Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. Google Pixel 6: Which Android phone is for you?

Google’s Pixel 6 is currently our pick for top Android phone, but after a short time with Samsung’s recently announced trio of Galaxy S22 phones, the midsize S22 and larger S22 Plus both look to be the fiercest competitors.

You should get the Galaxy S22 or S22 Plus if…

You want the best screen

Samsung is famous for making some of the best screens you can get on a phone, and the Galaxy S22 Plus is a perfect example. Its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel offers a wide color gamut with excellent contrast and inky blacks. What’s more, it can get up to 1,750 nits bright, which means you’ll never have an issue seeing your screen in direct sunlight. The S22 is slightly smaller at 6.1 inches.

The Pixel 6’s screen, by comparison, is a bit lacking. Its 6.4-inch AMOLED screen is plenty colorful and can achieve similar black levels, but it can’t get anywhere near as bright since it’s limited to 800 nits.

Samsung’s Space Zoom is a must-have

Though we haven’t finished a full review of the Galaxy S22 or S22 Plus, we know it has a unique feature known as Space Zoom, which lets you zoom up to 3x without a dip in quality — and up to a whopping 30x with the combination of hardware and software. Meanwhile, because the Pixel 6 lacks a telephoto camera, its Super Res Zoom relies exclusively on, and only zooms to, 7x.

You’re already in Samsung’s ecosystem

Samsung’s latest phones come preloaded with all of the needed software to tie in with any Samsung product, and offers a seamless experience right out of the box. Accessories like the Galaxy Watch on your wrist or Galaxy Buds Pro will work seamlessly with the S22 or S22 Plus. Additionally, you can use the SmartThings app to control select Samsung appliances like refrigerators or washing machines as well as soundbars or TVs.

You should get the Pixel 6 if…

You want the latest version of Android at all times

Like all Google phones, the Pixel 6 offers first-in-line updates to new versions of Android. And we appreciate that the day it’s released, you’ll get major OS updates instead of having to wait around for carrier approval or for a manufacturer like Samsung to update the custom interface (aka skin) that is placed on top of Android.

To counter this super-helpful feature, Samsung has gotten much better with providing timely Android updates. In fact, Samsung has even been able to offer specific security patch updates on Galaxy devices before they arrive on Pixel phones. However, when it comes to version upgrades like the upcoming Android 12 to 13 later this year, the Pixel will certainly get it first.

Google’s impressive software tricks intrigue you

The Pixel 6’s software doesn’t stop at timely updates. Google also includes a suite of Pixel-exclusive features that can be addictive. Things like music recognition on your lock screen with Now Playing, spam call detection through Call Screening and the Recorder app with AI-powered transcriptions work seamlessly and add convenience and utility to your experience.

You want to save money

And this is a biggie. Google made a bold statement when it priced the Pixel 6 at just $599. For that seemingly budget price, you get a flagship-level experience, complete with upscale software, cameras, performance and even battery life.

The Galaxy S22 Plus is $400 more, and for anyone looking for a bargain, that may be an expensive price to pay.

Bottom line

There’s no question that the S22 Plus will be one of the best Android phones of the year, but the Pixel 6 manages to stand its ground with excellent software and a competitive price.

If you already own a Samsung Galaxy and want to upgrade your phone to the latest hardware and software, the S22 or S22 Plus is worth consideration. For those who want to save cash and receive bleeding-edge Android updates, the Pixel 6 won’t disappoint.

Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus vs. Pixel 6 specs