Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22
The S22 packs a punch with a lighter design and a powerful 50MP camera. After testing both devices, I found that the iPhone's display size enhances media consumption and gaming experiences significantly. Battery life: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated for up to 33 hours. Key specs: Display: 6.9" vs 6.1" and Battery: 4685 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (348 reviews) | 4.5★ (466 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders | Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use |
| Main Drawback | Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users | Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S22
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(348)Best Buy | ★4.5(466)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro) | Qualcomm Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display |
Resolution | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,300 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus, 100% Focus Pixels | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 30x Space Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF |
Battery | 4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed) | 3,700 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Dimensions | 6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm) | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) |
Weight | 7.99 oz (227 g) | 5.89 oz (167 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) |
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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
- 48MP Ultra Wide camera improves macro and wide-angle detail significantly
Cons
- Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users
- Fastest charging speeds (MagSafe 25W) require purchasing a new puck and adapter
Samsung Galaxy S22
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
- Versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens
Cons
- Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day
- Wired charging limited to 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its massive 6.9" display crushes the Samsung Galaxy S22's smaller screen. That said, grab the S22 if you want a more compact phone that weighs only 5.89oz - it's easier to handle one-handed.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you love watching videos on a large screen, need long battery life for all-day use, or take lots of high-quality photos. (6.9" display, 4685 mAh battery)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you prefer a lighter phone for one-handed use, want a high-resolution display for outdoor visibility, or are looking for a more affordable option. (6.1" display, 3700 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Largest iPhone display Priority
Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Compact and lightweight Priority
Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Samsung Galaxy S22 remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better choice if you prioritize largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders. Samsung Galaxy S22 wins if you value compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders, while Samsung Galaxy S22 stands out with compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. Consider that Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S22 small 3,700mah battery often struggles to last a full heavy day. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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