Galaxy S22 preorders tipped to start in February to make way for the S21 FE

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Leaked Render
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Leaked Render (Image credit: Digit / Onleaks)

Update, Oct 28 (5:00 p.m. ET): More hints of S22 launch delay

What you need to know

  • Samsung is reportedly still preparing to launch the Galaxy S21 FE.
  • The launch could take place in January, which would lead to Samsung delaying the Galaxy S22 launch.
  • If true, the Galaxy S22 series could launch in February, sometime around Mobile World Congress.

Apparently, the Galaxy S21 FE is still on. According to the latest from SamMobile, the device is still set to be launched, although it may arrive later than expected, which could affect the Galaxy S22 launch.

SamMobile says that the Galaxy S21 FE could launch in January, meaning it'll miss the holiday season, a crucial time for companies to promote and sell their best Android phones.

This would be around the time the Galaxy S22 series was expected to launch, which would likely conflict. Instead of following the Galaxy S21 series with a January launch, Samsung could then delay the S22 series to February to give the S21 FE some breathing room.

Leaker Ice Universe also hinted that the Galaxy S21 FE could arrive alongside the S22 series. However, that tweet has since been deleted, suggesting this might not actually be the case.

The situation with the S21 FE has been an interesting one, with leaks and rumors playing a tug-of-war on whether or not we'll actually get the device. Given the semiconductor shortage, Samsung has reportedly run into production issues with the device, putting its launch into question.

Of course, until Samsung gives the word, we should take this all with a grain of salt. Android Central has reached out to Samsung regarding its plans and will update if we hear back.

However, given these delays and production troubles, Samsung would probably be better off canceling the Galaxy S21 FE and launching its next flagship series in January (or even December), especially since the S22 series is likely right around the corner with what could be some very enticing changes.

Update, Oct 28 (5:00 p.m. ET) ― Prosser corroborates S22 launch delay

Following rumblings earlier this month that the Galaxy S22 series might be delayed, leaker Jon Prosser is now corroborating the rumors that the new flagships won't arrive in January.

According to Prosser, Samsung is tipped to open preorders for the S22 series during the second week of February, putting it behind last year's launch of the S21 series.

Given the current belief that the S21 FE is actually on its way, it's not entirely surprising that Samsung would push back its flagships. What's really surprising is that Samsung is still apparently pushing through with the S21 FE.

That said, Prosser does not have exact dates for the S22 launch, but he does indicate when exactly we should expect the S21 FE to launch.

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Derrek Lee
News Editor

Derrek is a long-time Nokia and LG fanboy who loves astronomy, videography, and sci-fi movies. When he's not working, he's most likely working out or smoldering at the camera.