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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 8
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the pricier flagship, but its 3x optical zoom camera is a game-changer for photography. What matters most here is the software support: Google promises 7 years of updates for the Pixel 8, while the S22 offers only 4. But if you crave advanced camera capabilities, the Galaxy S22 has the edge with its impressive video recording capabilities.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.2"🔋 Battery: 3700 mAh vs 4575 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.89 oz vs 6.60 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 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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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 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 8
6.2"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22
48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
8GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
3,700 mAh (Typical)
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.89 oz (167 g)Winner
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), 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 8
Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5(466)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)Best Buy | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
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/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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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 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
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Which one is better?
Grab the Samsung Galaxy S22 if you need superior camera capabilities with 8K video recording - it's a standout feature.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you want to shoot stunning 8K video, you value a compact design at 5.89 oz, or you prefer versatile photography with 3x optical zoom.
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you need a long-lasting battery that lasts well over 24 hours, you want the latest software updates for the next 7 years, or you enjoy an ultra-bright 2,000 nits display for outdoor use.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
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 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. 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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