Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 108MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max's 48MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the S22 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 4422mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G, up to 1TB against 512GB, and the S22 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 460. Unusually, the cheaper S22 Ultra 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S22 Ultra 5G is the cheaper buy at £250 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
4.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 108 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 40 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 12 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 221 grams | 228 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£28.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £459.95 | £249.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 108 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £249.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the more portable of the two: it's 7g lighter at 221 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 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.