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Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6: Which one should you buy?

Will high-end hardware or incredible value come out on top?
By

Published onJune 10, 2022

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus vs Google Pixel 6 rear on table
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Google’s Pixel 6 has been among our favorite Android devices since its launch in late 2021. However, it now faces fresh new competition in Samsung’s Galaxy S22 series. Both are considered flagship devices, but a lot sets them apart. As such, you might be struggling to decide which one to buy. We’re here to help you out in our Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6 comparison.

We’ll touch on all of the most important points — design, features, price, and more — in our comparison. That said, we won’t be talking about the Pixel 6 Pro or the Galaxy S22 Ultra in this showdown because we have a dedicated comparison right here.


Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6


Design and display

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus vs Google Pixel 6 front on carpet
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The latest flagships from Samsung and Google offer two completely different approaches to design. While Google presented a brand-new device with its Pixel 6 series, the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus feel like more refined versions of the Galaxy S21 series. Samsung brought the Contour Cut camera array back for another year, complete with three updated lenses. On the other hand, Google adopted a massive camera bar with its own lenses that’s impossible to miss.

After a year of “glasstic” flagships, Samsung is back on the glass sandwich train in 2022. The Galaxy S22 series and the Pixel 6 sport glass rear panels, though the color options are entirely different. The Pixel offers two-toned designs, while Samsung opted for matching hues. That said, Google’s design provides a glossier finish that’s more likely to grab fingerprints, while the Galaxy S22 duo has more of a satin touch.

After a year away, premium glass is back on the menu for both Google and Samsung.

Once you move around to the front of each device, you’ll find that the Pixel 6 and Galaxy S22 series have a lot in common. It’s an AMOLED party, with centrally mounted punch hole cameras on all three devices. The vanilla Galaxy S22 is the baby of the bunch at 6.1 inches, with the Pixel 6 right in the middle at 6.4 inches. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is the largest at 6.6 inches.

All three devices use flat panels of Gorilla Glass, though Samsung chose Victus Plus while the Pixel 6 uses original Victus glass. Samsung’s pair packs sharper 120Hz refresh rates compared to the 90Hz panel on Google’s device.

You won’t find a headphone jack onboard no matter which way you go. However, both devices offer stereo speakers to push plenty of volume.

Protect your pick: The best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases | The best Google Pixel 6 cases


Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6: Hardware and cameras

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus in black camera closeup
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The Pixel 6 carries Google’s first-ever Tensor chip, which promises next-level machine learning capabilities to make your phone feel even more customized. Samsung chose the flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 to keep the lights on in the US and select markets, so you know there’s no shortage of power. As for international markets, the Galaxy S22 series will carry Samsung’s own Exynos 2200 chipset instead.

We mentioned the camera options in the section above, but now it’s time for a deeper dive. Google made a pretty giant leap with its Pixel 6 series, moving up to a 50MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide option in the camera bar. That’s right — despite the size of the bar, there are still only two rear cameras. Around the front, the Pixel 6 carries an 8MP selfie shooter. Ironically, the latest Pixel device relies on Samsung’s GN1 camera sensor.

See also: The best camera phones you can get

Not to be outdone, Samsung has given the wide lens on its Galaxy S22 series a significant kick. It’s not quite the 108MP option of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but 50MP is still an improvement. You’ll also find a 10MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide option rounding out the rear trio. As for the selfie shooter, Samsung has added a 40MP option to both the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus vs Google Pixel 6 front on table
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Google added one of its largest batteries yet to the Pixel 6 — a solid 4,614mAh cell. It boosted the charging, too, moving from 18W wired speeds to 21W (despite the advertised 30W). The Pixel 6 is also Google’s first device to adopt the USB Power Delivery PPS charging standard to reach its top speeds. As for wireless charging speeds, the Pixel 6 can handle up to 21W, matching its wired prowess.

Although the Pixel 6 falls in the middle in terms of physical size, it offers a larger battery than either of Samsung’s alternatives. The Galaxy S22 actually takes the unusual step of providing a smaller battery than its predecessor, down to 3,700mAh from the 4,000mAh Galaxy S21 cell. It offers unchanged charging speeds — 25W wired and 15W wireless maximums.

Both devices rely on USB PD PPS to charge at top speeds.

