Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Google Pixel 6A

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 6A
Google Pixel 6A
Starting at

Refurbished price:144.00

Versus €459.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 6A, launched in July 2022, are both Android smartphones that offer distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 Plus aims for a premium, feature-rich experience with advanced hardware, the Pixel 6A focuses on delivering a streamlined software experience and strong computational photography. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they differ in their approach to design, performance, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. Both phones were released in 2022, with the Galaxy S22 Plus arriving earlier in February and the Pixel 6A following in July.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, having launched with Android 12, is typically supported for four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, which would extend its support into early 2027. The Google Pixel 6A was initially promised three years of OS updates and five years of security updates, but Google later extended this, meaning the Pixel 6A will receive OS updates until at least July 2025 and security updates until at least July 2027.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Pixel 6A uses Gorilla Glass 3 for its display and has a plastic back with an aluminum frame, offering IP67 dust and water resistance, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: The Google Pixel 6A generally offers better repairability, with a score of 7 out of 10 in some assessments, partly due to its display being attached with clips and an easier-to-remove battery. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G received a lower repairability score of 3 out of 10, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, making battery and screen replacements more challenging.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in both devices is driven by their respective processors, influencing app loading, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a processor that delivers strong performance for demanding applications and gaming, ensuring smooth operation. The Pixel 6A features Google's Tensor chip, which is optimized for artificial intelligence tasks and provides a fluid user experience for everyday tasks and Google's software features.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Pixel 6A includes 6GB of RAM and is available with 128GB of internal storage. For users who frequently switch between many applications or require more storage for media and files, the Galaxy S22 Plus provides more headroom.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus houses a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with battery life can vary, with some reporting inconsistent performance, especially with heavy use or 5G connectivity. The Pixel 6A has a 4410 mAh battery, and many users find its battery life to be reliable for a full day of moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to charge more frequently. The Pixel 6A supports 18W wired charging but lacks wireless charging capabilities, while the S22 Plus supports 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is shaped by their display technologies and specifications, influencing clarity, color, and smoothness.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 6A has a more compact 6.1-inch OLED display, which also delivers rich colors and good contrast.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S22 Plus offers an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a noticeably smoother scrolling and gaming experience, and can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 6A has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most daily tasks, and its display can achieve around 778-998 nits of peak brightness, offering good visibility in various lighting environments.
  • Resolution and Protection: Both phones feature a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 for S22 Plus, 1080 x 2400 for Pixel 6A), ensuring sharp images and text. The Galaxy S22 Plus is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, while the Pixel 6A uses Gorilla Glass 3.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, though they approach photography with different hardware and software philosophies.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed wide shots, expansive ultrawide views, and clear zoomed-in images. The Pixel 6A relies on a dual-camera system with a 12.2MP main sensor (with OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, Google's computational photography excels at producing high-quality images from its main sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 6A is widely praised for its consistent image processing, producing natural colors and excellent dynamic range, often competing with more expensive phones in still photography, particularly with features like Night Sight and Magic Eraser. The Galaxy S22 Plus delivers good photo quality in most lighting conditions, with improvements in low-light photography compared to its predecessors, and offers more flexibility with its telephoto lens.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps and features a 10MP front camera. The Pixel 6A records video up to 4K at 60fps and includes an 8MP front camera. Both offer good quality for video calls and selfies, though the S22 Plus provides higher resolution video capture.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12.2 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data speeds. The Galaxy S22 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering access to less congested network bands, while the Pixel 6A supports Wi-Fi 6. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both phones feature an under-display fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S22 Plus also includes face recognition for an additional biometric option.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S22 Plus is a larger device, measuring 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighing 195g, offering a more expansive screen but a less compact feel. The Pixel 6A is more compact and lighter at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm and 178g, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The Galaxy S22 Plus uses a glass and aluminum construction, providing a premium feel, while the Pixel 6A combines a glass front with a plastic back and an aluminum frame.

Weight

195 g

178 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

Users frequently praise the Galaxy S22 Plus for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and premium build quality. Its faster charging and wireless charging capabilities are also often highlighted as convenient features. Some users, however, might find its larger size less ideal for one-handed operation or report inconsistent battery life with heavy use.

On the other hand, the Google Pixel 6A receives consistent acclaim for its exceptional computational photography, delivering impressive photos even with less advanced hardware. Its compact size and the clean, optimized Android experience are also strong points for many users. Frequent concerns from users include the 60Hz display feeling less smooth compared to higher refresh rate phones, the absence of wireless charging, and its plastic back, which some find less premium.

Users prioritizing a larger, brighter, and smoother display with a dedicated telephoto camera and robust build materials may find the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus better suited to their needs. Conversely, users who prioritize computational photography, a clean software experience, and a more manageable size may lean toward the Google Pixel 6A. Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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