Pixel 6 vs Galaxy S22
The Pixel 6 and the Galaxy S22 land in the same flagship smartphone category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. On the overall scorecard, the Galaxy S22 is ahead: 4 of 6 areas, with display doing the heavy lifting. The Galaxy S22 also costs $201 more at launch, which raises the bar for what it needs to deliver.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S22 wins
- Performance Galaxy S22 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S22 wins
- Battery & Charging Pixel 6 wins
- Software & Updates Galaxy S22 wins
- Price Pixel 6 wins
- Display4.5
- Performance1.6
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera1.5
- Battery & Charging1.6
- Display6.2
- Performance1.9
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera2.3
- Battery & Charging0.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Galaxy S22 has a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz
The Pixel 6 is clearly behind on refresh rate (90 Hz against 120 Hz), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Galaxy S22 feels more fluid in everyday use.
-
The Galaxy S22 has 1 year of extra promised updates
On this line of the spec sheet, the Galaxy S22 is in a different league: 4 years, next to 3 years for the Pixel 6. Software support is what separates a phone that ages gracefully from one that doesn’t, making it one of the most practical lines on the spec sheet.
-
The Pixel 6 has 25% more battery capacity
For battery capacity, the Pixel 6 leads by a wide margin: 4,614 mAh versus 3,700 mAh. Capacity isn’t everything, but when two phones are otherwise close, more milliamp-hours is the simplest endurance advantage there is.
-
The Galaxy S22 has a 1.41 oz lighter build
This is a headline difference. With 5.89 oz to the Pixel 6’s 7.30 oz, the Galaxy S22 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. A few grams won’t matter, but bigger gaps add up in a pocket or a small bag over a full day.
-
The Galaxy S22 has an extra rear camera
Put simply, the Galaxy S22 is far ahead here: 3 compared with 2. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S22’s extra lens adds.
Design & Size
- Pixel 6 6.24 in × 2.94 in × 0.35 in
- Galaxy S22 5.75 in × 2.78 in × 0.30 in
The Pixel 6 simply takes up more room than the Galaxy S22, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space. The Galaxy S22 is 1.41 oz lighter, making the Pixel 6 the heftier of the two. On thickness, the Galaxy S22 leads by 0.05 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.24 in | 5.75 in |
| Width | 2.94 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.30 in (winner) |
| Weight | 7.30 oz | 5.89 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Galaxy S22 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Galaxy S22 leads the display section with room to spare. The Galaxy S22 adds a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison. Prioritize display, and the Galaxy S22 is where you should land.
Refresh rate
Pixel 6: 90 Hz Galaxy S22: 120 Hz Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power.
Screen size
Pixel 6: 6.4 in Galaxy S22: 6.1 in A bigger screen makes reading, video and maps more comfortable, while a smaller one is easier to use with one hand and slips into more pockets.
Performance
Galaxy S22 leads
On performance, the difference is modest, and it favors the Galaxy S22. The Galaxy S22 stands out with a newer 4 nm chip process. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life. The takeaway: on performance, the Galaxy S22 is the stronger phone.
Process node
Pixel 6: 5 nm Galaxy S22: 4 nm Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Both the Pixel 6 and the Galaxy S22 cover memory & storage equally well on paper. Either phone will serve you equally well on memory & storage.
Camera
Galaxy S22 leads
By a small margin, the Galaxy S22 is the stronger of the two in this area. The Galaxy S22 scores with an extra rear camera. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing. On camera alone, the Galaxy S22 gets the nod.
Rear cameras
Pixel 6: 2 Galaxy S22: 3 The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S22 gives you more lenses to choose from.
Front camera
Pixel 6: 8 MP Galaxy S22: 10 MP Front cameras are often an afterthought, so a higher-resolution sensor is a small but welcome edge for the Galaxy S22.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 6 leads
When it comes to battery & charging, the Pixel 6 is comfortably ahead. In its favor, the Pixel 6 has 25% more battery capacity. Extra capacity also ages better: after a few years of charge cycles, the Pixel 6 has more headroom left. On its side, the Galaxy S22 has faster 25 W wired charging. If battery & charging is your priority, the Pixel 6 is the phone to pick.
Battery capacity
Pixel 6: 4,614 mAh Galaxy S22: 3,700 mAh A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance.
Wireless charging
Pixel 6: 21 W Galaxy S22: 15 W Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up.
Software & Updates
Galaxy S22 leads
Here the Galaxy S22 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Choose the Galaxy S22 and you get 1 year of extra promised updates. The Galaxy S22’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on. For anyone who cares most about software & updates, the Galaxy S22 is the safer choice.
Promised OS updates
Pixel 6: 3 years Galaxy S22: 4 years A longer update promise keeps the phone secure and current for longer, which matters if you keep devices for several years.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.4 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 411 ppi | 425 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | N/A (not specified) | 1,300 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US) |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 4 nm (winner) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 10 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 10 MP (winner) |
| Max video | 4K60 | 8K24 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,614 mAh (winner) | 3,700 mAh Smallest battery in class |
| Wired charging | 21 W | 25 W (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 21 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 12 | Android 12 (One UI 4.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 3 years | 4 years (winner) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.24 in | 5.75 in |
| Width | 2.94 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.30 in (winner) |
| Weight | 7.30 oz | 5.89 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $599 (winner) | $800 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Galaxy S22 asked for $201 more at launch. That gap of 34% has to be justified by the specs. Step up by $201 to the Galaxy S22 and you gain a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz and 1 year of extra promised updates.
These are US launch prices, recorded February 2022; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 6 if…
- you want the bigger battery (4,614 mAh vs 3,700 mAh)
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (21 W vs 15 W)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $201 matters
Choose the Galaxy S22 if…
- you want smoother scrolling (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you plan to keep your phone for years (4 years vs 3 years of promised updates)
- you notice every gram in your pocket (5.89 oz vs 7.30 oz)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 6 or the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d rather have 25% more battery capacity on the Pixel 6.
Does the Pixel 6 last longer on a charge than the Galaxy S22?
The Pixel 6 comes out ahead on battery capacity, with 4,614 mAh compared with 3,700 mAh on the Galaxy S22.
Which is larger, the Pixel 6 or the Galaxy S22?
The larger model here is the Pixel 6 (6.24 × 2.94 × 0.35 in); the Galaxy S22 is more compact at 5.75 × 2.78 × 0.30 in.
Does the Pixel 6 perform better than the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 should be the quicker of the two, with a newer 4 nm chip process on its side.
Does the Pixel 6 have a stronger camera setup than the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 leads on camera specs thanks to an extra rear camera and a sharper 10 MP selfie camera. Processing and personal taste also play a big part in photos.
Which has the better screen, the Pixel 6 or the Galaxy S22?
On display specs, the Galaxy S22 leads thanks to a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Pixel 6 and the Galaxy S22. The Galaxy S22 wins me over with a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Galaxy S22 has 1 year of extra promised updates. Where the Pixel 6 fights back is 25% more battery capacity.
A quick self-test: do you care more about battery & charging or display? The first answer means the Pixel 6, the second means the Galaxy S22.
My pick: the Galaxy S22. I’d only go for the Pixel 6 if you need 25% more battery capacity, which only the Pixel 6 offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.