Pixel 8 Pro vs S22 Ultra: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Are you torn between the cutting-edge features of the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the established prowess of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra? Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when two titans of the mobile world clash. This comparison dives deep to help you make the right decision.
We’ll explore everything from camera capabilities and display quality to performance and battery life. The Pixel 8 Pro and the S22 Ultra both bring unique strengths to the table, making the choice a complex one. We’ll break down the key differences so you can determine which phone best fits your needs and budget.
Get ready to discover which device delivers the ultimate smartphone experience. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a power user, or simply seeking the best overall package, this comparison between the Pixel 8 Pro and S22 Ultra is your essential guide to navigating the smartphone landscape.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 8 Pro | S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels | 1440 x 3088 pixels |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 40MP |
| Battery | 5050 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 30W Wired, Wireless Charging | 45W Wired, Wireless Charging |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 12 (upgradable) |
| Stylus Support | No | Yes (S Pen) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a 6.7-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2400 nits peak brightness. It offers vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility. Some users may find the curved edges less desirable.
- S22 Ultra: Boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1750 nits. It delivers stunning visuals and smooth scrolling. The display is slightly larger, but the brightness is lower compared to Pixel 8 pro.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Processor
- Pixel 8 Pro: Powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI and machine learning tasks. It offers smooth performance for everyday use and advanced features, but can sometimes lag behind Snapdragon processors in raw power.
- S22 Ultra: Equipped with either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 (depending on the region). Offers excellent performance for gaming and demanding applications. It may generate more heat under heavy load.
- Winner: S22 Ultra
Camera
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a triple-lens system with a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto lens. Known for its exceptional image processing, producing natural-looking photos with excellent detail and dynamic range, and video stabilization.
- S22 Ultra: Comes with a versatile quad-lens system, including a 108MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses. Offers impressive zoom capabilities and vibrant photos. Samsung’s image processing can sometimes oversaturate colors.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Battery Life
- Pixel 8 Pro: Has a 5050mAh battery, generally providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The software optimization helps manage battery consumption efficiently.
- S22 Ultra: Comes with a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life, but performance can vary depending on the processor variant.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Software & Features
- Pixel 8 Pro: Runs on a clean Android experience with Google’s unique software features like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and guaranteed software updates for several years.
- S22 Ultra: Features Samsung’s One UI, offering a highly customizable experience with a vast array of features and options. Includes the S Pen stylus for added functionality.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Design
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a sleek design with a matte back glass and a polished aluminum frame. The camera bar design is a distinctive feature.
- S22 Ultra: Boasts a premium design with a glass back and a metal frame, featuring a built-in S Pen. It has a more boxy design.
- Winner: Tie
Durability
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back for enhanced scratch resistance and IP68 water and dust resistance.
- S22 Ultra: Also uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and has an IP68 rating, offering similar levels of protection.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Pixel 8 Pro: Generally more affordable than the S22 Ultra, especially when considering the initial launch price.
- S22 Ultra: Typically has a higher price tag, but it is often available at discounted prices as it is an older model.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Software Experience | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Camera Versatility | S22 Ultra |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Stylus | S22 Ultra |
| Performance | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against water and dust, allowing users to confidently use them in various environments.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing users with a convenient way to top up their batteries without the need for cables.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Pixel 8 Pro and the S22 Ultra are equipped with 5G connectivity, enabling fast download and upload speeds.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp displays that are perfect for media consumption and gaming.
- Powerful Processors: Both phones are equipped with powerful processors to handle demanding tasks, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Pixel 8 Pro Vs S22 Ultra Buying Guide
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8 Pro and S22 Ultra both boast impressive camera systems, but they approach image processing differently. The Pixel 8 Pro excels with its computational photography, delivering stunning HDR and dynamic range, often with more natural-looking results. Its Super Res Zoom capabilities are exceptional. The S22 Ultra, on the other hand, provides a versatile setup with multiple telephoto lenses, offering incredible zoom capabilities and a wider range of focal lengths. Samsung’s cameras tend to produce more vibrant, saturated images. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferred style and photographic needs.
Performance and Processing Power
In terms of performance, the Pixel 8 Pro utilizes Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for machine learning and AI tasks, enhancing features like Magic Editor and Best Take. While the Tensor G3 is powerful, it may not match the raw horsepower of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200, depending on region) found in the S22 Ultra for intensive gaming or demanding applications. The S22 Ultra often feels snappier in general use due to its superior processing capabilities. However, the Pixel 8 Pro’s software optimization and AI-driven features provide a smooth and efficient user experience.
