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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Get the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL unless you prefer a compact design. In real-world use, the Pixel's 6.8" Super Actua display shines with 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it perfect for outdoor viewing. Meanwhile, the S22’s 6.1" display is bright but not as dazzling, maxing out at 1,300 nits. If you need a phone that can handle long days and bright environments, the Pixel is the clear choice here.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.8"🔋 Battery: 3700 mAh vs 5060 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.89 oz vs 7.80 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 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
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22
48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
8GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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 Pro XL
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 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22
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
5.89 oz (167 g)Winner
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 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 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
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
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 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5(466)Best Buy
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)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 LPDDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (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 | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 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 | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x 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 | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 5,060 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (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 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 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 | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 7.80 oz (221 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; Temperature sensor; 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 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?
Grab the S22 if you want a lighter device at 5.89 oz versus the Pixel's 7.80 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you want a compact phone for one-handed use, prefer a premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus+, or need a versatile camera for quick shots. (6.1" display, 3700 mAh battery)
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you want the best battery life for all-day use, need a stunning display for outdoor viewing, or want industry-leading software support for 7 years.
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 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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