On the bright side, the Galaxy S22 Plus offers a solid 4,500mAh battery with up to 45W wired speeds. You’ll need a USB PD PPS-enabled charger, though, which is unfortunate as Samsung no longer includes one in the box. While wired charging gets a good boost, both the wireless and reverse wireless rates stay the same.

See also: The best phone charging accessories to buy


Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6: Price and colors

  • Samsung Galaxy S22 (8/128GB): $799
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 (8/256GB): $849
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus (8/128GB): $999
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus (8/256GB): $1,049
  • Google Pixel 6 (8/128GB): $599
  • Google Pixel 6 (8/256GB): $699

It’s hard to overstate how good of a deal the Pixel 6 is. At just $599, it undercuts the Galaxy S22 series by at least $200. Not only that, but it beats the previous Pixel 5, too. If you want extra storage in your Pixel 6 — 256GB instead of 128GB — it’ll only set you back $699.

Save some money: The best Google Pixel deals | The best Samsung Galaxy deals

Credit to Samsung, though, the Korean giant managed to keep pricing consistent from 2021. The 128GB Galaxy S22 launched at $799, while the same storage in a Galaxy S22 Plus will cost you $999. Samsung’s larger 256GB version of each device comes with a $50 price increase. That means you’ll pay $849 for the Galaxy S22 or $1,049 for the Galaxy S22 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S22 family colors on wood showing green, pink gold, black, and white models.
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

We flat-out loved Samsung’s Phantom finishes for the Galaxy S21 series last year. The good news is that they’re back again — well, to an extent. As you can see in the image above, Samsung kept the satin finish that shouldn’t collect too many fingerprints. This year, the official color names include Phantom Black, Phantom White, Pink Gold, and Green for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus.

There are also four Samsung-exclusive colors: Cream, Violet, Graphite, and Sky Blue, all two-toned options.

Over on the Pixel side, Google has once again dipped into its well of fun color names. Where the Pixel 5 launched in Sorta Sage and Just Black, the Pixel 6 comes in a trio of two-toned designs. You can check out Kinda Coral, which blends pink and red around the camera bar. Slightly Seafoam is another option, which offers green and yellow panels, or you can stay classy with Stormy Black and its black and gray tones.

Google Pixel 6 on Pixel Stand with phones in background
Google Pixel 6
The more affordable Pixel.
The Google Pixel 6 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ display and runs on the all-new Google Tensor SoC. It has an upgraded camera system, exclusive software features, and offers some of the best hardware Google has ever produced.
Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung Galaxy S22
AA Recommended
Samsung Galaxy S22
Compact design • Impressive camera setup • Unrivaled software support
MSRP: $849.99
The smallest and cheapest phone in the series
While it's the entry phone of the Galaxy S22 series, this handset still offers plenty of power, a gorgeous screen, great cameras, and a fantastic software promise. It's also compact enough to easily use with one hand.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
AA Editor's Choice
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Excellent display • Powerful camera package • Top-notch performance
MSRP: $999.99
A great all-rounder
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus can do just about anything. It has more than enough power under the hood, sports a terrific camera system, offers great battery life, and also looks great. The fantastic software support is worth a mention as well.

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6: Specs

Samsung Galaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S22 PlusGoogle Pixel 6
Display
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Flat display
FHD+ resolution (2,340 x 1,080)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (10Hz to 120Hz)
240Hz touch sampling rate
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED
Flat display
FHD+ resolution (2,340 x 1,080)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (10Hz to 120Hz)
240Hz touch sampling rate
Google Pixel 6
6.4-inch OLED
20:9 aspect ratio
FHD+ resolution
(2,400 x 1,080)
411ppi
90Hz refresh rate
HDR support
24-bit depth
Processor
Samsung Galaxy S22
US: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Global: Exynos 2200
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
US: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Global: Exynos 2200
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor
Titan M2 security
RAM
Samsung Galaxy S22
8GB
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
8GB
Google Pixel 6
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22
128 or 256GB
No microSD card support
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
128 or 256GB
No microSD card support
Google Pixel 6
128GB or 256GB
UFS 3.1
Power
Samsung Galaxy S22
3,700mAh battery
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging
No charger in box
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
4,500mAh battery
45W wired charging
15W wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging
No charger in box
Google Pixel 6
4,614mAh (typical)
21W wired charging
USB-PD 3.0 (PPS)
21W wireless charging (w/ Pixel Stand)
12W Qi wireless charging
Battery share

