Galaxy S22+ 5G Vs iPhone 12 Pro Max

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

Refurbished price:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£236.00

Versus £979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G (2022) and the iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) are two large-format flagship smartphones from different generations and ecosystems. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max was the pinnacle of its series upon release, the Galaxy S22+ arrived two years later with updated display technology and a more modern Android experience. The primary differences lie in their screen refresh rates, physical dimensions, and the distinct software environments of Android and iOS. Both remain highly capable choices for users seeking a large-screen experience with professional-grade features.

Scores

Durability

The Galaxy S22+ and iPhone 12 Pro Max are built to last, though they sit at different points in their lifecycle with distinct approaches to software longevity. While the Galaxy S22+ was released in 2022, the iPhone 12 Pro Max debuted in 2020, yet both remain highly relevant due to the robust support provided by their manufacturers. Samsung typically provides four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, meaning the S22+ remains current for several more years. Apple is known for even longer support cycles, often providing iOS updates for six to seven years, which keeps the iPhone 12 Pro Max functional and secure well into the late 2020s.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 12 Pro Max benefits from Apple’s long-term update policy, while the Galaxy S22+ offers a more recent starting point for Android users with a commitment to four years of major updates.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone features a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield glass for high structural integrity, whereas the Galaxy uses a reinforced aluminium frame and durable glass on both sides.
  • Repairability: Both manufacturers have improved access to official parts, though the internal layout of the Galaxy is often cited by technicians as slightly more accessible for battery replacements and screen repairs.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

In daily use, both smartphones handle demanding tasks with ease, though they approach efficiency and multitasking differently based on their respective operating systems and hardware architectures. The Galaxy S22+ is equipped with a processor that excels at handling multiple apps simultaneously and running modern mobile games without lag. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, despite being older, remains incredibly efficient, handling high-resolution video editing and intensive applications with a level of stability that is characteristic of its ecosystem.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22+ provides a very fluid experience during navigation and scrolling, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max maintains consistent, stutter-free performance across the interface even when the storage is nearly full.
  • Multitasking and Memory: The Galaxy offers higher memory capacity, which helps keep more apps open in the background for instant access, whereas the iPhone relies on deep software integration to manage resources effectively.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is noted for its efficient power management during video playback and standby, while the Galaxy S22+ supports faster charging speeds to quickly replenish its battery during the day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience differs significantly between these two models due to their display technologies, specifically regarding motion smoothness, peak brightness levels, and colour calibration. The Galaxy S22+ features a 6.6-inch screen that prioritises brightness and motion, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a 6.7-inch display focused on colour precision and a cinematic viewing experience. Both use advanced panel technology to deliver deep blacks and high contrast, making them excellent for watching high-definition videos or browsing high-resolution photos.

  • Motion Smoothness: The Galaxy S22+ includes a 120Hz refresh rate, which means the screen updates twice as often as the 60Hz display on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, resulting in much smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy screen can reach significantly higher brightness levels, which is a practical advantage for users who frequently use their phones outside in bright sunlight or under harsh indoor lighting.
  • Display Technology: Both use OLED panels for deep blacks and vibrant colours, but the iPhone’s Super Retina XDR is tuned for professional-grade colour reproduction, providing a very natural look for films and creative work.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will find distinct advantages in both systems, with one focusing on high-resolution detail and zoom, and the other on natural processing and industry-standard video stabilisation. The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images in a variety of conditions, but they have different strengths that cater to different types of creators. Whether capturing a landscape or a portrait, both devices provide professional-level results with minimal effort from the user.

  • Zoom Capabilities: The Galaxy S22+ features a dedicated telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing clearer images of distant objects compared to the 2.5x zoom found on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
  • Video and Audio: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a favourite for mobile videographers, offering smooth frame rates and high-fidelity microphones that capture clear, balanced audio for recordings and video calls.
  • Low-Light Performance: Both phones use sophisticated software to improve photos taken in the dark, but the iPhone’s inclusion of a LiDAR scanner helps it focus more accurately and quickly in dim environments.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical considerations like weight, size, and connectivity play a large role in how these devices feel in everyday use, with the two devices offering different ergonomic profiles and charging standards. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a substantial device, weighing more than the Galaxy S22+ and featuring flat edges that provide a secure, if somewhat bulky, grip. The Galaxy S22+ is lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a less heavy device in their pocket.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Face ID for secure unlocking and payments, which works well in most lighting, while the Galaxy S22+ features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen for quick access.
  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G for fast mobile internet, but the Galaxy S22+ includes support for more modern Wi-Fi standards, which can lead to better performance on the latest home and office networks.
  • Charging Ports: The Galaxy S22+ uses the widely compatible USB-C port, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro Max relies on the proprietary Lightning connector, which may require different cables for users coming from other electronics.

Weight

195 g

226 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

Public sentiment from user forums suggests that the Galaxy S22+ is highly regarded for its vibrant, smooth display and its more manageable weight. However, some users have noted that the battery life can vary depending on how many high-performance features are active. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is frequently praised for its exceptional build quality and the reliability of its video camera, though its 60Hz screen and overall weight are common points of discussion for those comparing it to more recent models.

Users who prioritise a smooth visual experience, faster charging, and a lighter physical design will likely find the Galaxy S22+ to be the more suitable choice for their needs. Those who prefer a larger screen for media, a highly stable video recording platform, and the long-term software consistency of the iOS ecosystem may find the iPhone 12 Pro Max more appealing. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either of these smartphones is a sustainable choice that helps reduce environmental impact while ensuring a high-standard user experience. As an eco-friendly alternative, both devices offer a way to access flagship technology while supporting a more circular economy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether a user values the modern display and ergonomics of the Galaxy or the robust build and ecosystem of the iPhone.

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