Google Pixel 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S22
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S22 pulls ahead with a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, brighter 1300-nit AMOLED display, and superior camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor with telephoto zoom. The 120Hz refresh rate versus Pixel 5's 90Hz delivers noticeably smoother scrolling. Battery capacity is notably smaller at 3700mAh compared to 4080mAh, though faster 25W charging partially offsets this. Pixel 5 offers stronger software integration with pure Android 11, excellent computational photography, and better everyday battery longevity from its larger cell. Display quality remains competitive at 700 nits brightness. Performance difference matters significantly: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 handles demanding games and apps substantially better than 765G. Camera gap widens with S22's telephoto lens and higher resolution main sensor, though Pixel's night mode remains competitive. At $799 versus $699, Galaxy S22 justifies the premium through raw performance and display prowess, making it the better choice for performance-focused users. Pixel 5 suits those prioritizing software experience and battery endurance on a tighter budget.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 if…
- →Compact flagship with 6.1-inch 120Hz AMOLED
- →Triple camera with 3x telephoto
- →Lightweight at 167 g
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Mid-range Snapdragon 765G in a $699 phone
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is dated
- Only 128 GB storage option
- Bio-resin coating scratches easily
Samsung Galaxy S22
Pros
- Compact flagship with 6.1-inch 120Hz AMOLED
- Triple camera with 3x telephoto
- Lightweight at 167 g
- Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection
- Four years of OS updates from Samsung
Cons
- Small 3700 mAh battery with mediocre endurance
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs hot
- Slow 25W charging
- No microSD card slot
- No charger in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 5 | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 151 g | 167 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm | 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4080 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 12W wireless | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.0 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm 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 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
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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.
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