Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung S22 Ultra: Which Reigns?
In the high-stakes world of smartphones, choosing the right device can feel like navigating a minefield. Two titans consistently dominate the arena: the Google Pixel and the Samsung Galaxy lines. Today, we’re pitting two of their flagships against each other.
Get ready for a showdown as we delve into a detailed comparison of the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. We’ll explore everything from camera capabilities and performance to battery life and design.
Which phone offers the superior experience? Which one should you choose if you’re looking for the best in class? By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear winner and be equipped to make the perfect decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Samsung S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 48MP + 12MP | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10.8MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 23W wired, Wireless | 45W wired, Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 12 (upgradeable) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Stylus Support | No | Yes (S Pen) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Features a sleek design with a polished aluminum frame and a distinctive camera bar. Its glass back is prone to fingerprints. Pros: Modern aesthetic, IP68 water resistance. Cons: Can feel slippery.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Boasts a boxier design with a built-in S Pen stylus and a premium glass and metal build. Pros: Durable, versatile. Cons: Bulky, expensive.
- Winner: Samsung
Display
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Equipped with a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy. Pros: Smooth scrolling, vibrant colors. Cons: Not as bright as the S22 Ultra.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and exceptional brightness. Pros: Stunning visuals, excellent outdoor visibility. Cons: May consume more battery.
- Winner: Samsung
Camera System
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Offers a versatile triple-camera system with excellent image processing, known for its natural-looking photos and impressive computational photography. Pros: Excellent image quality, user-friendly interface. Cons: Limited zoom compared to S22 Ultra.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Features a quad-camera system with a 108MP main sensor, two telephoto lenses, and impressive zoom capabilities. Pros: Versatile, outstanding zoom. Cons: Can over-process images.
- Winner: Samsung
Performance
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks and AI-driven features. Pros: Optimized software, good performance. Cons: Not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, delivering top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Pros: Blazing-fast performance. Cons: Can run hot.
- Winner: Samsung
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Offers all-day battery life with its 5000 mAh battery, but charging speed is relatively slow. Pros: Consistent battery performance. Cons: Slow charging.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Provides all-day battery life with its 5000 mAh battery, with faster wired and wireless charging. Pros: Fast charging, good battery life. Cons: Battery life can vary depending on usage.
- Winner: Tie
Software and Features
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Runs stock Android with a clean interface, guaranteed software updates, and exclusive Google features. Pros: Pure Android experience, timely updates. Cons: Less customization options.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Runs One UI on top of Android, offering extensive customization options and a wide range of features, including the S Pen. Pros: Feature-rich, versatile. Cons: More bloatware.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Generally more affordable than the S22 Ultra, making it a better value for some. Pros: More affordable. Cons: May not have all the premium features.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Positioned as a premium device with a higher price tag to reflect its advanced features. Pros: Premium features. Cons: Expensive.
- Winner: Google
Special Features
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Offers features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and the Titan M2 security chip. Pros: Innovative features. Cons: Not as many extras as Samsung.
- Samsung S22 Ultra: Includes the built-in S Pen, DeX mode, and a more extensive ecosystem of accessories. Pros: S Pen functionality, DeX. Cons: Can feel overwhelming.
- Winner: Samsung
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera (Overall) | Samsung S22 Ultra |
| Software Experience | Google Pixel 7 Pro |
| Display Quality | Samsung S22 Ultra |
| Performance | Tie (Performance varies by S22 Ultra processor) |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Value | Google Pixel 7 Pro |
| Stylus | Samsung S22 Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Battery Capacity: Both phones feature a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day power for most users. This ensures you can get through a full day of use without needing to constantly search for a charger.
- Water Resistance: Both the Pixel 7 Pro and the S22 Ultra are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against accidental spills and submersion. This gives you peace of mind in various environments.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, enabling fast download and upload speeds, as well as low latency for online gaming and streaming. This ensures a seamless online experience.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones boast vibrant and sharp displays with high refresh rates, providing an immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and browsing.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up your battery.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs Samsung S22 Ultra Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts a sleek design with a polished aluminum frame and a distinctive camera bar, offering a premium feel. Its curved display and glass back contribute to its elegant aesthetic. The Samsung S22 Ultra, on the other hand, features a boxier design with a built-in S Pen slot, appealing to users seeking productivity. Its armor aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides provide robust durability. Both phones are water and dust resistant, offering peace of mind. Consider which design philosophy best suits your taste and daily usage.
