Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Vs Google Pixel 7

Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£140.99

Versus £649.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, are both advanced Android smartphones that offer distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 Ultra emphasizes a comprehensive feature set with a large display and versatile camera system, the Pixel 7 focuses on a streamlined Android experience and advanced computational photography. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was released in February 2022, and Samsung initially committed to four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the device. This means it is expected to receive major Android updates until around early 2026 and security patches until early 2027. The Google Pixel 7, released in October 2022, initially promised three years of OS upgrades, but Google later extended its commitment to five years of both OS and security updates, with support extending until October 2027.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, suggesting a similar physical resilience to everyday elements. However, the Pixel 7's extended OS update policy provides a slightly longer period of receiving the latest Android features and security enhancements, which can contribute to a more current user experience over time.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers offer support and parts for their devices. Users seeking to extend the life of their devices can consider quality-assured refurbished options, which provide a sustainable choice for continued use.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding multimedia. Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Google Pixel 7 offer capable performance for a smooth user experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a high-performance processor designed to handle intensive applications and multitasking with ease, providing a responsive experience for gaming and productivity. The Pixel 7 features Google's custom-designed processor, which is optimized for artificial intelligence tasks and computational photography, contributing to quick app loading and efficient background processes.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G typically offers higher RAM configurations, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking. It also provides a wider range of storage options, including larger capacities. The Pixel 7 comes with ample RAM for smooth daily operation and standard storage options suitable for most users.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G houses a larger battery capacity, which generally translates to extended usage between charges for many users. The Pixel 7, despite having a smaller battery, is optimized for power efficiency, with users often reporting it can last through a full day of typical use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 7 comes with a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, providing a slightly more compact form factor while still delivering rich visuals.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G boasts a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, resulting in a very sharp and detailed image, particularly noticeable on its larger screen. The Pixel 7 offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, which provides clear and crisp visuals for everyday viewing.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G can achieve a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling and animations. The Pixel 7 has a peak brightness of around 1234 nits (though Google claims 1400 nits) and a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth experience for most content.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Google Pixel 7 are recognized for their camera capabilities, though they approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, providing extensive flexibility for various photographic scenarios. The Pixel 7 utilizes a dual-camera system with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, relying heavily on computational photography to enhance image quality, particularly in challenging lighting.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G excels in capturing detailed images across a wide range of zoom levels and offers strong low-light performance. Its multiple lenses provide hardware-based versatility. The Pixel 7 is highly praised for its consistent image processing, natural color reproduction, and exceptional low-light performance through features like Night Sight, often producing impressive results even without a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Video and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports 8K video recording and features a high-resolution 40-megapixel front camera for detailed selfies and video calls. The Pixel 7 offers 4K video recording at 60 frames per second and an upgraded 10.8-megapixel front camera that performs well in various lighting conditions.

Main camera

108 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a larger form factor, measuring 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weighing 228g, which might appeal to users who prefer a more expansive screen. The Pixel 7 is more compact and lighter at 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and 197g, making it potentially easier for one-handed use. Both feature glass backs and aluminum frames, contributing to a premium feel.
  • Unique Features: A significant differentiator for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. The Pixel 7 emphasizes its clean Android interface and unique AI-driven features, such as advanced call screening and real-time translation capabilities. Both devices include in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking.

Weight

228 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G and the Google Pixel 7 cater to different user priorities, each excelling in specific areas. User feedback often praises the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G for its expansive and bright display, its highly versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the integrated S Pen for productivity. Some common criticisms include its larger size and potentially less optimized battery life compared to some competitors, though its 5000 mAh battery is substantial.

The Google Pixel 7 is frequently lauded for its exceptional computational photography, delivering consistent and high-quality images, especially in low light, and its pure Android experience with timely software updates. Users appreciate its more manageable size and the smart AI features. Criticisms sometimes point to its 90Hz display refresh rate being lower than some flagships and its battery life, while solid, not always matching the longest-lasting devices.

Users prioritizing a large, feature-rich device with a highly versatile camera, extensive zoom, and stylus functionality may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a more compact form factor, a streamlined Android experience, and a camera system that excels through intelligent software processing will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 7. Both devices offer robust performance and a premium smartphone experience. For those considering these models, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to acquiring a capable device.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons