Looking for an honest Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comes out ahead 52/100 to 57/100 — a 5-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Google Pixel 8a undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G by 7% ($225 vs $239.88), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G narrowly beats the Google Pixel 8a in the smartphones category, especially in display quality, scoring 57 vs 52. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G over Google Pixel 8a means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5GW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1" | 6.6"✓ |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | — | 1750nits |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
Buy Google Pixel 8a if…
The Google Pixel 8a is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G narrowly beats the Google Pixel 8a in the smartphones category, especially in display quality, scoring 57 vs 52. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G scores higher (82 vs 77).
Google Pixel 8a is cheaper at $225 vs $239.88 for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G.
The Google Pixel 8a is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a larger battery (4,500mAh vs 4,492mAh for the Google Pixel 8a), which generally means longer use between charges.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has the larger display (6.6" vs 6.1").
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| 128GB |
| Main Camera | 64MP✓ | 50MP |
| Front Camera | 13MP✓ | 10MP |
| Battery | 4492mAh | 4500mAh✓ |
| Charging | 18W | 45W✓ |
| Weight | 188g✓ | 195g |
| Price | 225$✓ | 239.88$ |
Google Pixel 8a has a higher-resolution main camera (64MP vs 50MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Google Pixel 8a is lighter at 188g vs 195g.