Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs Google Pixel 7A

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
Google Pixel 7A
Google Pixel 7A
Starting at

Refurbished price:£129.00

Versus £649.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 7A, launched in May 2023, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S22 Plus positions itself as a premium device with a focus on hardware and display technology, the Pixel 7A emphasizes software-driven features and camera performance. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer different interpretations of the Android experience through their respective user interfaces and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, making it an older model compared to the Google Pixel 7A, which launched in May 2023. This difference in release year impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: Google typically provides 5 years of major OS upgrades and security updates for its Pixel A-series phones, meaning the Pixel 7A is expected to receive updates for a longer period from its release date. Samsung, for its flagship S-series, generally offers 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. The Pixel 7A, being a newer device, will likely receive software support for a longer duration into the future compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus.
  • Repairability: The Google Pixel 7A initially received a repairability score of 4/10 from iFixit, which was later uprated to 5/10 after Google provided service manuals. Information regarding a specific repairability score for the Galaxy S22 Plus is less readily available, but both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which can present challenges for user-initiated repairs.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both smartphones is driven by their respective internal components, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a processor designed for high-end performance, capable of handling intensive multitasking, graphic-heavy gaming, and complex applications with responsiveness. The Pixel 7A features a processor that prioritizes efficient AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to smooth navigation and quick processing for photography and voice commands.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8 GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking and allows users to switch between multiple applications without significant slowdowns. Storage options for the Galaxy S22 Plus include 128 GB and 256 GB, while the Pixel 7A is typically available with 128 GB of internal storage, neither offering expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus houses a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing sufficient power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Pixel 7A has a 4385 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, aims to deliver a full day's power, though heavy usage might require a top-up. The Galaxy S22 Plus supports faster wired charging at 45W, compared to the Pixel 7A's 18W wired charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is shaped by their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The Pixel 7A comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display, also offering rich colors and good contrast, in a more compact form factor.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels for S22 Plus, 1080 x 2400 pixels for Pixel 7A), providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday viewing. The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring very smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Pixel 7A offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which also provides a noticeably smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays.
  • Brightness and Protection: The Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The Pixel 7A's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the Galaxy S22 Plus uses the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced durability.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

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

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7A comes with a dual-camera system, highlighted by a 64 MP main sensor with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus excels in capturing detailed images across various focal lengths, with its dedicated telephoto lens providing clear zoomed-in shots. The Pixel 7A leverages Google's computational photography to produce consistently good photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, and offers strong image processing.
  • Video and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Plus is capable of recording video up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and 4K at 30/60fps, along with a 10 MP front camera. The Pixel 7A records video at 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second and features a 13 MP ultrawide front camera, which is beneficial for group selfies. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

64 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. The Galaxy S22 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Pixel 7A also features Wi-Fi 6E and a slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Pixel 7A incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor and support face recognition.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, encased in an aluminum frame, giving it a robust feel. It measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195 g. The Pixel 7A has a plastic back, an aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, measuring 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm and weighing 193.5 g. Both devices offer IP67 or IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Weight

195 g

193 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus often praises its bright and vibrant display, premium build quality, and versatile camera system, particularly the optical zoom capabilities. Some common criticisms have included average battery life for heavy users and performance that, while strong, might not always lead the market. For the Google Pixel 7A, users frequently highlight its exceptional computational photography, clean Android experience, and the efficiency of its processor for AI tasks. Criticisms sometimes point to its slower charging speeds and the absence of expandable storage.

Users prioritizing a larger, brighter display and a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom may find the Galaxy S22 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its premium materials and robust design also appeal to those seeking a flagship-tier feel. Conversely, users who value consistent, high-quality photography powered by advanced software, a compact form factor, and a longer software update commitment might lean towards the Google Pixel 7A. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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