Galaxy S22 5G vs Google Pixel 7

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, are both prominent Android smartphones designed to offer a premium experience in a relatively compact form factor. While both devices run on the Android operating system, they present distinct approaches to hardware and software integration, leading to different user experiences. The Pixel 7, being the newer device, incorporates Google's latest advancements in artificial intelligence and computational photography, while the Galaxy S22 focuses on a refined hardware design and a versatile camera system.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support and physical resilience are key.

• Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 7 is guaranteed to receive five years of both OS and security updates from its release date, extending its support until October 2027. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released earlier, typically receives four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its software support will conclude sooner than the Pixel 7's.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S22 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame for enhanced drop and scratch resistance. The Pixel 7 also employs Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
• Repairability: The Google Pixel series generally scores well in repairability assessments, with the Pixel 7 rated around 6.5 to 7 out of 10 by some experts, suggesting a relatively straightforward repair process for common issues. While specific repairability scores for the Galaxy S22 5G are not as widely publicised, modern flagship smartphones often present challenges due to intricate designs and strong adhesives.

The performance of these devices is influenced by their respective internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 7 is equipped with a processor designed by Google, which is optimised for artificial intelligence tasks and computational photography, contributing to smooth operation and efficient handling of Google's software features. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a different processor, which often demonstrates strong benchmark performance, particularly in graphically intensive applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both smartphones come with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously and switching between them without significant slowdowns. Both devices offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB, catering to users with varying needs for app installations, photos, and media.
• Battery Performance: The Pixel 7 houses a 4355 mAh battery, which generally provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, which may require more frequent charging for heavy users. In real-world tests, the Pixel 7 often demonstrates better battery longevity compared to the Galaxy S22.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display technology and specifications.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Google Pixel 7 comes with a slightly larger 6.3-inch AMOLED display, also known for its rich colour reproduction. Both displays provide a Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp text and clear images for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to exceptionally smooth scrolling and fluid animations, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. It also offers a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 7 features a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience, and a peak brightness of 1400 nits, which also aids outdoor readability.
• Viewing Experience: The slightly larger screen of the Pixel 7 may offer a more expansive viewing area for media consumption, while the Galaxy S22's higher refresh rate provides a perceptibly smoother interaction. Both displays are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus variants, offering resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Both smartphones are known for their camera capabilities, leveraging advanced hardware and computational photography to produce high-quality images and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This dedicated telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots without significant loss of detail. The Google Pixel 7 employs a dual-camera system, comprising a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, it uses its high-resolution main sensor and computational photography for a near-lossless 2x zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 is highly praised for its computational photography, excelling in areas like Night Sight for low-light conditions and overall image processing, often producing natural-looking and detailed photos. The Galaxy S22 also delivers strong photographic results across various lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens providing an advantage for distant subjects. Both phones offer excellent video recording capabilities, with the Galaxy S22 supporting 8K resolution at 24fps and both supporting 4K at 30/60fps.
• Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 has a 10 MP front camera, while the Pixel 7 has a 10.8 MP ultrawide front camera. Both phones are equipped with stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption and calls.