The Google Pixel 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra represent the pinnacle of premium Android experiences in early 2023. With cutting-edge specs, sublime cameras and gorgeous displays packed inside hand-crafted chassis, these phones exemplify the best Android can offer.
Samsung sets its sights on smartphone dominance with the S22 Ultra and its pro-grade display, speeds and pro-tier photography chops. Google‘s Pixel 6 Pro fights back with top-notch hardware optimization, best-in-class cameras and AI-enhanced software. Let‘s see how these two tech titans compare when it comes to design, performance, battery life, cameras and value.
Premium Builds with Distinct Style
The Galaxy S22 Ultra‘s rounded sides measure 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm and weigh in at 229g, while the Pixel 6 Pro‘s curved frame comes in at 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm and 210g. Both utilize glass and aluminum for a premium feel with Gorilla Glass Victus protecting against scratches. The phones also boast IP68 certification making them fully dust and water resistant.
From the front, you‘d be hard-pressed to tell the S22 Ultra and Pixel 6 pro apart with their near bezel-less displays. But flip them over reveals two very different design languages. Samsung revives the DNA of the Galaxy Note series with the S22 Ultra‘s squared-off sides and S Pen stylus slot. This makes the phone easier to grip than typical rounded phones. Google‘s Pixel 6 Pro looks entirely unique with a bold horizontal camera bar housing the phone‘s sensor array. This prevents laying the phone flat, but provides distinctive character.
| Device | Dimensions | Weight | Build |
| Galaxy S22 Ultra | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm | 229 g | Glass front, back, aluminum frame |
| Pixel 6 Pro | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | 210 g | Glass front, back, aluminum frame |
Brilliant Displays with Key Differences
The S22 Ultra and Pixel 6 Pro both utilize curved LTPO OLED display panels with ultra-smooth refresh rates up to 120Hz for seamless scrolling and animation. But Samsung‘s screen outshines when it comes to measurable quality. The key stats compare as:
| Specs | Galaxy S22 Ultra | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Screen size | 6.8 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | QHD+ 3088 x 1440 | QHD+ 3120 x 1440 |
| Peak brightness | 1750 nits (HBM) | 1500 nits (HBM) |
| Refresh rate | 1-120Hz adaptive | 10-120Hz adaptive |
The S22 Ultra maxes out at an incredible 1,750 nits brightness by utilizing a High Brightness Mode boost. This allows it to remain highly legible even under intense ambient light. Its 1Hz – 120Hz variable refresh can also drop down to 1 Hz to conserve battery when viewing static content. So when it comes to brightness, visibility and efficiency, the Galaxy S22 Ultra display outperforms. However, Pixel 6 Pro‘s panel still renders sharp images with accurate colors – you just may need to pump up the brightness manually at times.
Blazing Speeds: Snapdragon Just Edges Out Google Tensor
The Galaxy S22 series utilizes Qualcomm‘s most advanced mobile processor to date – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 built on 4nm process technology. Specifically optimized for Android, it screams through intensive workloads like editing 8K video with ease. Inside North America‘s Pixel 6 Pro models, Google‘s custom Tensor G2 silicon leverages AI acceleration and machine learning capabilities.
Let‘s examine how these two smartphone processors compare through independent benchmark testing on apps like Geekbench:
| Benchmark | Galaxy S22 Ultra (Snapdragon) | Pixel 6 Pro (Tensor) |
| Geekbench 5 Single-core | 1,274 points | 1,053 points |
| Geekbench 5 Multi-core | 3,707 points | 2,965 points |
| 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited | 9,526 points | 6,763 points |
As the test results demonstrate, Qualcomm‘s chipset delivers superior processing and graphics performance compared to the first generation Google Tensor silicon. Apps generally felt snappier in testing on the S22 Ultra with quicker loading times. One area it clearly pulls ahead is the ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor which unlocks almost instantly versus the slower optical sensor on Pixel 6 Pro models. Still, both deliver extremely responsive performance – just give the Galaxy S22 Ultra the edge.
Battery and Charging: Faster Recharge Speeds
Smartphone makers often play the numbers game when it comes to battery capacity. But what ultimately matters is real-world endurance. The S22 Ultra does pack in a beefier 5,000 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 6 Pro‘s 4,905 mAh capacity. More importantly, Samsung‘s optimizations allow it to last over a day of active use in testing whereas Pixel 6 Pro‘s battery life remains only average.
