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Debating whether to go down the Apple route or switch to Samsung’s top-tier Android experience? You’re in the right place. Today, we’re putting two heavy-hitters head-to-head - the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Both offer elite performance, polished designs and incredible cameras, so choosing between them isn’t always straightforward.
The quick verdict
Pick the iPhone 13 Pro Max for industry-leading video, fast performance with long-term software support, excellent low-light photos and a solid, premium build. Pick the Galaxy S22 Ultra for the best zoom camera, a brighter and slightly larger display, a built-in S Pen and a more customisable Android experience. Both are elite flagships, so it comes down to your priorities.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Galaxy S22 Ultra at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 13 Pro Max | Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, up to 1750 nits |
| Camera | 12MP triple, Cinematic Mode, ProRes | 108MP main, 100x Space Zoom |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | Exynos 2200 (UK) |
| Battery | Often lasts longer per charge | 5000mAh, faster charging |
| Storage | 128GB to 1TB | 128GB to 1TB |
| Extras | Apple ecosystem | Built-in S Pen, Samsung DeX |
Both handsets are available at great prices through our refurbished phone collection. Now, let’s dig into the details.
Design & Build Quality
iPhone 13 Pro Max:
Premium stainless-steel frame, flat edges and a matte glass back make it feel ultra high-end - but the trade-off is weight. It’s one of Apple’s heavier designs, though it feels extremely durable.
Galaxy S22 Ultra:
Smoother curves, a minimalistic camera layout and a premium aluminium build give this phone a cleaner look than the S21 Ultra. It also houses the built-in S Pen, making it feel like the spiritual successor to the Note series.
Verdict: The iPhone feels more solid and premium; the S22 Ultra wins for comfort and ergonomics.
Display
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh
Bigger, brighter and smoother - both phones absolutely excel here. The S22 Ultra can hit up to 1750 nits peak brightness, making it easier to use outdoors. Apple’s colour accuracy and Dolby Vision support make it perfect for watching content.
Verdict: The Galaxy S22 Ultra edges ahead for brightness and outdoor visibility; the iPhone remains the king of colour accuracy.
Camera Comparison
This is where both phones earn their flagship status.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
- 12MP triple-camera system
- Superb night mode and low-light processing
- Sensor-shift stabilisation
- Cinematic Mode + ProRes video support
Galaxy S22 Ultra
- 108MP main camera
- Ultra-wide + dual telephoto lenses (3x & 10x optical)
- Legendary 100x Space Zoom
- Excellent AI processing for detail
iPhone 13 Pro Max excels at: video quality, stabilisation, natural colour tones
Galaxy S22 Ultra excels at: zoom photography, daytime detail, versatility
Performance
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: A15 Bionic - blazing fast, power-efficient and built to last years
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: Exynos 2200 (UK) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US)
The A15 Bionic is still one of the most efficient chips on the market, often outperforming Samsung’s hardware in raw speed and battery optimisation. That said, the S22 Ultra is incredibly capable and handles multitasking like a champ - especially when paired with the S Pen.
Verdict: iPhone 13 Pro Max for raw performance; S22 Ultra for productivity and multitasking.
Battery Life
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: One of Apple’s best batteries to date
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: 5000mAh with fast charging support
Both offer excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day. The S22 Ultra supports faster wired charging, but Apple handles battery efficiency exceptionally well thanks to the A15 chip and iOS optimisation.
Verdict: Close - Samsung charges faster, but Apple often lasts longer on a single charge.
Software Experience
iPhone 13 Pro Max:
iOS is slick, secure and incredibly stable. If you use AirPods, a MacBook or an Apple Watch, the ecosystem is unmatched.
Galaxy S22 Ultra:
Runs Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI - highly customisable and packed with features, including Samsung DeX, which lets you plug into a monitor and use your phone like a desktop.
Verdict: Depends on preference - Apple for simplicity & stability, Samsung for flexibility & features.
Storage Options
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 128GB → 1TB
- Galaxy S22 Ultra: 128GB → 1TB
Both brands now offer huge storage options, making them suitable for heavy content creators.
Which One Should You Buy?
Pick the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you want:
- industry-leading video quality
- super-fast performance and long-term software support
- excellent low-light photography
- a premium, solid-feeling build
Pick the Galaxy S22 Ultra if you want:
- the best zoom camera on any smartphone
- a brighter and slightly larger display
- a built-in S Pen for productivity
- a more open and customisable Android experience
Whichever device catches your eye, you can find both phones for less than retail in our refurbished phone collection. And if you're upgrading, you can also trade in your current handset to reduce the cost even further.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the iPhone 13 Pro Max or the Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is better for video, raw performance and a premium build, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra is better for zoom photography, outdoor brightness, comfort and productivity with its S Pen.
Which has the better display?
The Galaxy S22 Ultra edges ahead for brightness and outdoor visibility, reaching up to 1750 nits. The iPhone 13 Pro Max remains the king of colour accuracy, with Dolby Vision support that suits watching content.
Which phone has better battery life?
It is close. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery and supports faster wired charging, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max often lasts longer on a single charge thanks to the A15 chip and iOS optimisation.
Does the Galaxy S22 Ultra have an S Pen?
Yes. The Galaxy S22 Ultra houses a built-in S Pen, making it feel like the spiritual successor to the Note series and helping with productivity and multitasking.
Which processor is in the UK Galaxy S22 Ultra?
The UK Galaxy S22 Ultra uses the Exynos 2200, while the US model uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses Apple's A15 Bionic.
