Galaxy S22 5G Vs Google Pixel 8a

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a
Starting at

Refurbished price:234.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Google Pixel 8A are both compact smartphones running the Android operating system, yet they cater to different user priorities through their design, feature sets, and release timelines. The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, offers a premium build and a versatile camera system. In contrast, the Google Pixel 8A, launched in May 2024, emphasizes long-term software support and advanced computational photography.

Scores

Durability

The expected practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its software support and physical durability.

  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 8A offers an extensive seven years of operating system and security updates, ensuring support until May 2031. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released earlier, received four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates, with support concluding around February 2027. This difference means the Pixel 8A will receive new features and security patches for a considerably longer period.
  • Repairability: The Google Pixel 8A generally presents a more repair-friendly design compared to the Galaxy S22 5G. The Pixel 8A has a repairability score of 4.5 out of 10, with some components being accessible. The Galaxy S22 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, largely due to the extensive use of strong adhesive that complicates battery and screen replacement.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices offer robust construction. The Galaxy S22 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, providing strong resistance against drops and scratches. The Pixel 8A uses Gorilla Glass 3 for its front display and has a plastic back with an aluminum frame.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver capable performance for daily tasks, though their battery behavior and sustained performance characteristics differ.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Google Pixel 8A provides a smooth and responsive user experience, handling typical applications and multitasking efficiently. Users report quick app loading and fluid navigation. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G also offers strong performance for general use, allowing for seamless app switching and media consumption.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 8A is equipped with a larger 4492 mAh battery, which generally provides reliable power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, and some users have noted that it may require more frequent charging, especially with intensive use or when utilizing features like the adaptive display.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM and offer storage options of 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space for applications and files, and supporting effective multitasking.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by vibrant displays, though with some distinctions in brightness and overall presentation.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Pixel 8A feature 6.1-inch OLED displays, delivering deep blacks and vivid colors. They both offer Full HD+ resolutions, ensuring sharp text and clear images for everyday viewing.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 8A's Actua display can reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits, which enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits. Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Screen Aesthetics: While both provide a quality viewing experience, some users have noted that the Pixel 8A has more noticeable bezels around its display.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer strong camera capabilities, but they approach photography with different hardware configurations and software optimizations.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This telephoto lens provides flexibility for capturing distant subjects. The Google Pixel 8A comes with a dual-camera system, featuring a 64 MP main sensor and a 13 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 8A is widely praised for its computational photography, delivering excellent image quality, particularly in everyday and low-light conditions, often outperforming expectations for its category. Its AI-powered features also enhance photo editing. The Galaxy S22 5G also captures vibrant photos with good detail, benefiting from its dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots.
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Pixel 8A's 4K video recording is noted to be impressive in well-lit environments. For audio, some users have reported that the Pixel 8A's speaker output can sound muffled at full volume.

Main camera

50 megapixels

64 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity and utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer. The Pixel 8A features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering slightly newer standards than the Galaxy S22 5G's Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Pixel 8A also includes Face Unlock. Some Pixel 8A users have reported occasional unreliability with the in-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is slightly more compact and lighter, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g. The Pixel 8A measures 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm and weighs 188g. The Galaxy S22 5G boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, while the Pixel 8A has an IP67 rating.

Weight

195 g

188 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Google Pixel 8A each present a compelling package, with user feedback highlighting distinct strengths and areas for consideration.

Users frequently praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its compact form factor, premium build quality, and the versatility of its camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens. However, common criticisms often revolve around its battery life, which some users find to be less than ideal for heavy usage, and occasional performance throttling under sustained demanding tasks.

The Google Pixel 8A receives consistent acclaim for its exceptional camera performance, especially its computational photography capabilities and AI-powered editing features. Its commitment to seven years of software updates is a significant advantage for users seeking long-term device support. Users also generally report good battery life. On the other hand, some users have noted the presence of more prominent display bezels and occasional inconsistencies with the in-display fingerprint sensor.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a premium feel and a dedicated telephoto camera may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value an outstanding camera for everyday photography, extended software longevity, and a clean Android experience will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 8A. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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