Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a considerably higher-resolution main camera, 108MP against the Apple iPhone 16's 48MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the S22 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3561mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S22 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the iPhone 16 is the lighter phone at 170g against 228g. 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 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16
|
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 108 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 40 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 3,561 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 170 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 |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £479.99 | £249.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 58g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.