggests that while it is a capable device, its battery performance could be a limiting factor for some.

The Galaxy S23+, on the other hand, receives widespread acclaim for its significantly improved battery life, with many users reporting comfortable multi-day endurance. Its enhanced processing power and refined camera capabilities are also frequently highlighted as strong points, making it a well-rounded and reliable device. Criticisms are less common but sometimes point to the iterative nature of its design compared to its predecessor.

Users prioritizing extended battery life and a more efficient, future-proof performance will find the Galaxy S23+ well-suited to their needs. Its advancements make it a strong choice for those who rely heavily on their device throughout the day without constant access to a charger. Conversely, users who prioritize a slightly lower initial investment and find the S22+ 5G's battery performance adequate for their usage patterns may still find it a compelling option, especially as a quality-assured refurbished option. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, but the Galaxy S23+ provides a more refined and enduring daily companion.

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