No charger in box
Cameras
Samsung Galaxy S22
REAR:
- 50MP wide (1.0μm, ƒ1.8, 23mm, 85-degree FoV)
- 12MP ultrawide (1.4μm, ƒ2.2, 13mm, 120-degree FoV)
- 10MP telephoto (1.0μm, ƒ2.4, 69mm, 36-degree FoV, 3x optical zoom)

FRONT:
- 40MP wide (ƒ2.2, 23mm, 80-degree FoV)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
REAR:
- 50MP wide (1.0μm, ƒ1.8, 23mm, 85-degree FoV)
- 12MP ultrawide (1.4μm, ƒ2.2, 13mm, 120-degree FoV)
- 10MP telephoto (1.0μm, ƒ2.4, 69mm, 36-degree FoV, 3x optical zoom)

FRONT:
- 40MP wide (ƒ2.2, 23mm, 80-degree FoV)
Google Pixel 6
Rear:
- 50MP main
1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV
1/1.31-inch sensor
LDAF, OIS, and EIS
- 12MP ultra-wide
1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 114-degree FoV
Laser AF

Front:
- 8MP single
1.12 μm, ƒ/2.0, 84-degree FoV
Video
Samsung Galaxy S22
REAR:
- 8K at 24fps (main lens only)
- 4K at 60fps (all lenses)

FRONT:
- 4K at 60fps
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
REAR:
- 8K at 24fps (main lens only)
- 4K at 60fps (all lenses)

FRONT:
- 4K at 60fps
Google Pixel 6
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
1080p at 30FPS
Audio
Samsung Galaxy S22
Stereo speakers
Dolby Atmos support
No 3.5mm port
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Stereo speakers
Dolby Atmos support
No 3.5mm port
Google Pixel 6
Stereo speakers
Triple mics
No 3.5mm port
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S22
5G (mmWave + Sub6)
Wi-Fi 6 (ax), Dual Band
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
5G (mmWave + Sub6)
Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Ultra-wideband support (UWB)
Google Pixel 6
5G (mmWave + Sub6)
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Security
Samsung Galaxy S22
Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor
5 years security updates
4 x 9mm size
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor
4 x 9mm size
5 years security updates
Google Pixel 6
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years security updates
Software
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android 12
One UI 4.1
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Android 12
One UI 4.1
Google Pixel 6
Android 12
Pixel UI
S Pen support
Samsung Galaxy S22
No
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
No
Google Pixel 6
No
Materials
Samsung Galaxy S22
Gorilla Glass Victus Plus front and back
Armour Aluminum frame
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Gorilla Glass Victus Plus front and back
Armour Aluminum frame
Google Pixel 6
Gorilla Glass Victus front
Gorilla Glass 6 back
Durability
Samsung Galaxy S22
IP68 certified
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
IP68 certified
Google Pixel 6
IP68 certified
Dimensions and weight
Samsung Galaxy S22
146 x 70.6 x 7.6mm
168g
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm
196g
Google Pixel 6
158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm
207g
Colors
Samsung Galaxy S22
Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold
Google Pixel 6
Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6: Which one should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus vs Google Pixel 6 rear on carpet
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

We’ve compared and contrasted just about all of the most critical points between two of the hottest Android devices. Now, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Yet, it’s hard to choose just one correct answer. Perhaps the winner of the Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6 showdown comes down to what you want in a smartphone.

Google upgraded its hardware in a big way this year, and it remains the king of Android software. You can expect prompt updates, minimal bloatware, and Material You how Google envisioned it. We also can’t forget that the new camera setup is a worthy match for Google’s post-processing power.

Best of all, the Pixel 6 starts at just $599 — not a price that Samsung can match.

Dig even deeper: Samsung Galaxy S22 review | Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus review | Google Pixel 6 review

Over in Samsung’s corner, you’re also looking at an upgraded camera array. The 50MP primary lens should offer significant improvements over the previous generation. One UI isn’t as clean as the Pixel skin, but it’s come a long way. You get a full suite of customization options, including a few that you won’t find with Google.

Finally, Samsung’s new update policy means that the Galaxy S22 series will get software updates longer than just about any other device. The giant has promised four major Android updates and five years of security patches. That means you should see Android 16, while the Pixel 6 series is only set to see three Android updates and five years of security patches.

Have you decided on your next phone? Let us know which device won our Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Pixel 6 battle below.

Samsung Galaxy S22 vs Google Pixel 6: Which one will you be buying?

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