Apple and Samsung have always been the top dogs of the smartphone market and the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max and Galaxy S22 Ultra continue to build on that traditional foundation. Both of these flagships offer pro-grade cameras, huge screens, and some of the best performance you can find.
One that fits perfectly into Apple’s vast ecosystem, of course, along with its brethren the flagship iPhone 13 Pro (which has exactly the same specs as the larger Pro Max), and the other is an Android powerhouse with an S Pen and an even bigger screen. To help you choose, we break down each device so you can make smarter buying decisions.
For the first time, Samsung has brought the S Pen stylus inside a Galaxy S device Galaxy S22 Ultra comes with the familiar Notes feature that many have missed and if you are one of those people, this is the phone for you. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is not compatible with any Apple-branded stylus.
Samsung offers all the usual S Pen perks like quick notes on the lock screen, a special task menu, and Bluetooth controls for the camera shutter, among others. It also offers the best writing experience of any S Pen to date.
Samsung has always brought impressive screen technology to its phones, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra is no exception. At 6.8 inches large, the S22 Ultra boasts a 2X Dynamic AMOLED panel with Quad HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and truly impressive contrast.
Its 120Hz refresh rate keeps things smooth, and the 240Hz touch sampling rate means touch interactions feel instantaneous. It will probably be perfect for on-the-go gaming. And with a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, it’s significantly brighter than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which peaked at 1,200 nits.
The S22 Ultra is one of the best phones you can buy if you’re looking for an exceptional display. Everything from movies to games to social media looks great. And while the iPhone 13 Pro Max still has a great display, the S22 Ultra is significantly more impressive and eye-catching.
One of the best ways to use the large screen on the Galaxy S22 Ultra is to multitask, and Samsung has made that easy. Many software tools are pre-installed on the device, such as split-screen support, application windows, Edge menu, and App Pairs. This makes getting the job done a lot easier.
iPhone 13 Pro Max does not fit S22 Ultra in the productivity department. Apple barely includes multitasking tools in iOS, so you’re often forced to switch between full-screen apps if you’re multitasking. Samsung’s phones have an important place in this category, but they don’t.
The last few generations of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S phones have offered a feature many competitors haven’t kept up with: Space Zoom. Using a periscope-style telephoto camera and special software techniques, Samsung devices can zoom in much more than any other phone.
In the case of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Space Zoom lets you zoom 100x wild. On the iPhone 13 Pro, you struggle with 15x zoom using the 3x telephoto camera and Apple’s software. So if it’s important to get as close to your subject as possible, you’ll definitely want the S22 Ultra.
This point seems obvious, but it is the biggest difference between iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Formerly running iOS; the second runs on Android. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem (for example, you own a Mac, Apple TV, or AirPods), you should consider the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It will fit right in with the rest of your devices and provide a seamless experience across all of them.
For years, Apple has led the smartphone industry in terms of video capabilities, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max only reinforces that. This device still holds the top position compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra with reliable stability, accurate color reproduction and overall clarity.
Along with various pro features like Cinematic mode, macro movie recording, and ProRes support, it’s clear that the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still a smartphone worth buying if you plan on shooting a lot of video. Just make sure to get one with enough memory.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra has strong specs, with the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 at the heart. While that’s enough horsepower for almost any user, the 13 Pro Max and its A15 Bionic processor are undeniably better than most of the devices you compare it to. It works through games and multitasking between apps, and it keeps up with heavier apps like video editing. It is also a master of efficiency, giving iPhone 13 Pro Max some of the best battery life you can get on a phone.
Both of these phones are expensive, big, fast, and take great photos. However, certain qualities make them more suitable for different types of people.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a powerful addition to any Apple user’s arsenal with a larger screen, impressive performance, professional photography tools, and great battery life. Meanwhile, Galaxy S22 Ultra It’s a productivity machine with the included S Pen, an even larger edge-to-edge display, various multitasking features, and impressive photography.
Whatever you decide, Apple and Samsung are both at the top of their game in the smartphone space, and you can’t go wrong with either device.
Specifications of iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $999 | $1,199 | $1,199 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz . refresh rate |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Warehouse | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Camera | 12-megapixel telephoto, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 12-megapixel wide with flash (rear); 12-megapixel camera (front) | 12-megapixel telephoto, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 12-megapixel wide with flash (rear); 12-megapixel camera (front) | 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 108-megapixel wide and dual 10-megapixel telephoto with flash (rear); 40-megapixel camera (front) |
| The battery | 3,095mAh | 4,352mAh | 5,000 mah |
| Dimensions and weight | 2.82 x 5.78 x 0.30 inches; 0.44 pounds | 3.07 x 6.33 x 0.30 inches; 0.53 pounds | 3.06 x 6.42 x 0.35 inches; 0.50 pounds |
