Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 11 Pro Max

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:195.00

Versus €1,283.00 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 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, launched in September 2019, represent different generations and operating systems within the smartphone landscape. While the Galaxy S22 Plus operates on Android, the iPhone 11 Pro Max runs on iOS. Key differentiators between these two devices include their display technology, camera capabilities, and network connectivity, reflecting advancements over their respective release timelines.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience. The Galaxy S22 Plus, being a more recent device, generally benefits from a longer expected period of software updates compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 Plus, released in 2022, is expected to receive major Android updates for several more years than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which debuted in 2019. Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release, meaning the iPhone 11 Pro Max is nearing the end of its major OS update cycle.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds with glass fronts and backs, and are rated for dust and water resistance (IP68). The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced screen protection, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a custom-designed glass.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 11 Pro Max received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that critical display and battery repairs are prioritized in its design, though some components are registered to the motherboard, potentially complicating third-party repairs. Information regarding the repairability score for the Galaxy S22 Plus is less widely available, but modern smartphone designs often present similar challenges.

Year of Release

2022

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the internal processing unit, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles various tasks. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations, but the newer Galaxy S22 Plus generally provides a more responsive experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a more recent generation processor, allowing for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive games and demanding applications. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, while still capable for everyday use, may show signs of slower performance with newer, more resource-intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S22 Plus offers more memory for keeping multiple applications open simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes with 4GB of RAM, which was ample at its release but can be a limiting factor for heavy multitasking in current usage scenarios.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy S22 Plus is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage. The iPhone 11 Pro Max was offered in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, providing flexibility for users with different storage needs.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with distinct characteristics and advancements.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-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 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels, also known for its excellent color reproduction and contrast.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling and viewing experience, and can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, which is still bright but less fluid than the S22 Plus.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer excellent clarity for media consumption and daily tasks. The higher refresh rate of the S22 Plus provides a noticeable improvement in fluidity, particularly for users who frequently scroll through content or play fast-paced games.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1242 x 2688

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a significant consideration for many smartphone users, and both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 11 Pro Max offer versatile setups, with the S22 Plus benefiting from newer sensor technology and computational photography advancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP wide-angle main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has a triple 12MP camera system, including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses with 2x optical zoom. The S22 Plus's larger main sensor and higher optical zoom offer more detail and flexibility.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus excels in low-light photography due to its larger main sensor and advanced image processing. It also offers 8K video recording at 24fps. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced significant improvements to low-light photography with its Night Mode and offers 4K video recording up to 60fps.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which also enables Face ID.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional sensors.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster network speeds and more advanced wireless capabilities. It uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, and utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 Plus measures 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, offering a relatively slim and manageable profile. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier at 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm and 226g. Both devices feature premium build materials, with glass backs and aluminum (S22 Plus) or stainless steel (iPhone 11 Pro Max) frames.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy S22 Plus uses an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside facial recognition. The iPhone 11 Pro Max relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric security.

Weight

195 g

226 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

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 Plus 5G and the iPhone 11 Pro Max cater to users with varying priorities, reflecting the evolution of smartphone technology over several years. Users often praise the Galaxy S22 Plus for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display, versatile camera system with strong low-light performance, and modern Android features. Some users, however, have noted that its battery life, while generally good, can be inconsistent depending on usage patterns and network conditions.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is frequently lauded for its robust build quality, consistent camera performance, and the long-term software support characteristic of Apple devices. Its display is also highly regarded for color accuracy and brightness. A common point of discussion among users, particularly in recent years, is the absence of 5G connectivity and its 60Hz display, which can feel less fluid compared to newer devices.

Users prioritizing the latest display technology, faster processing, 5G connectivity, and a more advanced camera system with higher optical zoom may find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G better suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value the iOS ecosystem, a proven track record of software longevity (though nearing its end for this model), and a slightly more compact design might lean towards the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons