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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 9
Get the Google Pixel 9 unless you need a dedicated telephoto lens. Plus, the Pixel 9 boasts a stunning 2,700 nits peak brightness for outdoor viewing, while the S22 maxes out at 1,300 nits. In real-world use, this means the Pixel 9 can last longer under heavy use, making it perfect for streaming or gaming. The S22’s 50MP triple camera system is impressive, but without a dedicated telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 falls behind in versatility. So if you're into photography, the S22 might be more your speed, but for everything else, the Pixel 9 shines brighter and lasts longer.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.3"🔋 Battery: 3700 mAh vs 4700 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.89 oz vs 6.98 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 9
★4.5
(1,044)•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
Google Pixel 9
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 9
6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22
48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Google Pixel 9
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Google Pixel 9
Google Tensor G4
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
8GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 9
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Google Pixel 9
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 9
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
3,700 mAh (Typical)
Google Pixel 9
4,700 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 9
Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.89 oz (167 g)Winner
Google Pixel 9
7.0 oz (198 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Google Pixel 9
6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
Google Pixel 9
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; 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 vs Google Pixel 9
Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5(466)Best Buy
Google Pixel 9
★4.5(1,044)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Google Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,044)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 LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel 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); OIS | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 4,700 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; 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); Fingerprint-resistant coating |
Dimensions | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 7.0 oz (198 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection |
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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 9
Rating:★4.5(1,044)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:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 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:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR
Front Camera:10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:4,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.0 oz (198 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- • Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
- • Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
- • Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
- • Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
- • Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
- • Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
- • Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)
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Which one is better?
Grab the S22 if you need that dedicated telephoto lens - it's a solid camera option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you want a dedicated telephoto lens for photography, you prefer a lighter phone at 5.89oz, or you prioritize premium build quality.
Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you need longer battery life for all-day use, you want a brighter display at 2,700 nits, or you value extensive software support with 7 years of updates.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 9 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 9 is better if you prioritize compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. 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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