Display Quality
Both phones showcase stunning displays, but they differ in their approach. The Pixel 7 Pro features a vibrant 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and excellent color accuracy. The S22 Ultra sports a slightly larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering even brighter and more vivid colors, along with adaptive refresh rate technology. The S22 Ultra’s display is excellent for content consumption and productivity. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference and visual priorities.
Camera Performance
Both the Pixel 7 Pro and the S22 Ultra excel in the camera department, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Pixel 7 Pro is renowned for its exceptional image processing and computational photography, producing natural-looking photos with accurate colors and impressive dynamic range. The S22 Ultra boasts a more versatile camera system with a 108MP main sensor, two telephoto lenses, and incredible zoom capabilities. The S22 Ultra is a better choice for those who need maximum flexibility. Consider what type of photography you do.
Performance and Software
The Pixel 7 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which focuses on machine learning and AI capabilities, resulting in smooth performance and advanced features. The S22 Ultra is equipped with either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200 processor (depending on the region), providing blazing-fast performance for gaming and demanding tasks. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a clean and intuitive Android experience, while the S22 Ultra features Samsung’s One UI, which offers extensive customization options.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for smartphone users. The Pixel 7 Pro generally provides all-day battery life for moderate to heavy use, thanks to its efficient software optimization. The S22 Ultra also offers excellent battery life, especially when optimized. However, the S22 Ultra’s larger battery capacity often translates to slightly longer usage times. Both phones support fast charging, with the S22 Ultra offering faster wired charging speeds. Wireless charging is also available on both devices. Consider your typical usage patterns.
Price and Value
Price and value are essential considerations when choosing a smartphone. Both phones were premium devices at launch, but their prices have fluctuated over time. Consider the current market prices and any available deals. Evaluate the features and capabilities offered by each phone in relation to its price. Assess whether the premium features justify the investment. Weigh the pros and cons of each device and compare the value they offer for your specific needs and budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Google Pixel 7 Pro If…
- You prioritize a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with timely software updates.
- You value exceptional image processing and computational photography capabilities.
- You prefer a more streamlined and intuitive user interface.
- You appreciate Google’s unique features, such as Magic Eraser and Call Screen.
Buy Samsung S22 Ultra If…
- You want a phone with a versatile camera system, including a powerful telephoto lens.
- You desire a built-in S Pen stylus for note-taking, drawing, and precise control.
- You need a phone with a larger display and potentially more storage options.
- You prefer a phone with faster wired charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in design?
The Pixel 7 Pro features a sleek, curved design with a distinctive camera bar. The S22 Ultra boasts a boxier design with a built-in S Pen slot, offering a more productive feel and different aesthetic. Both phones use premium materials, but the S22 Ultra’s design emphasizes functionality. The choice depends on your preference for aesthetics and features like the S Pen.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The S22 Ultra’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is slightly larger and brighter, with adaptive refresh rate technology. The Pixel 7 Pro has a vibrant OLED display. The S22 Ultra’s display has some better features. Ultimately, the best depends on what you value in a display, with both devices delivering outstanding visual experiences.
How does the camera performance compare?
The Pixel 7 Pro excels in computational photography, producing natural-looking images with accurate colors. The S22 Ultra offers a more versatile system with multiple telephoto lenses and impressive zoom capabilities. The S22 Ultra is better for those who want more options. Both phones deliver exceptional camera performance; the best one depends on your photography style.
Which phone offers better performance?
The Pixel 7 Pro has a Tensor G2 chip, optimized for machine learning. The S22 Ultra features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor. The S22 Ultra’s processor generally provides faster performance in most tasks, including gaming. The difference is not huge, but the S22 Ultra is better for power users.
How does battery life compare?
Both phones offer all-day battery life for most users. The S22 Ultra’s larger battery often provides slightly longer usage times. Both support fast charging. Both are great. The difference in battery life isn’t huge, but the S22 Ultra has a slight edge in this area.
What software experience do they offer?
The Pixel 7 Pro runs on a clean, stock Android experience with timely updates. The S22 Ultra uses Samsung’s One UI, which offers extensive customization options and additional features. Both are great. The choice depends on your preference for a minimalist or feature-rich software environment.
Which phone is the better value?
The value depends on current market prices and your priorities. Consider features and capabilities versus price. Both were premium phones at launch, but prices have changed. Evaluate the pros and cons of each device. It’s important to compare what you get for the price.
Final Verdict
Both the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung S22 Ultra are exceptional smartphones, each catering to different preferences. The Pixel 7 Pro excels in image processing and a clean software experience, while the S22 Ultra offers a more versatile camera system, a built-in S Pen, and top-tier performance. The best choice depends on your needs and priorities.
Winner: [Samsung S22 Ultra]