For users still enjoying a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the question isn’t whether it’s a capable phone—it absolutely is. But with newer models like the S22 Plus now established in the market, many are weighing whether the upgrade justifies the cost. After all, smartphones aren’t cheap, and jumping to a new flagship every two years only makes sense if the benefits are tangible. This analysis dives deep into the practical differences between the S20 FE and the S22 Plus, focusing on real-world improvements in performance, camera quality, display, battery life, and software support.
Performance: A Noticeable Leap in Speed and Efficiency
The S20 FE runs on either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region—both solid chips for their time. However, the S22 Plus upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 in select markets), built on a more advanced 4nm process. This translates to faster CPU and GPU performance, better multitasking, and improved efficiency under load.
In everyday use, the difference may not feel revolutionary. Apps open slightly quicker, animations are smoother, and gaming at high settings becomes more consistent. But where the S22 Plus truly pulls ahead is thermal management and sustained performance. The S20 FE can throttle during extended gaming or video editing, while the S22 Plus maintains higher frame rates for longer thanks to its updated architecture and vapor chamber cooling system.
Camera Improvements: Sharper Photos, Better Low Light
The S20 FE features a solid triple-camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It performs well in daylight but struggles in low light and lacks advanced processing. The S22 Plus retains a similar configuration but enhances every aspect: a larger 50MP main sensor, improved pixel binning (2.4µm effective), and a more powerful image signal processor.
In practice, photos from the S22 Plus exhibit greater dynamic range, finer detail, and significantly better noise reduction in dim environments. Night mode is faster and produces cleaner results. The ultrawide lens also sees improvements in edge sharpness and color accuracy. While both phones shoot 3x zoomed images, the S22 Plus leverages AI super-resolution to enhance digital zoom up to 10x with usable results.
“Camera hardware matters, but processing is king. The S22 Plus benefits from Samsung’s latest AI-driven enhancements, making it one of the most consistent shooters in mixed lighting.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst
Display and Design: Subtle Refinements That Add Up
The S20 FE has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a standout feature at its launch. The S22 Plus ups the ante with a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that’s brighter (up to 1750 nits peak), more power-efficient, and protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ instead of Victus.
While the resolution is nearly identical, the S22 Plus offers a flatter screen curve, reducing accidental touches and improving touch accuracy. The build feels more premium too: aluminum frame, slimmer bezels, and a more compact footprint despite the larger display. The overall design is sleeker and more refined, aligning with Samsung’s current flagship aesthetic.
| Feature | S20 FE | S22 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5” FHD+ | 6.6” FHD+ |
| Brightness (Peak) | 1200 nits | 1750 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
| Glass Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 (front), Victus (back) | Victus+ (front and back) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
The adaptive refresh rate on the S22 Plus is a major efficiency win. It dynamically scales from 48Hz to 120Hz based on content, extending battery life without sacrificing smoothness. On the S20 FE, the 120Hz mode is fixed or limited to 60Hz for certain apps, leading to faster drain.
Battery and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity
The S20 FE packs a 4500mAh battery, while the S22 Plus has a slightly smaller 4500mAh unit (despite rumors of 5000mAh). However, thanks to the more efficient chipset and adaptive display, the S22 Plus often lasts longer on a single charge—especially with mixed usage.
One trade-off: charging speed. The S20 FE supports 25W wired fast charging; the S22 Plus caps at 25W as well, but Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box. Wireless charging remains at 15W, and reverse wireless charging is available on both.
If you're someone who drains your phone by mid-afternoon on the S20 FE, the S22 Plus likely won’t double your endurance, but you’ll see about 1–2 extra hours of screen-on time due to smarter power management.
Software and Long-Term Value
This is where the upgrade calculus shifts. The S20 FE launched with Android 10 and is eligible for three OS upgrades (up to Android 13) and four years of security patches. As of 2024, it’s nearing the end of its major update cycle.
In contrast, the S22 Plus launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed updates up to Android 16, with security patches through 2027. That means four more years of new features, privacy enhancements, and compatibility with future apps.
If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, this longevity is invaluable. Newer Samsung features like improved DeX support, enhanced Knox security, and AI-powered tools roll out primarily to supported devices. Staying current ensures access to these innovations.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah has used her S20 FE since 2021. She loves the size and durability but noticed slowdowns in multitasking and frustration with blurry night photos. After testing an S22 Plus at a store, she was impressed by how quickly the camera focused in low light and how smoothly her work apps ran side-by-side. She also values the longer software support, as she tends to keep phones for four years. For her, the $300 upgrade cost (after trade-in) justified the performance gains and future-proofing. Six months later, she reports better battery consistency and fewer app crashes—small wins that add up daily.
Upgrade Checklist: Is the S22 Plus Right for You?
Before making the move, consider these factors:
- ✅ Are you experiencing noticeable lag or app crashes on your S20 FE?
- ✅ Do you take a lot of photos, especially in low light or while traveling?
- ✅ Do you want at least three more years of software updates?
- ✅ Is screen brightness or outdoor visibility becoming an issue?
- ✅ Are you using a case and screen protector that won’t transfer?
- ❌ Are you satisfied with current performance and camera quality?
- ❌ Can you wait for the S23 or S24 series, which may offer better value?
If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives, the upgrade makes sense. If you’re happy with your S20 FE, extending its life with a battery replacement (~$60) might be the smarter financial move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my S20 FE accessories work with the S22 Plus?
Most cases won’t fit due to different dimensions and camera layout. However, screen protectors designed for flat 6.6-inch displays may work if precisely aligned. USB-C cables and wireless chargers remain fully compatible.
Is the S22 Plus worth it over the S22 or S23 models?
The S22 Plus offers better battery and screen size than the base S22, making it a sweet spot. The S23 series brings incremental improvements, but prices are higher. If you find a discounted S22 Plus, it often provides better value than a new base S23.
Can I expect better call quality or speaker volume?
Audio quality is similar—both have stereo speakers tuned by AKG. Call clarity is excellent on both, though the S22 Plus has slightly better noise cancellation in windy environments thanks to upgraded mics.
Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?
The Samsung S22 Plus isn’t a revolutionary leap from the S20 FE, but it’s a meaningful evolution. If you’re a power user who values camera quality, long-term software support, and smoother performance, the upgrade pays off. Casual users who are satisfied with their current device may find the change subtle and not worth the investment.
Ultimately, it comes down to your usage patterns and how long you intend to keep the phone. For those planning to hold onto their device until 2026 or beyond, the S22 Plus offers peace of mind with guaranteed updates and modern hardware efficiency.
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