Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. As a tech journalist, I'm less interested in the marketing fluff and more in how these specs translate to your daily life. We'll break it down, feature by feature, to see where each phone shines.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two Samsung contenders stack up, with a focus on real-world impact:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | S22+ is slightly taller and wider, S21 FE is a hair thicker, but all very pocketable. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, may feel more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | S22+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp and crisp visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 393 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors and deep blacks on both screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ is significantly brighter, better outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | Different chips: S21 FE uses Qualcomm (US), S22+ uses Exynos (Europe) with marginally better efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 890,774 | Both offer very similar levels of performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 | Different GPUs, but both handle most gaming and graphic tasks with ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S22+ boasts a higher resolution, and larger sensor for more detailed images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto for portraits, S22+ has one too but it is considered separate from portrait mode |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE captures higher-resolution selfies; S22+ has larger pixels for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S22+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, great for zoomed photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | S22+ has a wide angle camera for capturing more of a scene |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE has a wide-angle lens for macros |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps | S22+ offers higher resolution video recording for professional use. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | 117 | 125 | S22+ generally performs better in camera tests. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have the same size, but chip differences affect real-world life. |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | S22+ charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless | Bypass Charging, 15W wireless | S21 FE has reverse charging, S22+ has bypass charging. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: The clear winner in display brightness and camera capabilities. The newer chipset and faster charging also give it a performance edge and a more future-proof feel. The addition of dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses makes it a versatile photography tool.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: The S21 FE counters with a lighter body and a more affordable price tag. It boasts a higher-resolution selfie camera and includes additional telephoto camera for portraits, which some users might appreciate.
Trade-offs: The S21 FE uses the Snapdragon 888 which can be less efficient than the Exynos 2200 found in the S22+. While they both use the same battery capacity the S22+ will likely have slightly better battery life. The S22+ has a faster charging speed, the S21 FE includes a "Reverse Charging" feature, which is a bit of a misnomer because you can charge another device wirelessly using the phone, while the S22+ uses bypass charging which allows you to use the device while charging without degrading the battery.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Power User: If you value display quality, top-tier camera performance, and cutting-edge features, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the way to go. It is perfect for those who demand the best and are willing to pay for it. It's ideal for frequent photographers and videographers, and anyone who spends a lot of time consuming media or playing games on their phone.
For the Budget-Conscious: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a strong contender for those seeking flagship features without the flagship price. It is suitable for general use, offering solid performance, a good display, and capable cameras at a more accessible cost. It's a good fit for casual users who want a reliable device for daily tasks.
For Selfie Lovers: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s higher-resolution selfie camera is advantageous if you prioritize crisp, detailed selfies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize having the brightest possible screen, especially for outdoor use, the S22+ is the clear winner.
- Do you take a lot of photos and videos? If camera performance is a high priority, the S22+ has a better system with higher resolution and more features.
- What's your budget? The S21 FE is a better value, offering a lot of capability at a lower price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Enthusiast): You’re serious about mobile photography and want the best image quality and versatility. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G due to the superior camera, higher-resolution video, and the dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday User): You want a reliable phone that performs well in daily tasks and allows for light photography. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers very comparable capabilities and overall performance, especially for its lower price.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor User): You often use your phone in bright sunlight and need great visibility. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G due to its significantly higher brightness.
My Pick
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. I appreciate its future-proof design, stronger camera, brighter screen, and overall improved user experience. While the S21 FE is a solid device, the S22+ offers enough upgrades to justify the higher price, especially if you value camera quality and outdoor visibility. The Exynos chip is also more efficient, so even though it has a similar battery capacity, it will likely last longer. I would rather have a phone that would perform better in more demanding situations.
