The Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 7 are two of the most popular Android smartphones on the market. As the latest flagship phones from Samsung and Google respectively, these phones boast top-of-the-line specs and features.
But which one is better for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 7 across several key categories to help you decide which phone best fits your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Google Pixel 7 |
| Display | 6.1″ Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.3″ OLED, 90Hz |
| Camera | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 3700 mAh | 4355 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, 20W wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner | Optical under-display fingerprint scanner |
| Software | One UI based on Android 12 | Stock Android 13 |
| S Pen Support | Yes | No |
| Price | $699/$749 (launch) | $599/$699 |
Design And Display
The Samsung Galaxy S22 features a premium glass and metal design with a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. The nearly bezel-less Infinity-O display has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and visuals. Overall, the S22 has an elegant, refined look and feels great in hand.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 7 opts for a distinctive metal camera bar on the back with a 6.3-inch OLED display up front. The 90Hz display is slightly less smooth than the S22 but still offers excellent brightness and vivid colors. The Pixel 7 design feels fun and modern compared to the more conservative S22.
Both phones have slim, compact designs that make one-handed use comfortable. The S22 is IP68 water and dust resistant, while the Pixel 7 is IP67 rated.
Camera
The Galaxy S22 has a triple rear camera array: a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. This versatile camera system excels at taking photos in any lighting, with excellent detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The 10MP selfie camera also takes natural-looking self-portraits.
Pixel phones are known for their computational photography prowess, and the Pixel 7 is no exception. Its dual rear 50MP cameras take stunning photos and 4K video with accurate colors, great exposures, and superb detail using Google’s computational photography software magic. The 11.1MP selfie camera also captures fantastic portraits.
Overall, both camera systems are excellent. But the Pixel 7 gets the edge with its intelligent software enhancements and superb night photography capabilities.
Performance And Battery Life
The Galaxy S22 is powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chip, depending on region. Both processors deliver blazing fast performance perfect for gaming, multitasking, and productivity. The phone also packs 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage. With a 3700 mAh battery, the S22 will last a full day with typical use.
Google’s new Tensor G2 chip powers the Pixel 7 for smooth performance across the Android interface, apps, gaming, camera, and AI features. There’s also 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage. The 4355 mAh battery provides all-day endurance despite the lower capacity compared to the S22.
Both phones offer super fast performance and good battery life. The S22 has the edge for more demanding users with its high-end chip and extra RAM. But the Pixel 7 is no slouch and benefits from Google’s AI-focused Tensor chip optimizations.
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Software And Features
A key advantage of the Pixel 7 is that it runs pure stock Android 13 software designed by Google. This results in a streamlined interface, intuitive user experience, and regular software updates. In contrast, Samsung phones run One UI based on Android. While feature-packed, One UI is occasionally cluttered compared to stock Android. However, Samsung promises 4 years of major Android OS updates for the S22.
The Galaxy S22 also comes with the robust S Pen stylus and Samsung DeX desktop mode – unique capabilities not offered by the Pixel 7. But the Pixel 7 counters with exclusive Google features like the Recorder app’s automatic transcriptions and Call Screen. Both phones offer the full suite of Google apps and services.
With stock Android 13 and exclusive Google features, the Pixel 7’s software experience feels more cohesive and hassle-free. But Samsung’s One UI offers greater flexibility for power users.
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Price And Value
The Samsung Galaxy S22 launched at $799/$849 for 128/256GB models. After discounts, you can now find it for around $700/$750. Meanwhile, the Pixel 7 is aggressively priced from just $599/$699 for 128/256GB configurations.
Considering its lower cost, the Pixel 7 offers incredible value. You get the latest Google software, advanced camera capabilities, and solid performance at an affordable price point. But the S22 remains a premium option with extras like the S Pen and refined hardware design.
Ultimately, the Pixel 7 gives you more bang for your buck, especially for camera quality and software. But the Galaxy S22 is worth the extra cost for some buyers who prioritize performance and design.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Pixel 7 competes closely with the S22 offering excellent camera quality, the latest Google software, and great value at a lower cost. But the S22 remains a premium option with a more powerful processor, refined hardware design, S Pen support, and greater software flexibility.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the most direct Samsung competitor to the Google Pixel 7 in terms of price, release date, and overall capabilities. The S22 matches the Pixel 7 in core areas like display quality, battery life, camera specs, and flagship-level performance.
There is no definitive winner for reliability between Samsung and Pixel phones. Both Samsung and Google use premium components for their flagships.
Historically, Pixel phones have had some hardware issues but offered a smoother software experience versus occasional bugs with Samsung’s heavy One UI skin. For most users, either brand will likely be quite reliable over a 2-3 year lifespan.
The S22 Ultra is an excellent choice if you want the best Samsung phone available right now with an S Pen, great cameras, and top specs. However, waiting for the Pixel 7 Pro makes sense if you want the very latest from Google.
Expected in October 2022, the 7 Pro will likely outdo the regular Pixel 7 with upgraded cameras, display, battery and performance. Unless you need a new phone urgently, holding out for the 7 Pro could be worthwhile.
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The Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 both represent the pinnacle of Android technology with their cutting-edge designs, displays, cameras, and performance. Choosing between them comes down to your budget and preferences:
- Go for the Samsung S22 if you want top-tier power for gaming and multitasking, premium build quality, the S Pen, and greater software customization.
- Pick the Pixel 7 if you want the latest pure Android software directly from Google, excellent camera quality aided by AI, and good value at an affordable price.
Either way, you can’t go wrong. The Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 are two of the best Android flagships you can buy today.