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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the flagship option here, offering a stunning 108MP camera that crushes the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's 50MP. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in software support with a whopping 7 years, perfect for those who want longevity. This translates to longer video playback, making it ideal for binge-watching on the go.
🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 5060 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.08 oz vs 7.80 oz📷 Camera: 108 MP vs 50 MP
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
★4.7
(1,325)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 730
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OISWinner
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
5,000 mAh (Typical)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
8.08 oz (229 g)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
★4.7(1,325)Best Buy
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,325)Best Buy | ★4.4(986)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Google Tensor G4 |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Super Actua LTPO OLED |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps |
Front Camera | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 5,060 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 8.08 oz (229 g) | 7.80 oz (221 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One |
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Rating:★4.7(1,325)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,750 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x, 10x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 100x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF
Battery:5,000 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+
Dimensions:6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:8.08 oz (229 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
- • Versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical)
- • Bright, sharp QHD+ display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
- • Excellent build quality with Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus+
- • Long software support commitment (4 OS upgrades)
✗ Cons:
- • Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy
- • Battery life is average despite 5,000mAh capacity
- • 45W charging speed does not significantly outperform 25W in real-world tests
- • No microSD card slot or headphone jack
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can throttle performance under heavy sustained load
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 108MP camera crushes the Pixel 9 Pro XL's 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you love photography and want a 108MP camera, need an integrated S Pen for productivity, or want a flagship performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you value 7 years of software updates, want a brighter screen at 3,000 nits for HDR content, or need slightly better battery endurance for video calls.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra excels if you value integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is better if you prioritize industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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