Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

Our verdict: Both screen size and sharpness go to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a 6.8" display at 460 PPI. Up front, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins with a 42MP selfie camera. If contracts aren't your thing, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus at £172.99 SIM-free is the cheaper buy. If storage matters, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge with 4 options.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.6"
Display
LTPO AMOLED AMOLED
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
460 390
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 2200
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 12
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm
Weight
199 grams 195 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£37.00/mo (£399.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£370.44 £172.99
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.6"
Display LTPO AMOLED AMOLED
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 460 390
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 2200
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 12
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm
Weight 199 grams 195 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £37.00/mo
£399.00 upfront
SIM-free £370.44 £172.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus's 6.6", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus has a AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £172.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus uses the Exynos 2200.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is more compact. It's 4g lighter at 195 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is actually the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus runs Android 12. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.