Google Pixel 4a vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Verdict
Google's Pixel 4a delivers exceptional value at $349, combining a vibrant 5.81-inch OLED display with impressive computational photography via its Snapdragon 730G processor and 12.2MP camera with OIS. Battery life reaches a full day despite the modest 3140mAh capacity. Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra commands a premium at $1199.99, justifying its cost through a larger 6.8-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, versatile quad-camera system including 10x periscope zoom, 5000mAh battery with 45W charging, and IP68 rating. The S22 Ultra excels in raw performance, display quality, and camera versatility, while the Pixel 4a punches well above its weight class for everyday users prioritizing value. Choose the Pixel 4a for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable daily performance; select the S22 Ultra for professionals and enthusiasts demanding flagship capabilities and longevity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 4a if…
- →Incredible value at $349
- →Same 12.2 MP camera quality as Pixel 4
- →Headphone jack retained
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if…
- →Built-in S Pen silo is a unique productivity feature
- →Versatile quad-camera with 10x periscope telephoto
- →108 MP main sensor captures excellent detail
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 4a
Pros
- Incredible value at $349
- Same 12.2 MP camera quality as Pixel 4
- Headphone jack retained
- Compact and lightweight at 143 g
- Clean stock Android with fast updates
Cons
- No water resistance rating
- 60Hz display
- No wireless charging
- Single rear camera only
- Plastic build feels cheap
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Pros
- Built-in S Pen silo is a unique productivity feature
- Versatile quad-camera with 10x periscope telephoto
- 108 MP main sensor captures excellent detail
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
Cons
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs hot under sustained load
- Very heavy and thick body
- 108 MP sensor replaced by 200 MP in the S23 Ultra
- Only 8 GB RAM on base storage variant
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 4a | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 | Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 143 g | 229 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate unibody | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | No official rating | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 108 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP 10x periscope + 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3140 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.81 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3088 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 600 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Google Pixel 4a or the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.