Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S22

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Google Pixel 9a is £97.76 less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S22. Screen size goes to the Google Pixel 9a with its 6.3" display. On paper, the Samsung Galaxy S22 wins the camera battle with 50MP on the rear. Up front, the Google Pixel 9a wins with a 13MP selfie camera.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.1"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 422
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 2200
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 15 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Triple SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight
186 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£75.00 upfront) £12.99/mo (£99.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£309.00 £149.00
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S22 Samsung Galaxy S22
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.1"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 422
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 2200
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 15 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Triple SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight 186 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £11.95/mo
£75.00 upfront
£12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
SIM-free £309.00 £149.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S22 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £331.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £75.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S22?

The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 421 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy S22 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S22?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S22?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S22?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S22 use?

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

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

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the more portable of the two — it's 19g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 46 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S22?

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S22 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S22 run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S22 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.