Galaxy S22+ 5G • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 9 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro, launched in August 2024, represent different generations of flagship Android smartphones. While both offer a premium experience, the Pixel 9 Pro benefits from more recent advancements in processing power and software longevity, whereas the Galaxy S22 Plus provides a well-rounded, established platform. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they feature distinct user interfaces and software philosophies.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 9 Pro, having been released in August 2024, is committed to receiving seven years of Android OS and security updates, extending its support until at least August 2031. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus, released in February 2022, launched with Android 12 and was promised four major OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its major OS updates are likely concluding around Android 16, with security updates extending into early 2027.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 9 Pro offers a significantly extended practical lifespan. The Galaxy S22 Plus, while still a capable device, is nearing the end of its guaranteed major software update cycle.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds with glass fronts and backs, and aluminum frames. The Galaxy S22 Plus carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro is also expected to offer a high level of ingress protection, aligning with modern flagship standards.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their different release dates, with the newer Pixel 9 Pro incorporating more recent hardware advancements.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is powered by a previous-generation flagship processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 depending on region), which capably handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and most demanding applications. The Google Pixel 9 Pro features the more recent Google Tensor G4 chip, designed to offer enhanced performance, particularly in AI-driven tasks and overall system responsiveness, providing a smoother experience with current and future demanding applications and games.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, sufficient for smooth multitasking. The Pixel 9 Pro elevates this with 16GB of RAM, allowing for more intensive multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background without performance degradation. Both devices offer various internal storage options, though neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage might require a mid-day top-up. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 4700 mAh battery and is rated for over 24 hours of constant use, suggesting potentially longer endurance for many users. Both support fast wired and wireless charging.

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but the Pixel 9 Pro incorporates newer display technology for enhanced visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), providing clear and vibrant visuals for media consumption and daily use. The Google Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch OLED display, offering a higher resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels, which translates to a sharper image.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 9 Pro surpasses this with an anticipated full-screen HDR brightness of 2050 nits and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, offering superior visibility and contrast, especially for HDR content.
• Viewing Experience: The slightly larger screen of the S22 Plus might appeal to users who prefer more screen real estate for content, while the Pixel 9 Pro's higher resolution and brightness contribute to a more refined and immersive viewing experience.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Pixel 9 Pro integrates more recent advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It is capable of recording 8K video at 24 frames per second. The Google Pixel 9 Pro also includes a triple rear camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 Pro's system benefits from Google's advanced computational photography, often resulting in natural-looking images across various lighting conditions.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera. The Pixel 9 Pro features a significantly upgraded 42MP front camera, which is a notable improvement for selfies and video calls. The Pixel 9 Pro also supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, with some features potentially utilizing cloud-based upscaling.
• Photography Performance: Users generally report that the Galaxy S22 Plus produces vibrant photos, while Pixel devices are often praised for their consistent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting, due to their strong software processing. The Pixel 9 Pro's newer sensors and AI enhancements are expected to further refine its photographic capabilities.