Galaxy S22 5G Vs iPhone 11 Pro Max

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

See options
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:219.00

Versus €939.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 11 Pro Max are two distinct smartphone offerings, released in February 2022 and September 2019, respectively. While both devices aim to provide a premium mobile experience, they differ significantly in their operating systems and core hardware, catering to users within the Android and iOS ecosystems. The Galaxy S22 5G offers a more recent Android experience with advanced connectivity, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro Max provides a larger display and a well-established iOS platform.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is often influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, is a newer device compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which debuted in September 2019. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: Samsung has committed to providing four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S22 5G, with support expected to continue into 2027. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, having launched with iOS 13, has received several major iOS updates and is still supported, though its update cycle will naturally conclude sooner than the S22 5G due to its earlier release.
  • Repairability and Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes for the S22 5G, and up to 4 meters for 30 minutes for the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, designed for enhanced drop and scratch resistance. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a glass front and back with a stainless steel frame.

Year of Release

2022

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these devices is shaped by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, powered by its own custom-designed chip, offered strong performance at its release, capable of running applications and games efficiently.
  • Multitasking and RAM: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports fluid multitasking and app switching. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features 4GB of RAM, which was optimized for iOS to provide a responsive user experience for its time.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S22 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offered more varied storage configurations at launch, including 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. Neither device supports expandable storage via a memory card.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is a key differentiator, with variations in display technology, size, and refresh rates.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels, also known for its rich colors and contrast.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, which also contributes to good outdoor readability.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1242 x 2688

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also features a triple 12MP camera system, comprising wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses with 2x optical zoom in and 2x optical zoom out.
  • Low-Light Photography and Features: The Galaxy S22 5G emphasizes enhanced night photography capabilities, utilizing a larger sensor and AI processing for improved low-light performance. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Night Mode, which significantly improves image quality in dim lighting, along with features like Deep Fusion for detailed image processing.
  • Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also offers slow-motion video up to 240 fps at 1080p.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S22 5G supports 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering modern wireless connectivity. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, but lacks 5G compatibility.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for the Galaxy S22 5G and a Lightning port for the iPhone 11 Pro Max for charging and data transfer, neither featuring a traditional headphone jack. The Galaxy S22 5G includes an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and 2D face unlock, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max relies on Face ID for secure authentication.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S22 5G is a more compact device, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm and 226g, which can impact one-handed use.

Weight

195 g

226 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.5

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G and the iPhone 11 Pro Max cater to different user preferences, largely due to their operating systems and release timelines. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 5G for its vibrant 120Hz display, advanced camera features, and modern 5G connectivity. Some users, however, have noted that its battery life might require more frequent charging for heavy use.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is frequently lauded for its robust battery life, large and bright OLED display, and its capable camera system, particularly its introduction of Night Mode. Some users might find its larger size and weight less convenient for single-handed operation, and its lack of 5G connectivity is a consideration in current network environments.

Users prioritizing a more recent Android experience with the latest connectivity standards and a smoother display refresh rate may find the Galaxy S22 5G more aligned with their needs. Conversely, those who prefer the iOS ecosystem, a larger display, and a device known for its strong battery endurance might lean towards the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Both devices, when considered as quality-assured refurbished options, offer an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking premium smartphone features.

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