Display Quality and Features
Both phones feature excellent displays, but they have distinct strengths. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a vibrant, sharp display with a high refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animation. The S22 Ultra’s display is known for its incredible brightness, making it easily visible in direct sunlight, and its dynamic AMOLED technology delivers rich colors and deep blacks. The S22 Ultra also includes the S Pen, adding another layer of functionality for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface. Consider your preference for screen brightness and stylus integration.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Battery life is a crucial factor. The S22 Ultra typically offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity and efficient software optimization. It can easily last a full day of heavy use. The Pixel 8 Pro provides respectable battery life, but it might require charging before the end of a particularly demanding day. The S22 Ultra also supports faster wired and wireless charging. Charging speed depends on the charger used and may vary depending on the region.
Software and User Experience
The Pixel 8 Pro runs on a clean, stock Android experience, which is known for its simplicity, fast updates, and seamless integration with Google services. Its software is optimized for the Tensor G3 chip, resulting in a smooth and intuitive user interface. The S22 Ultra features Samsung’s One UI, which offers a broader range of customization options and features, but it can feel slightly heavier and more cluttered than the Pixel’s interface. Consider whether you prefer a minimalist or feature-rich software experience.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones exhibit premium build quality, but their designs differ significantly. The Pixel 8 Pro has a sleek, modern design with a unique camera bar, while the S22 Ultra sports a more traditional design with a built-in S Pen slot and distinct camera lenses. The S22 Ultra has a more boxy design. Both phones utilize high-quality materials such as glass and metal. The best choice depends on your aesthetic preferences and the features that matter most to you, such as the inclusion of a stylus.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 8 Pro If…
- You prioritize a clean Android experience with timely software updates directly from Google.
- You value advanced computational photography features and Google’s AI-powered camera capabilities.
- You prefer a more streamlined design and a focus on software integration.
- You want a phone with a great display and smooth performance.
Buy S22 Ultra If…
- You want a phone with a built-in stylus (S Pen) for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- You desire a versatile camera system with extensive zoom capabilities.
- You prefer a more feature-rich experience with Samsung’s One UI.
- You need a phone with faster charging speeds and a slightly larger display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone takes better photos?
It depends on your preference. The Pixel 8 Pro excels at computational photography, delivering natural-looking photos with excellent HDR. The S22 Ultra offers a versatile camera system with multiple telephoto lenses and produces vibrant, detailed images. The best choice depends on your preferred shooting style and the type of photos you take most often. Both are excellent, just different.
Which phone has better performance?
The S22 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200), generally offers slightly better raw processing power, particularly for demanding tasks like gaming. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 chip is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to a smooth user experience. However, the S22 Ultra typically feels snappier in general use.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The S22 Ultra boasts incredible brightness and rich colors with its dynamic AMOLED technology. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a vibrant display with a high refresh rate. The S22 Ultra’s display has a higher peak brightness. The best choice depends on your preference for screen brightness and color accuracy.
Which phone has better battery life?
The S22 Ultra typically offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity and efficient software optimization. It can comfortably last a full day of heavy use. The Pixel 8 Pro provides respectable battery life, but it may require charging before the end of a demanding day. Battery life will vary depending on use.
Does the S22 Ultra have a stylus?
Yes, the S22 Ultra includes the S Pen, a stylus that enhances productivity and creativity. The S Pen allows for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface with precision. It integrates seamlessly into the phone’s design and offers various features like air gestures. The Pixel 8 Pro does not have a stylus.
Which phone has a better software experience?
The Pixel 8 Pro runs on a clean, stock Android experience, known for its simplicity and timely updates. The S22 Ultra features Samsung’s One UI, which offers more customization options and features, but can feel more complex. The Pixel’s software is optimized for its Tensor chip, providing a smooth user experience.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones use premium materials like glass and metal and are well-built. Both have IP68 water and dust resistance. Durability depends on usage and accidents. The S22 Ultra’s design includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for added protection. Consider a case and screen protector for maximum protection for either phone.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Pixel 8 Pro and S22 Ultra depends on individual needs. The Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography, offering a clean Android experience and AI-driven features. The S22 Ultra provides a versatile camera system, superior raw power, a brighter display, and the added functionality of the S Pen. Consider your priorities: clean software and natural photos versus raw power and a feature-rich experience.
Winner: [Product Name]