Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22

The Verdict

Samsung Galaxy S22 delivers superior value at $300 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The S22's 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display refreshes at 120Hz versus the Pro Max's 60Hz, making scrolling noticeably smoother, though both screens hit excellent brightness levels (1300 vs 1200 nits). Camera performance favors Samsung's 50MP main sensor and 8K video recording over Apple's 12MP triple setup, though Apple's image processing and 2x optical zoom remain competitive. Samsung's 25W charging and 15W wireless charging substantially outpace Apple's 18W and 7.5W capabilities, while the S22's 8GB RAM versus 4GB RAM provides better multitasking headroom. The iPhone 11 Pro Max weighs 59g more (226g vs 167g) and lacks 5G connectivity, major oversights for a flagship priced at premium levels. Performance differs by architecture rather than speed: the A13 Bionic handles iOS efficiently while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powers Android's demands effectively. Both carry IP68 ratings and premium build materials. Storage tops out at 512GB on the Pro Max versus 256GB on the S22. For most users, the Galaxy S22 represents the smarter purchase, offering flagship features, 5G support, modern display tech, and superior charging for significantly less money. The iPhone 11 Pro Max appeals primarily to iOS devotees willing to pay premium pricing for software loyalty rather than hardware advantages.