Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: What’s the best Android phone?

Which phone will emerge as the best Android phone between the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra? A face-off of Google’s Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra can settle the issue of which one is the best Android flagship and which one is worth your money. With upgrades to camera features the competition is tough for both devices. Google and Samsung went all out to make the camera experience on each phone exceptional with the Galaxy S22 Ultra offering 10x optical and 100x digital for zooming. The Pixel 7 Pro though has a few aces up its sleeve with features that will make you agree that it is the smartest camera phone ever created.

So which phone is better? Read our Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra showdown to decide.

Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra: Specs

 Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra: Cost and Availability 

When it comes to money, the gap is big between the Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 with a huge difference of $300, with the Pixel 7 Pro on the saving end. Samsung’s phone has a price tag of $1,199/£1,149/$1,849AUD while Google’s flagship is tagged at $899/£849/$1,299AUD.

The 512GB Pixel 7 Pro (currently not available in the UK) is at $1,099/1,599AUD and is a serious gain over the price of Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra 512GB which is at $1,399 £1,329/$2,149AUD. It’s such a big difference to ignore and $300 is a worthy save. You can save further on these specific models by looking at the best Pixel 7 deals or Best Galaxy S22 deals.

Galaxy S22 Ultra is almost everywhere for customers to buy but Google’s handset is also enjoying a wide reach into markets than previous models by Google.

Winner: the Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Design

The back of the Pixel 7 Pro is the most captivating feature with the camera lenses showing off more than previously. The camera bar stretches across the phone’s width giving it a refined look and a clear statement from Google that this phone is serious about photography.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the Galaxy Note in design and the only part of the S- series in the name (the resemblance is so vivid). The top left corner fits the rear quad camera and laser autofocus setup in a P shape and the finishing touch to this cool and unique look is the rounded back and flat edges.

Both phones are a bit bulky in the hand but the Galaxy S22 Ultra makes you feel the weight with its 228g (full 8 ounces) while the Pixel 7 Pro has a graceful feel at 212g (7.3 ounces). IP68-rated means that both devices can survive underwater submersion of approximately up to three feet (1.5 m) for 30 minutes.

On design, the winner highly depends on what you prefer in a smartphone, a bulky, large, brick-like feel of the Galaxy S22 Ultra or a much slimmer and polished look from Google’s Pixel 7 Pro. All phones are well-built so it feels like a draw.

Winner: Draw

Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra: Display

Samsung has come out as a champion in the display battle even though the Pixel 7 made a run for it with rich colours and a bright screen. But Samsung won the day.

With a 6.7-inch OLED screen, a 3120 x 1440 resolution and a 10-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the Pixel 7 Pro managed to achieve 927 nits of brightness when tested but this is small when compared to how bright the Galaxy S22 Ultra got. Lively colours and 1,359 nits of brightness are unleashed with the 6.8-inch and Super AMOLED display with 3088 x 1440 resolution and 1-120 Hz refresh rate.

QHD+ resolution is equally sharp on both phones and for book readers, the experience on both is a delight but if you are looking for other forms of media to view on your phone, Samsung’s device is the best choice.

Winner: Galaxy S22 Ultra

Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra: Software and special features

Both handsets have brilliant software with the Pixel Pro running on Android 13 and Samsung’s on Android 12. While the Pixel 7 Pro can unblur old photos with its Photo Unblur feature, Samsung’s built-in S Pen offers incredible writing features. It also has committed to Android support of up to five years while Google has committed to three. 

Winner: Galaxy S22 Ultra

Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra: Cameras

The S22 Ultra comes with four cameras with two having a telephoto lens and the main one with 108 MP while the Pixel Pro has three rear cameras with the main one 50MP. To take selfies the Pixel 7 Pro uses a 10.8MP shooter and has a wide field view for group selfies with a 92.8 degree while Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has an 80-degree FOV and a 40MP shooter.

Comparing picture quality, the Pixel 7 Pro does a great job producing more accuracy on colours while the Galaxy S22 Ultra gets the best night shots.

Winner: Pixel 7 Pro.

Pixel 7 Pro vs. Galaxy S22 Ultra: Performance and Battery life

The Tensor G2 chip in the Pixel 7 Pro is impressive and makes a fight for it with Snapdragon in Samsung’s phone but the Snapdragon has more power for the best performance in many aspects.

Both phones are a bit unimpressive on battery consumption but Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra leads in saving a bit more power and recharging abilities.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Pixel 7 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Verdict

It was a tough call deciding on which phone stands out as best with Samsung’s excellent display but the Pixel nailed it on the software and price. The Galaxy S22 may have won but with a small margin so the Pixel 7 Pro likely deserves praise after all and who knows if it wasn’t for the battery life problem it may have won.