For many Samsung Galaxy S22 owners, the arrival of the Galaxy S24 FE presents a tempting opportunity: newer hardware, improved software support, and refreshed design cues—all under the “Fan Edition” banner that promises flagship-like performance at a more accessible price. But does the upgrade deliver enough meaningful improvements to justify the switch? Drawing from real-world user experiences, technical comparisons, and long-term usability insights, this article breaks down whether moving from the S22 to the S24 FE makes practical sense.
Performance and Hardware: A Noticeable Leap?
The jump from the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (depending on region) in the S22 to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S24 FE is one of the most significant upgrades users report. Real-world feedback consistently highlights smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and noticeably better gaming performance—especially in titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, where frame rate stability matters.
Benchmarks confirm this: the S24 FE scores around 30–35% higher on Geekbench 6 than the S22. But raw numbers only tell part of the story. Users who’ve made the switch say the phone feels “snappier in daily use,” with less app reloading when switching between tasks—a common pain point on the older device after extended use.
Display and Design: Subtle but Meaningful Changes
The S22 featured a sleek, compact design with a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the S24 FE expands to a 6.7-inch flat-screen Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. This shift reflects broader market trends toward larger, flatter displays that are easier to protect and more comfortable for media consumption.
Users upgrading from the curved S22 screen often mention an adjustment period. However, most agree the flat display reduces accidental touches and improves touch accuracy—especially with gloves or screen protectors. The brighter peak brightness (up to 1750 nits) also makes outdoor visibility significantly better, a detail frequently praised in sunny climates.
Design-wise, the S24 FE adopts a more industrial look with squared-off edges and a prominent camera bar reminiscent of the standard S24 series. While some miss the S22’s sleeker curves, others appreciate the sturdier feel and improved grip, particularly when using the phone one-handed with modern app layouts.
Camera Improvements: Worth the Hype?
The S22’s triple-lens setup was strong in its time, but the S24 FE introduces a completely reworked system: a 50MP main sensor (vs. 50MP on S22), a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. More importantly, software enhancements powered by the Gen 2 chip make a noticeable difference.
Real user reviews highlight sharper detail in low-light shots, better color accuracy, and reduced noise in night mode. The new AI-powered Single Take and Portrait Mode features receive consistent praise for simplifying photography without sacrificing quality. One user noted: “I used to rely on my DSLR for portraits. Now, the S24 FE handles 80% of what I need.”
“Smartphone cameras aren’t just about megapixels anymore—they’re about computational intelligence. The S24 FE leverages AI far more effectively than the S22 ever could.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens Weekly
That said, casual photographers may not notice dramatic differences in well-lit conditions. The upgrade shines most in challenging lighting and zoom scenarios, where the S24 FE’s dedicated telephoto lens outperforms the S22’s digital zoom limitations.
Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Your Device
One of the most compelling arguments for upgrading is software support. Samsung guarantees four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S24 FE. In contrast, the S22, launched in 2022, will likely stop receiving OS updates after Android 16 (expected late 2025), leaving it behind in features and security.
For users who keep phones for three years or more, this extended support window is critical. It means access to future AI tools, improved privacy controls, and compatibility with emerging apps that may drop support for older platforms.
Additionally, the S24 FE ships with One UI 6.1 out of the box, offering enhanced customization, better tablet-like multitasking, and tighter integration with Samsung’s ecosystem—features that aren’t fully backported to older models.
User Experience Comparison: Real Stories from Upgraders
To understand the day-to-day impact, consider Maria T., a freelance designer from Austin who upgraded her S22 after 28 months of use. Her workflow relies heavily on Adobe Fresco and Slack, both of which became sluggish on her aging device.
“The S22 started freezing during sketch sessions. After switching to the S24 FE, everything loads instantly. The larger screen helps with canvas navigation, and the stylus-like precision in drawing apps has cut my editing time in half.”
Meanwhile, James L., a college student, found the upgrade less transformative. “My S22 still handled TikTok, Instagram, and notes fine. The S24 FE is nicer, sure—but not $799-nicer. I wish I’d waited for a sale.”
These contrasting experiences reflect a key insight: the value of the upgrade depends heavily on how intensely you use your phone and whether your current device shows signs of slowdown.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung S22 | Samsung S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display | 6.1\" Curved AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.7\" Flat AMOLED, 120Hz, 1750 nits |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP (improved optics & AI) |
| Battery | 3700 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| OS Update Support | Up to Android 16 (est.) | Up to Android 20 (est.) |
| Starting Price (Launch) | $799 | $799 |
Upgrade Checklist: Is the S24 FE Right for You?
Before making the move, consider these factors:
- Is your S22 slowing down? Frequent app reloads, lag in settings, or overheating during normal use signal diminishing returns.
- Do you value longer software support? If you plan to keep your phone beyond 2026, the S24 FE offers up to four additional years of updates.
- Are you missing key features? Larger screen, better speakers, improved haptics, and IP68 dust/water resistance (same on both) matter depending on usage.
- Can you get a trade-in deal? Carriers and Samsung often offer $200–$300 off with a qualifying trade-in, making the effective cost much lower.
- Are you invested in the Samsung ecosystem? Seamless links with Galaxy Buds, Watch, and SmartThings improve with newer devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my S22 cases and accessories work with the S24 FE?
No. Due to different dimensions, camera layout, and flat vs. curved screen design, cases and screen protectors are not interchangeable. You’ll need to purchase new ones.
Does the S24 FE support wireless power sharing?
Yes, like the S22, the S24 FE supports Wireless PowerShare, allowing you to charge compatible earbuds, watches, or other phones by placing them on the back.
Is the battery life significantly better?
Yes. Despite similar efficiency gains, the S24 FE’s 4400 mAh battery provides roughly 25–30% longer screen-on time compared to the S22’s 3700 mAh cell, especially with adaptive refresh rate and AI power management.
Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?
The Samsung S24 FE is not a revolutionary leap, but it is a substantial evolution. For users whose S22 is showing performance fatigue, the upgrade delivers smoother operation, better cameras, a more durable design, and critically, longer software relevance.
If you're a power user, creative professional, or someone who keeps phones for three+ years, the S24 FE is absolutely worth the upgrade—especially with carrier promotions. However, if your S22 still performs well and you mainly use social media, messaging, and streaming, the improvement may feel incremental rather than essential.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?