Galaxy S22 5G Vs Google Pixel 6

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6
Starting at

Refurbished price:£101.00

Versus £649.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, and the Google Pixel 6, launched in late 2021, represent two distinct approaches to the modern Android smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S22 focuses on a compact, high-performance build with a versatile triple-camera system, the Pixel 6 emphasises a unique aesthetic and a software-first approach to photography. Both devices offer 5G connectivity and run on the Android operating system, though they provide different user interfaces—Samsung’s feature-rich One UI versus Google’s streamlined and minimalist Pixel experience. Choosing between them involves weighing physical portability against battery capacity and specific software preferences.

Scores

Durability

The Galaxy S22 5G and Google Pixel 6 offer different expectations for long-term use based on their release dates and manufacturer support policies.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 was released a few months after the Pixel 6 and benefits from a generous update policy, typically receiving four years of major operating system upgrades and five years of security patches. The Pixel 6 follows a similar security timeline but may see its major version updates conclude slightly sooner than the Samsung model.
  • Build Resilience: Both smartphones feature robust glass and metal constructions with high water and dust resistance ratings. However, the Galaxy S22 uses a newer generation of toughened glass on both the front and back, which provides a slight edge in resisting scratches and minor impacts during daily handling.
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with professional servicing in mind, though the availability of parts for a quality-assured refurbished option ensures that these devices can remain functional for many years beyond their initial launch.

Year of Release

2022

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both devices handle everyday tasks with ease, they differ in how they manage power and multitasking over long periods of heavy usage.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 provides a very fluid experience when switching between demanding applications or playing graphics-heavy games, thanks to its efficient internal hardware. The Pixel 6 is equally capable in daily navigation, offering a smooth interface that feels intuitive and responsive to touch inputs.
  • Battery Endurance: The Pixel 6 houses a significantly larger battery capacity compared to the Galaxy S22. In practical terms, users who frequently use GPS, stream video, or work away from a charger may find the Pixel 6 lasts longer through a full day, whereas the S22 may require a top-up during heavy usage.
  • Multitasking: Both phones come equipped with 8GB of memory, which is sufficient for keeping multiple apps open in the background without frequent reloading, ensuring a seamless transition between work and social media.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is one of the most noticeable differences between these two models, affecting everything from one-handed use to media consumption.

  • Fluidity and Motion: The Galaxy S22 features a display with a high refresh rate that can reach 120Hz, making scrolling through lists and animations appear exceptionally smooth. The Pixel 6 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still a significant improvement over standard screens but lacks the peak fluidity found on the Samsung.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Samsung’s display technology is known for reaching very high brightness levels, which makes the screen easier to read under direct sunlight. The Pixel 6 remains legible outdoors but may struggle slightly more in extremely bright environments compared to the S22.
  • Size and Comfort: With a 6.1-inch screen, the Galaxy S22 is much easier to use with one hand. The Pixel 6, featuring a 6.4-inch display, provides more screen real estate for watching videos or reading documents but results in a larger overall footprint.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Photography is a core strength for both devices, though they excel in different areas of image and video capture for everyday users.

  • Zoom Versatility: The Galaxy S22 includes a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for clear photos of distant subjects. The Pixel 6 lacks a physical zoom lens, relying instead on digital processing to crop into images, which may result in less detail when trying to capture far-away objects.
  • Image Processing: The Pixel 6 is widely praised for its ability to capture natural skin tones and high-contrast scenes with balanced exposure. Its software-driven approach to photography often produces striking still images with minimal effort from the user.
  • Video Capabilities: For users who record a lot of video, the Galaxy S22 offers advanced stabilisation and a wider range of recording modes. The microphones on both devices are well-suited for clear voice capture during calls or video recording, though the S22 tends to offer slightly more consistent audio in windy conditions.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, the physical design and connectivity features influence how these phones feel in your pocket and hand during daily life.

  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22 uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor located under the glass, which is generally faster and more reliable even if your fingers are slightly damp. The Pixel 6 uses an optical sensor that some users find requires a more deliberate press to unlock.
  • Physical Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 is notably lighter and thinner, making it a preferred choice for those who dislike bulky devices. The Pixel 6 has a more substantial weight and a distinctive horizontal camera bar that prevents the phone from wobbling when placed on a flat surface.
  • Connectivity Standards: Both smartphones support modern 5G networks and fast Wi-Fi standards, ensuring quick download speeds and stable connections. They both utilise USB-C for charging and data transfer, following the modern standard for universal compatibility.

Weight

167 g

207 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback from various tech communities highlights distinct experiences for both the Galaxy S22 5G and the Google Pixel 6. Owners of the Galaxy S22 frequently praise its compact form factor and the vibrancy of its display, though many note that the battery life can be a limiting factor for power users. Conversely, Pixel 6 users often celebrate the clean software experience and the consistent quality of the still camera, while some have reported occasional inconsistencies with the fingerprint sensor and cellular signal strength in low-coverage areas.

Users who prioritise a compact, lightweight phone that is easy to operate with one hand will likely find the Galaxy S22 5G to be the better fit. It is also the preferred choice for those who value a dedicated zoom lens for photography. On the other hand, users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption and want a battery that can more reliably last through a busy day may lean toward the Google Pixel 6. Both devices remain highly capable choices in the current market. Choosing an eco-friendly alternative like a quality-assured refurbished model allows users to access these features while reducing electronic waste. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value the Samsung's refined hardware and zoom capabilities or the Google's larger display and software-centric photography.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons