Galaxy S22 5G Vs Google Pixel Fold

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £859.00 new

See options
Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel Fold
Starting at

Refurbished price:£371.00

Versus £1,499.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, is a traditional smartphone offering a compact design and a comprehensive camera system. In contrast, the Google Pixel Fold, launched in June 2023, introduces a foldable form factor, providing both a standard outer display and a larger, tablet-like inner screen. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they offer distinct user experiences due to their fundamental design differences and software approaches.

Scores

Durability

The lifespan of a device is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices, while both Android, have different expectations for longevity.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, making it an earlier model compared to the Google Pixel Fold, which launched in June 2023.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G is expected to receive Android OS upgrades up to Android 16 and security updates until early 2027, offering approximately five years of security support from its release. The Pixel Fold, being a newer device, is guaranteed five years of OS and security updates from its release, extending its support until at least June 2028.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance. The Pixel Fold has a Gorilla Glass Victus cover display and an aluminum frame, but its inner display is plastic, and it carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it lacks official dust resistance. User reports suggest that while the Pixel Fold's hinge is robust, the overall foldable design can be less resilient to certain types of stress compared to traditional slab phones.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Performance in daily use is a key consideration, with both devices offering capable hardware for various tasks, though with different underlying architectures.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a processor designed for strong general performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. The Pixel Fold features a processor optimized for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, contributing to features like advanced computational photography and voice processing.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices offer smooth navigation and app loading for everyday use. The Pixel Fold's larger RAM capacity (12GB compared to the S22's 8GB) can provide a slight advantage in maintaining multiple applications in memory without needing to reload them, which can be beneficial for heavy multitaskers.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller battery capacity, which for heavy users may necessitate more frequent charging throughout the day. The Pixel Fold, despite having a larger battery, powers two displays, and user experiences indicate that its battery life can vary depending on the usage of the inner screen.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and these devices offer fundamentally different screen experiences due to their form factors.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp details with a Full HD+ resolution. The Pixel Fold offers a 5.8-inch OLED cover display and a 7.6-inch foldable OLED inner display. Both screens deliver rich colors and clarity, with the inner display offering a larger canvas for content consumption.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S22 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Pixel Fold's cover display can achieve a peak brightness of 1550 nits, while its inner display reaches 1450 nits, offering strong outdoor visibility.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 5G provides a traditional, compact smartphone viewing experience. The Pixel Fold's dual-screen setup allows for a standard smartphone experience when folded and an expansive, tablet-like experience when unfolded, which is particularly suited for media consumption and productivity.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1840 x 2208

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer advanced camera systems, leveraging different hardware and software philosophies to capture images and videos.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel Fold also has a triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 10.8MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G excels in capturing detailed and vibrant photos in various conditions, including low light, with features like optical image stabilization and advanced autofocus. The Pixel Fold benefits from Google's computational photography, which enhances image quality, particularly in challenging lighting and for features like Real Tone. Its telephoto lens offers greater optical zoom reach.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording high-resolution video. The Galaxy S22 5G supports up to 8K video recording at 24fps, along with various 4K and slow-motion options. The Pixel Fold records up to 4K at 60fps.
  • Audio: Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption. The Pixel Fold also includes multiple microphones for clear call quality and recording.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Options: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S22 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Pixel Fold offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing slightly newer wireless standards.
  • Port Types: Both smartphones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: The Galaxy S22 5G features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel Fold incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which users often find responsive, and also supports face unlock.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 5G is a compact and lightweight device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g. The Pixel Fold is significantly heavier and thicker due to its foldable design, weighing 283g. When folded, it measures 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm, and when unfolded, it is 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mm. This difference impacts one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

168 g

283 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

7.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the Google Pixel Fold cater to different user preferences, primarily distinguished by their form factors and software philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its manageable size, vibrant display, and capable camera system, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a traditional smartphone experience. Some common criticisms have centered on its battery life, particularly for heavy usage.

The Google Pixel Fold is frequently lauded for its innovative foldable design, offering a large inner screen that enhances media consumption and multitasking. Its camera system, bolstered by Google's computational photography, also receives positive remarks. However, user feedback sometimes points to its considerable weight and thickness when folded, the visible crease on the inner display, and concerns about the long-term durability of foldable screens.

Users prioritizing a compact, lightweight device with a proven, durable design and a strong, all-around camera for everyday photography may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value an expansive screen for productivity, reading, or media, and are drawn to the unique experience of a foldable device, might lean toward the Google Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold also appeals to those who appreciate Google's specific software features and AI enhancements. Both devices represent excellent choices within the Android ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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