Samsung also supports much faster charging that helps offset its slightly lower endurance. With the included 45W USB-C adapter, its battery can recharge from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes. Pixel 6 Pro peaks at 23W wired which takes nearly twice as long by comparison to refill its battery. The S22 Ultra also tops up quicker wirelessly at 15W using Samsung‘s official stand. So if you need to repower in a pinch, the S22 Ultra is the smartphone to own.
| Battery Specs | Galaxy S22 Ultra | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Battery capacity | 5,000 mAh | 4,905 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45W USB-C | 23W USB-C |
| Wireless charging | 15W Samsung stand | 12W Qi charging |
Battle of Phone Photography Titans
The cameras represent one of the closest fought categories in our S22 Ultra vs Pixel 6 Pro face-off. Google made its name through exceptional mobile image processing while Samsung piled on megapixels and zoom power this generation. Let‘s examine the hardware behind these imaging titans:
| Camera Specs | Galaxy S22 Ultra | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Main (Wide) | 108MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.85 |
| Ultrawide | 12MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 |
| Telephoto 3x optical | 10MP f/2.4 | 48MP f/3.5 |
| Telephoto 10x optical | 10MP f/4.9 | N/A |
As we can observe, Samsung pulls no punches packing an insane 108-megapixel main sensor with dual 10MP telephotos for 3x and 10x optical zoom. This system captures highly detailed photos rich with color and contrast. But as image samples demonstrate, Pixel 6 Pro delivers more natural looking results thanks to Google‘s superlative image tuning. Night photos also remain a key advantage for Pixel 6 Pro with brighter shots and few blurry misfires experienced on the S22 Ultra.
So while the S22 Ultra wins through sheer flexibility and details, Pixel 6 Pro output may suit more preferences for realistic detail and low light performance. Samsung certainly closed the gap tremendously but Google‘s phone retains its computational photography crown – for now.
Software: Note Power vs Pure Android
On the software front, Google and Samsung take divergent approaches. Pixel 6 Pro provides the clean stock Android 12 experience Google intended without extraneous apps or services. Forthcoming Android version updates also arrive quickly without carrier or OEM delays. In contrast, Samsung skins its One UI 4.1 overlay atop Android 12 adding its own functionality like faster DeX desktop mode. But it also enables unique S Pen integrations which truly set the S22 Ultra apart.
Through the integrated silo and reduced input latency, using the S Pen feels better than ever for note taking and creative work. First-party Samsung apps tailor themselves to stylus input with additional features versus finger-based touch. Note veterans can once again unleash their creativity through apps like PENUP optimized around the S Pen. Stock Android still holds an appeal for purists but the utility enabled by S Pen gives creatives, multitaskers and enterprise users sizable incentives for picking the S22 Ultra.
Pricing Breakdown: Pixel Undercuts Samsung Value
Given its bleeding-edge display, performance and camera specs – not to mention S Pen support and DeX – Samsung feels justified pricing the S22 Ultra as a premium smartphone. Here is how the base pricing breaks down between storage configurations:
| Storage Tiers | Galaxy S22 Ultra | Pixel 6 Pro |
| 128GB | $1,199 | $899 |
| 256GB | $1,299 | $999 |
| 512GB | $1,399 | N/A |
At launch, Samsung even offered a staggeringly expensive 1TB configuration exclusively through its website and store locations. However, most users will find the 128GB base model provides ample space even for countless photos and videos. Yes, the S22 Ultra offers more advanced hardware but is it worth $300+ over the Pixel 6 Pro?
Unless you specifically need the S Pen and its associated apps for creativity, note taking or business use cases, I‘d argue the Pixel 6 Pro makes for a smarter purchase. You still get superb performance along with one of the best mobile cameras for $300 less. Sure the S22 Ultra wins on paper through its bright display, faster charging and unique stylus. But in doing almost everything else nearly as well for significantly cheaper, Google‘s Pixel 6 Pro emerges as the better value among Android flagships.
When we tally up the wins and losses, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra emerges on top as the best overall Android phone you can buy in early 2023. It handily beats the Pixel 6 Pro through its brighter display, faster performance, significantly quicker charging speeds and unique S Pen ecosystem. The 108MP camera also impresses even if it still can‘t quite match Pixel‘s image tuning and processing.
Yet most buyers don‘t absolutely require an integrated stylus or the ultimate Android specs sheet. This allows the Google Pixel 6 Pro and its superb triple camera system to shine as a value flagship. Starting $300 cheaper than the S22 Ultra, Pixel 6 Pro still flies through apps and tasks while capturing fantastic photos guaranteed to impress friends. Unless you must have specific S Pen applications or bragging rights from 1TB storage, I firmly believe Pixel 6 Pro represents the smarter purchase today.
So the final verdict? Galaxy S22 Ultra for those seeking max features and performance. But Pixel 6 Pro satisfies most users while costing several Benjamins less. Pick your flagship Android wisely!
