With all the new smartphones coming out at the end of 2022, it’s hard to ignore the biggest additions. There’s much to unpack when comparing the iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Apple’s flagship smartphone brings its most advanced ARM processor to the table. Along with it, the industry’s best image stabilization and a high-quality battery. However, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra doesn’t lack processing power, and its S Pen integration makes it one of the most anticipated Android devices of the year. Keep reading for everything to know before buying these smartphones.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Side-by-Side Comparison
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9mm | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm |
| Weight | 240g | 229g |
| Screen | 6.7” OLED 1-120Hz | 6.8” OLED 1-120Hz |
| Processor | A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Cameras | 48MP main (1X), 12MP ultrawide (0.5X), 12MP telescopic (3X), 12MP front camera with AF | 108MP main (1X), 12MP ultrawide (0.5X), 10MP telescopic (3X), 10MP telescopic (10X), 40MP front camera with AF |
| Battery Size | 4,323mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Price | Starting at $1,099.99 | Starting at $1,199.99 |
- 8K Video Recording: Shoot videos with stunning 8K resolution for epic content
- Adaptive Color: Optimize color and brightness for indoor and outdoor viewing
- Long Battery Life: Power through the day and night with an intelligent battery
- S Pen Included: Unleash creativity with an embedded pen for precise editing
- Premium Design: Crafted with a glass-metal-glass design and Gorilla Glass for durability
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: What’s the Difference?
Design
The arguable leader of the smartphone industry returns with a design that iOS users will find familiar. The new iPhone 14 Pro Max touts the same hard-lined frame and large camera block as previous models, only with an upgraded main lens.
Where iOS fans will notice a difference is in its size; the iPhone 14 Pro Max features a massive 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9mm body and weighs 240g. This makes it the heaviest flagship smartphone to release this year. While some might look toward lighter options, such as the Google Pixel 7 Pro, most will understand that with all that weight comes impressive features.
Apple released a beautiful device, but Samsung took all the stops redesigning their Galaxy S22 Ultra. The Android smartphone looks like the S series and Note series had a baby. The S22 Ultra features a tough, aluminum body with flat faces and curved sides. More prominently, Samsung removed the camera box, leaving the back a flush satin. You can get the Galaxy S22 Ultra in seven colors: Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, Graphite, Sky Blue, Burgundy, and Red. That’s a lot of customization!
Those looking for a compact phone will appreciate the weight of Samsung’s flagship phone. The Galaxy S22 Ultra might have a slightly larger frame, but surprisingly only weighs 229g. While you won’t forget it’s in your pocket, the S22 Ultra won’t tire out your forearms while shooting with its new optical lens.
Display
©ADRIAN3388/Shutterstock.com
The iPhone 14 Pro Max keeps its innovations pretty tame. Its new Dynamic Island, however, is a cool new feature that does away with the traditional notches to provide information. Expanding from the front speaker and camera, a long oval morphs into all sorts of shapes to help navigate music, alerts, and other controls right from the front screen.
Additionally, the smartphone’s 1Hz refresh rate capability preserves your battery life when nothing is happening on screen. This pairs wonderfully with Apple’s new Always-On display, which presents a super-dim version of your home screen while locked. The display shares aspects such as the clock, your home screen widgets, and even some notifications. It feels a little over the top, but we’re glad to see this feature added to the iPhone family finally.
However, Always-On displays are old news for Samsung. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the same 1Hz capability as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which makes its lock screen display extremely efficient. However, the smartphone keeps its Always-On feature clean and concise, providing just the essentials for quick reference.
The lock screen isn’t static. Users can write straight on the screen for immediate note-taking using the newly integrated S Pen from the Galaxy Note series. This gives the S22 Ultra additional functionality that comes exclusive to Samsung. Opening the phone unlocks eight additional actions, which correlate with taking notes, compiling information, and sharing with friends and coworkers.
Performance
As far as Android vs iOS goes, both devices have two of the most integrated CPUs on the market. Apple was the first to produce the 4nm ARM processor and consistently led in performance and battery efficiency. The A16 Bionic, which powers the iPhone 14 Pro Max, handles every form of video and gaming. Whether streaming in 8K or downloading the latest Adobe Suite applications, this phone will outpace the competition.
