Iphone 13 Pro Max Vs S22 Ultra Two Years Later Is It Still Worth Upgrading

Two years after their release, the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra remain benchmarks of mobile engineering. Both devices launched as flagship powerhouses—Apple’s first to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display and Samsung’s definitive “Note” successor with an integrated S Pen. Today, in 2024, many users still rely on these phones daily. But for those considering an upgrade from an older device or switching platforms, the question arises: are either of these models still worth buying new, or should you wait for newer hardware?

This analysis evaluates both phones across key categories—performance, camera quality, battery life, software longevity, and real-world usability—to determine if they hold up and whether upgrading now makes sense.

Performance: Still Ahead of the Curve

The iPhone 13 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU variant reserved for Pro models. Even by 2024 standards, this SoC remains exceptionally capable. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and demanding games like Resident Evil Village run smoothly via cloud streaming. iOS optimization ensures that even after two years, the phone feels snappier than many mid-tier 2023 Androids.

The S22 Ultra, powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (in most regions) or Exynos 2200 (in select markets), was groundbreaking at launch but shows its age more clearly. The Snapdragon model delivers solid performance but runs hotter under sustained load—a known issue with early 8 Gen 1 devices. Over time, thermal throttling can affect gaming and video editing. However, day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and media consumption remain fluid thanks to 12GB of RAM and One UI optimizations.

Tip: If you prioritize long-term speed consistency and app responsiveness, the A15 in the iPhone 13 Pro Max will likely outlast the S22 Ultra’s processor by another year or more.

Camera Comparison: Strengths on Both Sides

Both phones were class leaders in photography upon release, and their cameras still deliver excellent results in daylight and good lighting conditions.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduced Photographic Styles and improved sensor-shift stabilization. Its triple-lens system—12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto with 3x optical zoom—excels in color accuracy, dynamic range, and video recording. Cinematic Mode, though initially gimmicky, has matured into a useful tool for depth-aware portrait video. Low-light performance is strong, especially with Night mode enabled across all lenses.

Samsung’s S22 Ultra made waves with its 108MP main sensor, 10MP periscope telephoto (offering 3x and 10x optical zoom), and advanced AI processing. It captures more detail in daylight and offers superior zoom capabilities—up to 100x digital zoom, though only usable in ideal conditions. In low light, however, aggressive noise reduction sometimes softens images compared to the iPhone’s more natural grain structure.

“Even today, the S22 Ultra’s 10x zoom is unmatched in practical usability among non-foldable flagships.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Showdown Summary

Feature	iPhone 13 Pro Max	S22 Ultra
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.5, sensor-shift OIS	108MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto Zoom	3x optical	3x & 10x optical
Low-Light Video	Natural tone, minimal processing	Brighter but over-smoothed
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2	40MP, f/2.2
Best For	Video creators, color accuracy	Zoom enthusiasts, high-resolution stills

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The iPhone 13 Pro Max set a new standard for battery life in 2021. With moderate use—email, social media, music, and about an hour of screen-on video—it consistently lasts 1.5 days. Heavy users may need to charge nightly, but few smartphones have matched its efficiency since.

The S22 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery and generally lasts a full day with 6–7 hours of screen time. Under heavy usage—gaming, GPS navigation, or 5G streaming—it can dip below 20% by evening. While not poor, it falls short of the iPhone’s stamina. Additionally, the S22 Ultra supports faster charging (45W with compatible chargers), but Apple limits the iPhone to 20–23W wired charging, which takes nearly two hours to reach full capacity.

Wireless charging is available on both, but the iPhone benefits from MagSafe’s ecosystem of accessories, enabling precise alignment and accessory detection—something Samsung hasn’t fully replicated.

Software and Longevity Outlook

This is where the paths diverge significantly. Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS updates for five to six years. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, released with iOS 15, is expected to receive updates through at least 2027. That means continued security patches, feature upgrades, and compatibility with future apps.

In contrast, Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S22 Ultra. Launched with Android 12, it will receive updates until Android 16 (expected late 2025). After that, only security fixes until 2027. While respectable, this lags behind Apple’s track record of maintaining device relevance longer.

For users planning to keep their phone beyond 2026, the iPhone offers better long-term software assurance. App developers also tend to prioritize iOS optimization earlier, meaning newer apps may perform better on older iPhones than on aging Android counterparts.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 11 since 2020. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches, reduced battery health (down to 78%), and some newer apps no longer supporting iOS 14. She considered switching to Android and looked at refurbished S22 Ultras, attracted by the S Pen and high-res display. But after testing both platforms, she found herself missing iMessage, FaceTime reliability, and the seamless integration with her Mac. Ultimately, she bought a used iPhone 13 Pro Max for $550. Two months later, she reports smoother performance, much better battery life, and confidence that the phone will support her needs through 2027.

Is It Still Worth Upgrading?

If you're coming from a phone older than 2020—such as an iPhone XS, Galaxy S10, or Google Pixel 3—the jump to either device is absolutely worthwhile. You’ll gain significant improvements in speed, camera quality, display technology, and battery life.

However, if your current device is a 2021 or newer mid-range or flagship phone, the upgrade calculus changes. The performance gains become marginal, and the cost of entry—especially for new units or premium refurbished models—may not justify the benefit.

Additionally, consider what matters most:

• Need the best video recording and longest software support? Choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
• Want a stylus, superior zoom, and more customization? The S22 Ultra wins.
• Prefer fast charging and a headphone jack? Neither offers it, but Samsung’s broader accessory support helps.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. ✅ Is your current phone more than 3 years old?
2. ✅ Are you experiencing frequent crashes or slow performance?
3. ✅ Has battery life dropped below 80% health?
4. ✅ Do you want better photos, especially in low light or zoom scenarios?
5. ✅ Can you find the iPhone 13 Pro Max or S22 Ultra at a price below $600 (refurbished or used)?

If you answered yes to three or more, upgrading now could be smart—even two years post-launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S22 Ultra still run modern games smoothly?

Yes, for most titles. Games like Genshin Impact run at medium settings with occasional frame drops during intense scenes. However, sustained gameplay leads to noticeable heating, which may throttle performance over time. It’s functional but not optimal compared to current-gen chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Apple A17.

Does the iPhone 13 Pro Max support USB-C?

No. It uses Lightning for charging and data transfer, which limits cross-device compatibility. This becomes increasingly inconvenient as the industry shifts toward USB-C, including newer iPads and upcoming EU-mandated standards.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 13 Pro Max holds value significantly better. After two years, it retains around 50–60% of its original price in the used market, while the S22 Ultra sits closer to 35–40%. This reflects stronger demand, longer software support, and brand loyalty.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Smartly, Not Just Because It’s New

The iPhone 13 Pro Max and S22 Ultra were landmark devices. Two years later, they’re no longer cutting-edge, but both remain highly capable. The iPhone edges ahead in longevity, efficiency, and ecosystem integration. The S22 Ultra counters with versatility, zoom prowess, and the unique utility of the S Pen.

Upgrading now makes sense only if your current device is holding you back—and if you can acquire one at a discounted price. For most users already on recent hardware, waiting for newer models like the iPhone 15 series or Galaxy S24 lineup offers better value and future-proofing.

💬 Have you upgraded recently? Share your experience with the iPhone 13 Pro Max or S22 Ultra in the comments below—your insights could help others decide their next move.