Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.6" and sharper at 458 PPI. The iPhone 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB of storage, where the S22+ 5G tops out at 256GB, and the S22+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 233g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S22+ 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
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 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17 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 | 18 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 195 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 |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £996.00 | £179.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus's 6.6", the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 38g 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.