Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S21 FE: What differences to expect

Samsung confirmed off its latest reasonably priced cellphone, referred to as the Galaxy S21 FE, forward of CES 2022, and its 2022 flagship lineup could possibly be on the best way quickly. (Take a look at all of the exciting new phones we’re waiting on in 2022.) Rumored to be the Galaxy S22, the brand new line is alleged to incorporate a set of upgrades together with new colours, digital camera updates and doable S Pen assist. 

If you happen to’re a Samsung fan trying to purchase a brand new cellphone this yr, there is a good motive why you would possibly end up deciding between two units. The Galaxy S22 is anticipated to be the successor to the Galaxy S21, which means it will be the least costly mannequin in Samsung’s new Galaxy S household. And the $700 Galaxy S21 FE is a extra budget-friendly model of the Galaxy S21. So the S22 is anticipated to be on the decrease finish of the premium spectrum relating to worth — effectively underneath $1,000.

Learn extra: Galaxy S21 FE review: A solid $700 phone that goes head-to-head with the Pixel 6

There’s more likely to be a notable price distinction between them, although. The Galaxy S22 will most likely be dearer than the Galaxy S21 FE, and rumors counsel it will embody a sharper digital camera and quicker processor to justify that distinction. Nonetheless, the Galaxy S21 FE would possibly nonetheless have the sting relating to display screen measurement and battery life.

Here is a better take a look at what we’re anticipating to see, primarily based on the newest rumors. 

The Galaxy S22’s display screen could also be smaller than the Galaxy S21 FE’s

The Galaxy S22 is shaping as much as be Samsung’s possibility for individuals who choose a compact cellphone, just like the Galaxy S10E. The Galaxy S22 might have a 6.06-inch display screen, based on specs revealed by distinguished leaker Ice Universe. The Galaxy S21 FE, alternatively, includes a 6.4-inch show. Identical to the S21 FE, the Galaxy S22 is anticipated to have a show refresh fee of as much as 120Hz. 

If the leaks transform true, the Galaxy S22 will likely be smaller than the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20. As compared, the Galaxy S21 FE falls between the sizes of the Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S21 Plus. 

Learn extra: Forget the Galaxy S22 and get an S21: Main differences between S21, Plus and Ultra

However the Galaxy S22 might have a higher-resolution essential digital camera 

For cameras, the Galaxy S22 is anticipated to have a 50-megapixel large lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. That is based on Twitter leaker Tron, who has a combined observe document relating to reporting on unreleased Samsung merchandise. (He appropriately stated the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would be slimmer than its predecessor, however he additionally stated the Galaxy Z Flip 3 would cost $1,249 whereas it truly starts at $1,000.) The Dutch web site Galaxy Club, which has been posting numerous leaks which have but to be confirmed concerning the Galaxy S22 sequence, additionally says the lineup can have a 50-megapixel essential sensor and a 12-megapixel large sensor. As well as, it suggests the cellphone might have a 10-megapixel entrance digital camera.

If these rumors transform true, the Galaxy S22 can have a a lot sharper essential sensor than the Galaxy S21 FE, however a barely much less sharp selfie digital camera. Samsung’s finances cellphone has a triple-lens digital camera. That is a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera, a 12-megapixel large digital camera and an 8-megapixel telephoto digital camera, in addition to a 32-megapixel front-facing digital camera.

Learn extra: Best camera phone for 2022

The Galaxy S22 will possible run on a more recent and quicker processor 

Efficiency seems to be one space the place the Galaxy S22 might shine over the Galaxy S21 FE. Samsung’s subsequent main Galaxy S entry will possible run on the most recent Qualcomm smartphone processor, referred to as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.

Samsung additionally makes its personal line of Exynos processors, however these chips are normally obtainable solely in sure areas — not together with the US. And that is a disgrace, as a result of the subsequent model of Samsung’s Exynos chip sounds prefer it might probably carry an enormous leap ahead in graphics efficiency. Samsung and AMD are collaborating on a future Exynos chip, which is able to carry high-end gaming options like ray tracing to Samsung telephones. However Samsung and AMD have not revealed additional particulars concerning the chip, comparable to when it will launch or which merchandise it will be in.

The Galaxy S21 FE, by comparability, runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, the identical processor that powers the Galaxy S21. Meaning the cellphone’s efficiency is just like the Galaxy S21, which is able to possible be thought of a previous-generation product within the not-too-distant future.

Learn extra: Galaxy S21 FE vs. Galaxy S21: Every big difference

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But the Galaxy S21 FE is expected to have a bigger battery

Samsung was seemingly focusing on screen size and battery life with its most recent budget phone. The Galaxy S21 FE has a 4,500-mAh battery capacity. The Galaxy S22, on the other hand, is expected to come with only a 3,700-mAh battery, according to leaks from Ice Universe and Galaxy Club. That would make it smaller than the Galaxy S21’s 4,000-mAh battery. But keep in mind that the Galaxy S22 is also rumored to be smaller.

In terms of memory and storage, we’re expecting to see 8GB of RAM and 256GB of space. That’s according to a YouTuber called Super Roader, who claims to be a former employee of Samsung’s wireless division. The amount of RAM we see in the Galaxy S21 FE is similar, with options for either 6GB or 8GB. 

Read more: Galaxy S21 FE vs. S20 FE: Same $700 price, but with notable changes

The Galaxy S22 will likely be more expensive than the Galaxy S21 FE

We don’t know how much the Galaxy S22 phones will cost, and we haven’t seen any reports or rumors that provide an indication of price. But based on last year’s pricing pattern, the Galaxy S22 would be about $800 if Samsung takes the same approach as it did with the Galaxy S21 lineup. 

The Galaxy S21 FE, on the other hand, is priced at $700 for the base model, which has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The price increases to $770 for the 8GB/256GB version.

Read more: 8 quality phones under $200: Our favorite budget phones

Should you buy the Galaxy S22 or the Galaxy S21 FE?

Before a product is actually announced, it’s impossible to know whether you should buy it. Based on the rumors, though, it sounds like the Galaxy S22 will likely be best suited for those who want a more premium device with a sharper camera, faster performance and a more pocket-friendly design. The Galaxy S21 FE is better for those who prioritize screen size and battery life and staying well below the $1,000 threshold. 

For more, check out CNET’s Galaxy S21 FE review. You can also take a look at how the Galaxy S21 FE compares with the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S21, as well as all the rumors we’ve heard about the Galaxy S22.