Galaxy S22 5G Vs Google Pixel Fold

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

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Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel Fold
Starting at

Refurbished price:454.00

Versus €1,750.29 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, is a traditional slab-style smartphone, offering a familiar and compact design. In contrast, the Google Pixel Fold, launched in June 2023, represents Google's entry into the foldable smartphone market, featuring a unique design that transforms from a standard smartphone into a larger tablet-like display. These devices cater to different user preferences, with the Galaxy S22 focusing on a refined conventional experience and the Pixel Fold prioritizing screen real estate and multitasking capabilities through its adaptable form factor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both offer substantial software support, though the Pixel Fold benefits from a more recent release and Google's updated policy.

  • Software Support: The Google Pixel Fold is set to receive five years of OS and security updates from its release date, extending until at least June 2028. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released earlier, typically receives four to five years of Android OS updates and an additional year or two of security updates, meaning its software support window will close sooner than the Pixel Fold's.
  • Practical Lifespan: The Pixel Fold's newer release date inherently provides a longer practical lifespan in terms of receiving the latest software features and security patches. Both devices are built with durable materials, but the folding mechanism of the Pixel Fold introduces additional considerations for mechanical longevity.
  • Repairability: The Pixel Fold received a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, indicating that while some self-repairs might be challenging, they are generally manageable. The USB-C port, for instance, is attached to the motherboard, making its replacement more complex. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S22 5G is less readily available, but traditional slab phones often present fewer mechanical complexities than foldables.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

The performance of both devices is robust for everyday tasks, though the Pixel Fold, being a newer device, incorporates a more recent generation of processing power.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel Fold features a processor designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for gaming and productivity. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, while still capable, utilizes a processor from an earlier generation, which capably manages daily applications and moderate multitasking.
  • Memory and Storage: The Pixel Fold comes with 12 GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, supporting efficient multitasking and ample space for applications and media. The Galaxy S22 5G typically offers 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, which is suitable for most users but offers less headroom for intensive multitasking or extensive media libraries.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel Fold is equipped with a 4821 mAh battery, which is a larger capacity. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery. User experiences with battery life can vary significantly based on usage patterns, especially with the Pixel Fold's larger internal display.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator, with the Pixel Fold offering a versatile dual-screen setup compared to the Galaxy S22's single, high-quality display.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Google Pixel Fold offers a 5.8-inch OLED cover display and unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch OLED inner display. Both displays on the Pixel Fold are OLED, providing rich visuals.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G has a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 425 ppi. The Pixel Fold's cover display has a resolution of 2092x1080 pixels (408 ppi), and its inner display offers 2208x1840 pixels (380 ppi). Both devices provide clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S22 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The Pixel Fold's cover display can achieve up to 1550 nits peak brightness, while its inner display reaches 1450 nits. The Pixel Fold's inner display may show a visible crease and some users have reported a 'jello effect' in certain situations.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1840 x 2208

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, leveraging their respective manufacturers' strengths in computational photography, but with different hardware configurations.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50 MP wide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Google Pixel Fold also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 48 MP wide lens, a 10.8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel Fold's telephoto lens offers greater optical zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel Fold is praised for its natural color reproduction and Google's advanced image processing, which contributes to balanced and clear photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Galaxy S22 5G delivers vibrant and detailed images, with its camera system offering versatility for various shooting scenarios.
  • Video and Selfie Cameras: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 8K video recording and has a 10 MP front-facing camera. The Pixel Fold includes a 9.5 MP camera on its cover display and an 8 MP camera above its inner display, allowing for flexible selfie options, including using the main rear cameras for high-quality selfies.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two devices, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Pixel Fold supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections in compatible environments, while the Galaxy S22 5G supports Wi-Fi 6. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) with an aluminum frame, offering IP68 dust and water resistance. The Pixel Fold has Gorilla Glass Victus on its cover display and an Ultra Thin Glass with a protective plastic layer on its inner folding display, encased in an aluminum frame. It carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water but lacks official dust resistance.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a compact device, weighing around 167-168 grams. The Pixel Fold is significantly heavier at 283 grams due to its larger screen and folding mechanism. When folded, the Pixel Fold is thicker than the Galaxy S22 5G, but when unfolded, it offers a much larger display area.

Weight

195 g

283 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

7.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Google Pixel Fold cater to distinct user needs, primarily differentiated by their form factors and the experiences they offer. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its compact size, comfortable one-handed use, and consistent performance in a traditional smartphone design. Its camera system is generally well-regarded for producing vibrant images, and its display is noted for its clarity and brightness. Some common criticisms for the Galaxy S22 5G have revolved around its battery life for heavy users.

The Google Pixel Fold, on the other hand, receives acclaim for its innovative folding design, which provides a large internal display for enhanced productivity and media consumption. Users appreciate the wider aspect ratio of its cover screen, making it more usable than some other foldables when closed. Its camera system, benefiting from Google's computational photography, is also a strong point, delivering natural-looking photos. However, the Pixel Fold has faced some criticism regarding its weight and the durability of its inner folding screen, with some users noting the visibility of the crease and a 'jello effect' on the inner display.

Users prioritizing a traditional, compact smartphone experience with reliable performance and a strong camera in a familiar form factor may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a larger screen for multitasking, reading, or media consumption, and are willing to embrace the unique characteristics of a foldable device, may lean toward the Google Pixel Fold. Both devices offer quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking advanced technology with a reduced environmental impact.

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