Galaxy S22 5G Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

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Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €640.98 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both high-end Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 5G emphasizes a compact design and a versatile camera system, the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on advanced computational photography and a larger, immersive display. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer different interpretations through Samsung's One UI and Google's more stock Android experience, respectively.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to receive updates until Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The Pixel 7 Pro, launched later in 2022, initially offered three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. However, Google has since extended this to five years of OS updates (until Android 18, expected 2027) and five years of security updates (until October 2027), aligning its software support duration closely with Samsung's policy for these models.
  • Repairability: The repairability of both phones presents different challenges. The Galaxy S22 5G has received mixed repairability scores, with some assessments giving it a 7.5 out of 10, while others, like iFixit, rated it lower at 3 out of 10. Strong adhesive for the battery and screen is a common point of difficulty, though some internal components are noted as being accessible. The Pixel 7 Pro generally scores around 5.5 out of 10 in repairability, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward but battery replacements proving more complex due to adhesive and a soldered charging port.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are designed for several years of use, supported by their respective update policies. Users can expect both to remain functional and secure for a considerable period, with the Pixel 7 Pro potentially receiving OS feature updates for a slightly longer duration due to Google's extended support.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and demanding applications like gaming.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a current-generation processor, either the Exynos 2200 in some regions or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in others, providing robust performance for everyday use and multitasking. The Pixel 7 Pro features Google's Tensor G2 processor, designed to optimize machine learning tasks and deliver a smooth Android experience. Both processors handle demanding apps and multitasking effectively, though some Pixel 7 Pro users have noted that the device can become warm during intensive tasks, and graphical performance in high-end games might show limitations compared to some competitors.
  • RAM and Storage: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, with storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Pixel 7 Pro offers 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for extensive multitasking, and comes with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, which many users report often requires a midday charge, especially with heavy usage. It supports 25W wired fast charging. The Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 5000 mAh battery. While some users achieve all-day battery life with careful optimization, others find its endurance to be average, particularly when using the high-resolution display at full brightness or engaging in demanding activities. It supports 23W wired charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 425 pixels per inch (ppi). This provides a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, yielding a pixel density of around 512 ppi. This higher resolution on a larger screen offers greater detail and clarity.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer excellent brightness levels, with the Galaxy S22 5G reaching a peak of 1300 nits and the Pixel 7 Pro achieving up to 1500 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Both devices also feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid user interface experience.
  • Screen Protection and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 5G is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering enhanced durability against drops and scratches. The Pixel 7 Pro uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The larger screen of the Pixel 7 Pro provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity, while the Galaxy S22 5G's smaller display makes it more manageable for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. This configuration provides versatility for various shooting scenarios. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The Pixel's telephoto lens offers a greater optical zoom range.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G delivers strong photo quality, particularly in well-lit conditions, with vibrant colors and good detail. The Pixel 7 Pro is highly praised for its computational photography, producing excellent still images with natural colors, impressive detail, and strong low-light performance. Its advanced software features, such as Photo Unblur and improved Super Res Zoom, enhance image quality.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S22 5G can record video up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second and 4K at 30/60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 Pro records video up to 4K at 60 frames per second. While both offer good video capabilities, some Pixel 7 Pro users have noted inconsistencies in video quality, such as noticeable exposure shifts or choppy zoom transitions. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption, though some Pixel 7 Pro users have described its speakers as lacking bass.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Pixel 7 Pro support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to the latest mobile network speeds. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Pixel 7 Pro offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, providing slightly faster and more stable wireless connections in compatible environments. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security Features: For biometric security, the Galaxy S22 5G relies on an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 7 Pro offers both an under-display optical fingerprint scanner and facial recognition for unlocking the device. Some Pixel 7 Pro users have reported the facial recognition can be inconsistent, especially in low light, and the fingerprint scanner, while improved, can still require multiple attempts.
  • Design and Build Materials: The Galaxy S22 5G features a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) with an aluminum frame, offering a premium feel and IP68 dust and water resistance. Its compact dimensions (146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) and lighter weight (167 grams) make it comfortable for one-handed use. The Pixel 7 Pro also uses a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus) with an aluminum frame and IP68 rating. It is a larger device (162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm) and heavier (212 grams), providing a more substantial feel. Some Pixel 7 Pro users have noted that the camera bar can be prone to scratches without a case.

Weight

195 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and Google Pixel 7 Pro each offer compelling features, catering to different user preferences. User feedback often praises the Galaxy S22 5G for its compact size, premium build, and vibrant display, making it a comfortable device for everyday handling. However, a frequent criticism revolves around its battery life, which many users find insufficient for a full day of heavy use, often necessitating a midday charge.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is widely acclaimed for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography and advanced zoom features, which consistently produce high-quality still images. Its larger, high-resolution display is also a highlight for media consumption. Some common concerns among users include the device's tendency to warm up during intensive tasks and occasional inconsistencies in video recording quality.

Users prioritizing a more compact form factor, a consistently bright display, and a refined user interface may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who place a premium on advanced photography features, a larger and sharper display, and a clean Android experience with Google's unique software enhancements will likely lean towards the Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices represent solid choices in the Android ecosystem, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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