Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

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

Refurbished price:194.00

Versus €1,174.01 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 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both high-end Android smartphones. While both devices offer a premium experience, they differentiate themselves primarily through their camera philosophies and software approaches. The Galaxy S22 Plus runs on Samsung's One UI atop Android, offering a feature-rich interface, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro provides a clean, stock Android experience with Google's advanced computational photography and AI integrations.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus was released in February 2022, while the Pixel 7 Pro followed later in October 2022. This eight-month difference means the Pixel 7 Pro benefits from a slightly newer hardware generation and a longer potential support window from its launch date.
  • Software Support: Samsung initially promised four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the S22 Plus. This means the S22 Plus is expected to receive OS updates until Android 16 and security updates until early 2027. The Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, was promised three years of OS updates (up to Android 16) and five years of security updates, extending its security support until October 2027. Both devices are expected to reach their final major Android OS update around Android 16, but the Pixel 7 Pro's security updates extend slightly longer due to its later release.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S22 series generally received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, citing strong adhesive and difficulty with battery and screen replacements. The Pixel 7 Pro received a moderate repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively easy but battery replacements proving complex due to strong adhesive. This suggests that while neither device is exceptionally easy to repair for a casual user, the Pixel 7 Pro may offer a slightly more straightforward repair process for certain components.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for everyday use and gaming. User reports indicate consistent performance, though some noted it could run warm during extended heavy gaming sessions. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its integrated processing unit, is optimized for Google's AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to a very fluid and responsive user interface and efficient handling of complex computational photography.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs. It offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB. The Pixel 7 Pro features 12GB of RAM, providing additional headroom for extensive multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background. It is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. Users generally report solid battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate use, though heavy usage might require a top-up before day's end. The Pixel 7 Pro houses a larger 5000 mAh battery. User experiences suggest good all-day battery life, particularly with the software's adaptive battery optimizations, though intense use of the high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display can impact longevity.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 7 Pro sports a slightly larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, also delivering rich colors and deep blacks. Both offer sharp visuals, with the Pixel 7 Pro having a higher resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels) compared to the S22 Plus (2340 x 1080 pixels), resulting in a slightly higher pixel density for finer detail.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, which also provides good outdoor readability.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which allows for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The adaptive nature helps conserve battery by scaling down the refresh rate when high speeds are not needed.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro are recognized for their advanced camera systems, each with a distinct approach to photography and video capture.

  • Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 7 Pro also boasts a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus delivers strong daylight photos with good detail and vibrant colors. Its low-light performance, enhanced by 'Nightography' features, produces brighter images with reduced noise, though some users note it might not always match the detail of competitors in very challenging conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro excels in computational photography, consistently producing natural-looking images with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. It is particularly praised for its low-light capabilities and features like Real Tone, which accurately renders diverse skin tones. The Pixel's 5x optical zoom also provides greater reach for distant subjects.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording, with the Galaxy S22 Plus offering stable footage and good detail. The Pixel 7 Pro has improved video quality, offering solid stabilization and the ability to record across all three cameras, though some users suggest it still aims to catch up to the video capabilities of some rivals. Both phones provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their stereo speakers offer a good media consumption experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22 Plus features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and supports 2D face unlock. The Pixel 7 Pro also includes an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and offers face unlock, which is convenient for quick access.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy S22 Plus has dimensions of 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, featuring a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+) with an aluminum frame. The Pixel 7 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g, also constructed with a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus) and an aluminum frame. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Weight

195 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and Google Pixel 7 Pro both stand as capable Android smartphones, each with strengths that cater to different user preferences. User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus often praises its vibrant display, solid overall performance, and versatile camera system, particularly for general photography. Some common criticisms include its battery life, which, while generally good, might not always last a full day for heavy users, and its repairability score.

The Pixel 7 Pro is frequently lauded for its exceptional camera capabilities, especially its computational photography and low-light performance, as well as its clean Android experience and strong AI features. User concerns sometimes point to its battery life, which, despite a larger capacity, can be impacted by the high-resolution display, and its moderate repairability.

Users prioritizing a feature-rich, customizable Android experience with a bright, vivid display and a versatile camera for everyday shots may find the Galaxy S22 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its slightly more compact form factor might also appeal to those seeking a balance between screen size and handling. Conversely, users who prioritize cutting-edge computational photography, a pure Android software experience with timely updates, and advanced AI features will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Its extended optical zoom and additional RAM also make it a strong contender for those who push their phone's camera and multitasking capabilities.

Both devices remain strong choices in the refurbished market, offering an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking premium smartphone technology.

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