That’s not to say that Samsung’s ARM processor slouches. Although the A16 Bionic is superior, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has all the power to run any application. The only difference is working with large files. If you spend a lot of time editing videos, the Galaxy S22 Ultra comes in second.
Both phones offer 128GB of storage at a minimum, and each has options of up to 1 TB. However, think carefully about how much storage you need; neither Apple nor Samsung included a MicroSD slot, so you won’t have the option to add storage. You can find each of them with 12GB of memory, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra offers an 8GB option.
Camera
iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra have matching lenses. Apple’s premier smartphone comes equipped with three rear-facing cameras, which include a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3X zoom. It also features a special 12MP, front-facing camera with Auto Focus for incredibly crisp selfies.
Our favorite aspect of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is its AI integration in the main camera. Shooting at 48MP, the smartphone compiles all that information into an incredibly detailed 12MP image. Additionally, the camera records video in 4K and cuts it down to 2.8K, removing any jitters or bounces.
Samsung’s flagship device comes with a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3X zoom, and another 10MP telephoto lens with 10X zoom. It also has a 40MP front-facing camera with similar Auto Focus capabilities as the iPhone.
While its competition focuses on industry-leading image stability, the Galaxy S22 Ultra introduces the longest zoom on the market. Using that 10X optical lens, the device uses Space Zoom to reach up to 100X. This is far enough to capture the Moon in full detail. This is the kind of innovation that could make iOS devotees jealous.
Battery Life
iPhone 14 Pro Max’s battery life is hard to beat, especially considering its features. Users suggest that this device can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, more than enough for a whole day of regular use. And with its beastly A16 Bionic ARM processor can also handle high-quality video and heavy gaming with plenty of battery to spare.
And this is even while considering the S22 Ultra’s huge, 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery; despite outclassing the iPhone in size, Samsung’s smartphone only averages about 10 hours of regular use before it needs charging. Even more disappointing, the phone lags considerably behind during heavy gaming sessions. It’s not as bad as the Pixel 7 Pro, but it’s not impressive for Apple’s biggest competitor.
If there’s any consolation, it comes in its charging capacity. Whereas the iPhone 14 Pro Max only charges at a max wired rate of 20W, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra quickly charges as much as 45W. For easier comparison, the Apple phone will charge up to 42% in 30 minutes and the Samsung up to 67% in 30 minutes. That’s pretty noticeable.
Price
Here’s where things get tough. As both Apple and Samsung lead the smartphone industry, their impressive devices cost a pretty penny. If you’re considering the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you can expect to pay no less than $1,100 for the base model (128GB/12GB). You’ll have to decide if the best processor on the market and stellar image stabilization are worth it from there.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra doesn’t make that decision easier; with comparable stats and a handful of exclusive features. You can get the base model for $1,200. A Space Zoom is cool, but that’s a hard sell. It’s more likely that the extra cost comes with the S Pen’s functionality, significantly benefiting the productivity-focused.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has the most advanced ARM processor in the smartphone industry.
- The Samsung Galaxy S22 combines its two flagship phones for one beast of a device.
- Apple went hard on image stabilization in its new 48MP camera, resulting in crisp photos and the smoothest video you’ll find anywhere.
- Samsung introduced a new 10X optical zoom lens that features Space Zoom, a mode that can extend its range up to 100X.
- Both models feature a hefty price tag for their advanced features; the iPhone 14 Pro Max costs $1,100 and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra costs $1,200.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra isn’t the easiest decision. Both phones lead the industry in design, performance, and cameras, and each introduces features that would make the opposition envious. So which one is right for you?
Those who want the most advanced ARM processing will like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The A16 Bionic is a CPU far beyond its competition, with performance and battery efficiency untouched. And the phone’s 48MP camera introduces stabilization that changes the content game. Coupled with the most efficient battery in the industry, taking photos and videos will be a breeze.
However, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the prime option if you’re keen on productivity and collaboration. The exclusive S Pen allows for functionality not seen elsewhere, and a no-joke Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor backs it. And the 100X zoom to the moon is pretty cool too.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gabo_Arts/Shutterstock.com.
