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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 7a
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy, thanks to its versatile 50MP camera system that crushes the Google Pixel 7a's 64MP sensor when it comes to zoom capabilities. In real-world testing, the Galaxy S22 excels with its stunning 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling super smooth compared to the Pixel 7a's 90Hz. If you shoot a lot of video, the S22's 8K recording capability is a game-changer. But if you're focused on still photography, the Pixel 7a's computational photography features deliver impressive shots, especially in low light conditions.
⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 3700 mAh vs 4385 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.89 oz vs 6.84 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5
(466)•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 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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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
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22
48–120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
3,700 mAh (Typical)
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.89 oz (167 g)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+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 vs Google Pixel 7a
Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5(466)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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Samsung Galaxy S22
Rating:★4.5(466)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 LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi
Refresh Rate:48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF
Battery:3,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
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:5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.89 oz (167 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM)
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
- • Versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens
- • Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and IP68 rating
- • Bright 120Hz OLED display (1,300 nits) remains visible outdoors
- • Long-term software support (4 OS upgrades)
✗ Cons:
- • Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day
- • Wired charging limited to 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
- • Lacks Wi-Fi 6E support found in S22+ and Ultra
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can run warm under sustained heavy load
- • No microSD card slot
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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy for most people - its 50MP triple camera system crushes the Pixel 7a's single 64MP setup in versatility.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you want a versatile camera system for all scenarios, you prefer a smooth scrolling experience with a 120Hz display, or you value premium build quality and design.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you need a longer-lasting battery for all-day use, you prioritize still photography with advanced software features, or you want a budget-friendly device with solid performance. (90 Hz refresh, 4385 mAh battery)
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 7a are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S22 excels if you value compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. 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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