Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the flagship option, boasting a stunning 6.9" display and a robust 48MP Ultra Wide camera. In real-world use, this larger screen means more immersive media consumption, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands out with its impressive 108MP camera that captures more detail for photography enthusiasts. Key specs: Display: 6.9" vs 6.8" and Battery: 4685 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 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) | 4.7★ (1,325 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders | Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms) |
| Main Drawback | Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users | Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy |
| 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 Ultra
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 Ultra
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(348)Best Buy | ★4.7(1,325)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 / 12GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.8" (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) | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,750 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) | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser 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) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 100x 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 | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF |
Battery | 4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed) | 5,000 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (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 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB |
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) | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.99 oz (227 g) | 8.08 oz (229 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 | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox |
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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 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
- Versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical)
Cons
- Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy
- Battery life is average despite 5,000mAh capacity
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 108MP camera crushes the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 48MP. That said, grab the iPhone if you prefer iOS and want the largest display at 6.9 inches.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you want the largest display for media consumption, prefer a premium build with titanium, or need robust software support for 5+ years.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of photos with high detail, need a more powerful battery for extended use, or want integrated S Pen functionality for note-taking. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,325 reviews vs 348
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Largest iPhone display Priority
Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Integrated S Pen Priority
Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.7★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
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 Ultra wins if you value integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.7★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders, while Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands out with integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Consider that Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy. 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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