Pixel 7 vs Galaxy S22
In the flagship smartphone class, the Pixel 7 and the Galaxy S22 are natural rivals. The scorecard favors the Galaxy S22, which leads in 4 of 6 areas. Its strongest showing is in the display category. There’s also a launch price gap of $201 in favor of the Pixel 7.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S22 wins
- Performance Galaxy S22 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S22 wins
- Battery & Charging Pixel 7 wins
- Software & Updates Galaxy S22 wins
- Price Pixel 7 wins
- Display4.0
- Performance1.6
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera1.7
- Battery & Charging1.2
- Display5.1
- 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 numbers aren’t close. The Galaxy S22 lists 120 Hz for refresh rate, while the Pixel 7 lists 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.
-
The Galaxy S22 has 1 year of extra promised updates
A clear win for the Galaxy S22: 4 years against 3 years. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. 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 7 has 18% more battery capacity
Here the Pixel 7 pulls well ahead of the Galaxy S22, with 4,355 mAh compared to 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 1.06 oz lighter build
The Galaxy S22 doesn’t just edge this one; 5.89 oz against 6.95 oz is a lead you’ll feel. 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
Big gap, real consequences. The Galaxy S22’s 3 versus the Pixel 7’s 2 changes how the two compare in daily use. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
Design & Size
- Pixel 7 6.13 in × 2.88 in × 0.34 in
- Galaxy S22 5.75 in × 2.78 in × 0.30 in
The Pixel 7 is physically larger, so the Galaxy S22 will be the easier fit wherever space is limited. The Galaxy S22 weighs 1.06 oz less than the Pixel 7. Thickness goes to the Galaxy S22, with an advantage of 0.04 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.13 in | 5.75 in |
| Width | 2.88 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.34 in | 0.30 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.95 oz | 5.89 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Galaxy S22 leads
The Pixel 7 is outclassed on display; the Galaxy S22 leads by a clear margin. The Galaxy S22 gives you a 120 Hz display instead of 90 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. The display verdict goes to the Galaxy S22.
Refresh rate
Pixel 7: 90 Hz Galaxy S22: 120 Hz 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.
Screen size
Pixel 7: 6.3 in Galaxy S22: 6.1 in Screen size is personal. If you watch a lot on your phone, the extra area pays off; if you text one-handed on the go, compact is kinder.
Performance
Galaxy S22 leads
It’s a narrow one, but the performance round goes to the Galaxy S22. The Galaxy S22 makes its case with a newer 4 nm chip process. The Galaxy S22’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much. For anyone who cares most about performance, the Galaxy S22 is the safer choice.
Process node
Pixel 7: 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
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on memory & storage. For memory & storage, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Camera
Galaxy S22 leads
This area is close, with the Galaxy S22 just ahead of the Pixel 7. The Galaxy S22 has the edge with an extra rear camera. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S22’s extra lens adds. Choose the Pixel 7 and you get a sharper 11 MP selfie camera. Anyone shopping mainly on camera should start with the Galaxy S22.
Rear cameras
Pixel 7: 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 7: 11 MP Galaxy S22: 10 MP Front cameras are often an afterthought, so a higher-resolution sensor is a small but welcome edge for the Pixel 7.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 7 leads
On battery & charging, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7 takes this one with 18% more battery capacity. A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance. The Galaxy S22 brings faster 25 W wired charging. Bottom line for battery & charging: the Pixel 7 has the edge.
Battery capacity
Pixel 7: 4,355 mAh Galaxy S22: 3,700 mAh Extra capacity also ages better: after a few years of charge cycles, the Pixel 7 has more headroom left.
Wireless charging
Pixel 7: 20 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
In this area the Galaxy S22 has a lead the Pixel 7 can’t close. The Galaxy S22 adds 1 year of extra promised updates. The Galaxy S22’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on. So if software & updates tops your list, lean toward the Galaxy S22.
Promised OS updates
Pixel 7: 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 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 416 ppi | 425 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 1,400 nits | 1,300 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | 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 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 7 | 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 | 11 MP (winner) | 10 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 8K24 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,355 mAh (winner) | 3,700 mAh Smallest battery in class |
| Wired charging | 21 W | 25 W (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 20 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 13 | Android 12 (One UI 4.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 3 years | 4 years (winner) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.13 in | 5.75 in |
| Width | 2.88 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.34 in | 0.30 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.95 oz | 5.89 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 7 | 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
You pay $201 extra for the Galaxy S22 at launch prices, a difference of 34%. Paying $201 extra for the Galaxy S22 means getting a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz and 1 year of extra promised updates.
Based on US launch pricing as of October 2022. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 7 if…
- you often spend long days away from a charger (4,355 mAh vs 3,700 mAh)
- you want faster wireless charging (20 W vs 15 W)
- you take a lot of selfies or video calls (11 MP vs 10 MP front camera)
- 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 6.95 oz)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Pixel 7 or the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 18% more battery capacity would make a real difference in your routine.
Does the Pixel 7 last longer on a charge than the Galaxy S22?
The Pixel 7 does better here. It lists 4,355 mAh for battery capacity, while the Galaxy S22 lists 3,700 mAh.
Is the Pixel 7 bigger than the Galaxy S22?
Going by the official dimensions, the Pixel 7 is the bigger of the two at 6.13 × 2.88 × 0.34 in. The Galaxy S22 measures 5.75 × 2.78 × 0.30 in.
Does the Pixel 7 perform better than the Galaxy S22?
On paper, the Galaxy S22 is the stronger performer, with a newer 4 nm chip process.
Which has the better camera, the Pixel 7 or the Galaxy S22?
On paper, the Galaxy S22 has the stronger camera setup, with an extra rear camera.
Which has the better screen, the Pixel 7 or the Galaxy S22?
The Galaxy S22 has the edge here, offering a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Pixel 7 and the Galaxy S22. I just have opinions about the numbers. The Galaxy S22 earns my vote first and foremost with a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz. I also like that the Galaxy S22 brings 1 year of extra promised updates. On the other side, the Pixel 7 brings 18% more battery capacity, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
If battery & charging is your thing, the Pixel 7 fits. If display matters more, the Galaxy S22 makes more sense.
My pick: the Galaxy S22, unless you specifically want 18% more battery capacity, where the Pixel 7 has the edge, in which case the Pixel 7 earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.