Galaxy S22 5G Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £859.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£395.25

Versus £917.17 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro, launched in late 2024, represent different generations of flagship Android smartphones. While both offer a premium mobile experience, the Pixel 9 Pro benefits from more recent advancements in processing power and camera technology, alongside Google's distinct software approach. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer different user interfaces and software philosophies.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and manufacturer support policies are key factors.

  • Software Support: The Google Pixel 9 Pro, released in late 2024, is designed to receive seven years of operating system and security updates, extending its software longevity significantly. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in early 2022, was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning its official software support will conclude sooner.
  • Durability Features: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S22 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back, while the Pixel 9 Pro incorporates the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 9 Pro's extended update policy more appealing. The Galaxy S22 5G remains a capable device, but its software update cycle is nearing its end compared to the Pixel 9 Pro.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Google's custom-designed Tensor G4 processor, which is optimized for advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, contributing to smooth operation and efficient handling of complex computations. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a flagship processor from its release year, providing robust performance for general use and multitasking.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the Pixel 9 Pro can expect a highly responsive experience, particularly with AI-driven features and demanding applications, due to its newer processor and potentially higher RAM configurations. The Galaxy S22 5G offers capable performance for everyday apps and moderate multitasking, though it may show its age with the most intensive tasks compared to a newer device.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 Pro typically includes a larger battery capacity, around 4700 mAh, which generally translates to extended usage times for many users. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, which for heavy users, may require more frequent charging throughout the day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is heavily influenced by its display technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature vibrant OLED display technology, offering deep blacks and rich colors. The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels, providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy S22 5G has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering a clear viewing experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9 Pro offers a higher peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, making content highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The Galaxy S22 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits and also features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing a fluid visual experience in most environments.
  • Screen Size and Viewing: The Pixel 9 Pro's slightly larger 6.3-inch display offers a more expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity compared to the Galaxy S22 5G's 6.1-inch screen.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1280 x 2856

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus capabilities, and a 48 MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50 MP wide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 9 Pro excels in computational photography, leveraging its processor for advanced image processing, particularly in low-light conditions and for features like Best Take. The Galaxy S22 5G delivers consistently good photos in various conditions, with strong detail and vibrant colors, and offers capable video recording.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Pixel 9 Pro includes a high-resolution 42 MP front camera, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the Pixel 9 Pro offering features like Night Sight Video and Video Boost for enhanced results.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

42 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Google Pixel 9 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more stable wireless connections. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Both devices include 5G connectivity for high-speed mobile data and utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, lacking a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both smartphones incorporate under-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Pixel 9 Pro also features face recognition, as does the Galaxy S22 5G.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 9 Pro has dimensions of 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm and weighs 199g, featuring a silky matte glass back and polished aluminum frame. The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device at 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame.

Weight

168 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G often highlights its compact form factor and vibrant display as significant advantages, making it comfortable for one-handed use. Some users have noted that its battery life can be a limitation for those with heavy usage patterns. The camera system is generally praised for its versatility and consistent results in various lighting conditions.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro receives considerable acclaim for its advanced camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features that enhance image quality across different scenarios. Users also appreciate its clean Android experience and the promise of extended software support. Some discussions have mentioned occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues, though overall battery performance is generally considered good.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a proven camera system and a familiar Android interface may find the Galaxy S22 5G suitable. Conversely, those who value the latest advancements in AI-driven features, extended software longevity, and a powerful computational photography experience will likely lean towards the Pixel 9 Pro. For individuals seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new devices.

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