Galaxy S22 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Gaming Performance Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max represent the pinnacle of current smartphone technology, making their gaming performance a topic of great interest. This comparison delves into how each device handles popular titles, focusing on frame rates, thermal behavior, and overall gaming experience.

Key Specifications

Galaxy S22 Ultra

• Display: 6.8” Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm)
• RAM: 8GB/12GB
• Storage: Up to 1TB
• Battery: 5000mAh, 45W charging
• OS: Android 12 with One UI 4.1
• Camera: Quad 108MP setup

iPhone 13 Pro Max

• Display: 6.7” Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz
• Chipset: A15 Bionic (5nm)
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 4352mAh, 20W charging
• OS: iOS 15
• Camera: Triple 12MP setup

Performance Benchmarks

In AnTuTu benchmarks, the Galaxy S22 Ultra scores over 900,000, about 14% higher than the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, sustained performance tells a different story. After five consecutive AnTuTu cycles, the iPhone shows only a 6% performance drop, while the S22 Ultra dips by approximately 10%. This trend continues in gaming tests.

Gaming Performance

Genshin Impact With highest graphics settings, the S22 Ultra starts at 50-55 FPS but drops to 35-41 FPS after 20 minutes, while the iPhone maintains 56-60 FPS initially and settles at 44-51 FPS. The iPhone also runs cooler overall, with heat concentrated near the camera module, whereas the S22 Ultra warms across its chassis.

PUBG Mobile Both phones handle this title well at highest settings, with the S22 Ultra achieving stable 40 FPS and the iPhone matching this performance. Enabling HDR graphics and extreme frame rates keeps the S22 Ultra at smooth 60 FPS, with the iPhone occasionally reaching 50 FPS at ultra frame rates.

Call of Duty Mobile This demanding game runs at smooth 60 FPS on both devices at highest settings, with CPU/GPU usage remaining moderate and surface temperatures staying below 34°C.

Asphalt 9 The iPhone supports 60 FPS gameplay, maintaining stable frames while warming slightly. The S22 Ultra is limited to 30 FPS, which, while steady, feels underwhelming for a flagship device.

Injustice 2 and Critical Ops The S22 Ultra exceeds the iPhone in these high-FPS games, reaching up to 120 FPS on Injustice 2 and Critical Ops at highest settings, though with minor frame drops over time. The iPhone holds stable 60 FPS in both titles.

Emulator Games Using the PPSSPP emulator, the S22 Ultra plays God of War: Ghost of Sparta and Tekken 6 at smooth 60 FPS, with comfortable temperatures even after extended sessions.

Conclusion

While the Galaxy S22 Ultra can achieve higher peak frame rates in certain games, the iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers superior stability, better thermal management, and more consistent performance across extended gaming sessions. Samsung's Game Optimizing Service currently throttles performance in many titles, though a software update promises more control. Ultimately, Apple's focus on power efficiency gives the iPhone an edge in sustainable gaming performance.