Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.6" and sharper at 458 PPI. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage versus 256GB on the S22+ 5G, and the S22+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 227g. Get the iPhone 16 Pro Max if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S22+ 5G covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S22+ 5G is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.1
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.1 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 227 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 |
£34.42/mo
£20.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £649.99 | £179.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus's 6.6", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus has a AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 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 Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 32g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS 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.