Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 108MP versus 48MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and storage goes higher on the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 512GB. The S22 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 458. Unusually, the cheaper S22 Ultra 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
Buying outright, the S22 Ultra 5G starts at £250 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 108 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 40 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 228 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 | £249.99 |
| Prices updated 25 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 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
They weigh about the same (227 grams vs 228 grams), both are similar in overall footprint, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
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 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.