Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Google Pixel 9

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

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Starting at

Refurbished price:386.00

Versus €1,066.71 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 9, launched in August 2024, represent different generations of Android smartphones. While both devices offer a premium experience, the Pixel 9 benefits from more recent advancements in processing power and software longevity, whereas the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, as an earlier model, provides a robust feature set from its release year. Both operate on the Android platform, but with distinct approaches to software and hardware integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an earlier model compared to the Google Pixel 9, which launched in August 2024. This difference in release date inherently impacts their remaining support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was promised 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates from its launch, meaning its major OS updates concluded around early 2026, with security updates extending until February 2027. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 offers an extended commitment of 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates, projecting support until August 2031. This makes the Pixel 9 a more suitable option for users prioritizing long-term software support.
  • Repairability and Build: Both devices feature durable constructions with glass fronts and aluminum frames, offering IP68 dust and water resistance. While specific repairability scores can vary, both are designed with modern smartphone repair considerations.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and these two models offer different capabilities based on their respective release periods.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9, with its more recent processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with enhanced efficiency and responsiveness. Users can expect smoother transitions and quicker app loading times. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, while powerful for its time, provides solid performance for everyday use and moderate gaming, though it may show its age with the most intensive tasks compared to newer devices.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 features a 4700 mAh battery, with users reporting it comfortably lasts a full day, even with significant use. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy usage might require a midday charge.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer 128GB and 256GB storage options. The Pixel 9 typically comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to its smooth multitasking capabilities. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G usually features 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a significant aspect of smartphone usage, and both devices offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Google Pixel 9 feature OLED display technology, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch Actua display offers a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9 boasts impressive peak brightness levels of up to 2700 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also offers a bright display with a peak brightness of 1750 nits. Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and a responsive user interface.
  • Screen Size and Viewing: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch display provides a more compact form factor while still delivering an immersive viewing experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2424

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a primary consideration for many users, and these devices approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor and a 48 MP ultrawide sensor, which includes macro focus. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G offers a triple-camera system, comprising a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 does not include a dedicated telephoto lens on its base model.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 9 is praised for its consistent point-and-shoot performance, excellent low-light capabilities, and detailed images, often leveraging its advanced computational photography. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G delivers versatile photography with its telephoto lens, offering good results in various conditions, though some users noted its performance with moving subjects or in very low light could be improved compared to some rivals.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording, with the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G also capable of 8K video. The Pixel 9 has a 10.5 MP front camera with autofocus, while the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a 10 MP front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Google Pixel 9 features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering more current wireless standards. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For authentication, both phones incorporate an under-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition. The Pixel 9's ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is noted for its speed and accuracy.
  • Design and Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195-196g. The Pixel 9 is slightly more compact at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm and weighs 198g. Both feature premium glass and aluminum constructions with IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Weight

195 g

198 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.3

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 Plus 5G and the Google Pixel 9 cater to users with varying priorities. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, a device from early 2022, is often praised for its vibrant display, versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, and premium build quality. Some users noted that its battery life, while solid for moderate use, might not always keep up with heavy demands, and its camera performance with moving subjects could be inconsistent.

The Google Pixel 9, released in late 2024, receives commendation for its significantly improved battery life, exceptional point-and-shoot camera capabilities, particularly in low light, and an industry-leading 7 years of software support. Criticisms sometimes point to the absence of a telephoto lens on the base model and, occasionally, benchmark performance not matching some rivals, though real-world usage is generally smooth.

Users prioritizing a longer software support window and consistent, high-quality computational photography, especially in diverse lighting conditions, may find the Google Pixel 9 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a dedicated optical zoom lens, a slightly larger display, and a proven, feature-rich Android experience from a slightly earlier generation might lean towards the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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