5G Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Which Flagship Will Win?
Can the 5G Google Pixel 7 Pro beat the mighty Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
5G Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a showdown between two excellent Android flagship phones, though they achieve this flagship status through different means.
The 5G Google Pixel 7 Pro, the newer of our two contenders, goes all software smart in typical Google fashion, while also making sure it offers core features like a fast display refresh rate and three rear cameras. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, however, offers even more hardware toys with a larger display, a second telephoto camera, and a stylus. But as a result, Samsung phones cost way too much, even for a flagship device.
We haven't fully reviewed the Pixel 7 Pro yet. but based on what we've seen so far, and our extensive time testing the Galaxy S22 Ultra, we've tried to compare the two phones and to find out which one excels where, and what types of users are best suited for each model.
5g Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: specs
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $899 | $1,199 |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED (3129 x 1440) | 6.8-inch AMOLED (3088 x 1440) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Chipset | Tensor G2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W | 40W |
| Rear cameras | 50MP (f/1.85) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (f/3.5) with 5x optical zoom | 108MP (f/2.2) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) 10x telephoto, 10MP (f/2.4) 3x telephoto |
| Front camera | 10.8MP (f/2.2) | 40MP (f/2.2) |
| Software | Android 13 | Android 12 with One UI 4 |
| Size | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 ounces | 8 ounces |
| Colors | Obsidian, Snow, Hazel | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Burgundy, Green |
5G Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Price and Availability
The 5G Google Pixel 7 Pro has been announced, but it's not on sale yet. Once it launches on October 13th, it will continue
You can pick up the Galaxy S22 Ultra now, as it first went on sale in early 2022, but it costs a lot. You'll spend at least $1.199/£1,149/AU$1,849 for a Samsung phone, which makes the Pixel look like a real deal by comparison.
5G Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Design
You won't have trouble telling the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra apart. The Pixel 7 Pro uses the same unique design as the Pixel 6 Pro with its curved display, horizontal camera bar design, and metal and glass construction. It's got a trio of color options to choose from as Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel.
You can pick up the Galaxy S22 Ultra now, as it first went on sale in early 2022, but it costs a lot. You'll spend at least $1.199/£1,149/AU$1,849 for a Samsung phone, which makes the Pixel look like a real deal by comparison.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Design
You won't have trouble telling the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra apart. The Pixel 7 Pro uses the same unique design as the Pixel 6 Pro with its curved display, horizontal camera bar design, and metal and glass construction. It's got a trio of color options to choose from as Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Display
There is a slight difference in the display of Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra. Both are QHD, and both feature adaptive LTPO 120Hz displays for efficient but smooth performance. But there is a very slight difference in size, as the Pixel 7 Pro measures 6.7 inches, while the S22 Ultra measures 6.8 inches.
We haven't tested the Pixel 7 Pro's display in our labs yet, but Google promises a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits. Even if it reaches that price, it will still remain well below the Galaxy S22 Ultra's mighty 1,750-nit rating.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Cameras
At least on the hardware front, the Galaxy S22 Ultra's cameras dominate the Pixel 7 Pro's. The Pixel still has some impressive specs, offering a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x optical telephoto camera suite, and a 10.8MP selfie camera on the front. But the Galaxy S22's 108MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x optical zoom, 10MP 10x optical zoom and 40MP selfie cameras promise a lot more flexibility.
But there is still a chance that the Pixel 7 Pro may come out on top with the overall photo quality. Google's photo processing software is the best in the business, so even though it can't match the Galaxy's resolution or zoom range, we still prefer the shots it produces.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Performance
Google's new Tensor G2 chipset, along with 12GB of RAM, is at the heart of the Pixel 7 Pro. We don't officially know how powerful it is yet, but leaked benchmarks point to a huge performance boost over the original Tensor.
That might not be enough to beat the Galaxy S22 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 silicon, even though by default it comes with 8GB of RAM along with 12GB of RAM as an optional upgrade. Unlike the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 that was launched after the arrival of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, this chip is one of the best when it comes to Android chips.
You get 128GB of storage by default on the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra, but if you want more, both phones will also offer you 256GB or 512GB capacity models. The Galaxy S22 Ultra also has a 1TB option if you need as much space as possible for your stuff.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Battery and Charging
Both the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra use a 5,000 mAh battery, but it is different when it comes to charging technology. You can charge up to 40W on the Samsung, while the Pixel can charge at a maximum of 30W. Neither comes with a charger in the box, so you won't get that speed unless you buy one of Samsung/Google's chargers or already have a power brick with the correct voltage and amperage.
In terms of battery life, the Galaxy S22 Ultra managed a disappointing 8 hours and 50 minutes on our custom battery test with 120Hz enabled. We don't know yet what the Pixel 7 Pro scores, but we're sure it'll be better than the Pixel 6 Pro's awesome 7 hours and 43 minutes result.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Software and Features
The Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra are both Android phones, but go about it in different ways. Google launched Android 13 at the same time as the Pixel 7 series, and it's in its least-modified state on the Pixel 7 Pro. Meanwhile, the One UI 4 skin of Android 12 used by Samsung has been tweaked in every way that gives the Galaxy S22 Ultra a very different user experience, albeit built on the same foundation.
Google is offering a three-year Android upgrade for the Pixel 7 Pro, which means you'll get up to Android 16 (or whatever it's called) without any problems. Samsung offers a little better with four years of full updates for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but because it launched with Android 12, it should also end up with Android 16.
Part of the appeal of the Pixel 7 Pro is the inclusion of all kinds of neat software additions that other Android phones don't offer. This includes camera-related capabilities like photo unblur or guided frames (explained in our Google Pixel 7 camera guide) or the usual things like the upcoming Clear Calling feature, or returning favorites like Live Translate
Samsung's main bonus selling point for the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the included S Pen stylus, which now comes built-in like older Galaxy Note models. This lets you take pictures and take notes on the phone more easily, or remote control certain features like the camera.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Outlook
While the jury will be out on this match-up until we finish our review of the new Pixel, the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra represent two opposing ends of the Android flagship phone market, and with their Concerned professionals bring and blame.
The Pixel 7 Pro offers better value for money by the jump, plus with all its exclusive software features and immaculate Android 13 interface, it will be useful and easy-to-use for the majority of new customers.
While it's hard to ignore the Galaxy S22 Ultra's price jump, you do get more impressive camera specs, a slightly larger display, faster charging, and some worthwhile hardware for the extra money in the form of a stylus.
Check it out soon when we've completed our Pixel 7 Pro review and can make some more definitive comparisons between it and the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Although for now, we'll say that the Samsung may have a more rounded phone overall, it will be too easy to justify buying the Pixel for yourself.
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