It’s that time of the year when we get caught up in the same old debate, “Apple or Android”? However, this time the case is different, as both companies offer quite attractive options. Google has been lagging behind Apple lately and with the Pixel 9 series this year, I believe they have really stepped up to compete with Apple’s newly launched products. iphone 16 Line up.
So, while we’ve already covered the base models, in this article, I’ll compare the top-tier options: iphone 16 pro max and the Pixel 9 Pro. And answer which is the best flagship smartphone to buy this year.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Specifications at a glance
| Glasses | iphone 16 pro max | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro (3nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm), Titan M2 security coprocessor |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM + 256GB/512GB/1TB storage | 16GB RAM + 256GB/512GB 4.0 storage |
| Display | 6.9 inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | 6.8 inch, QHD+ (1344 x 2992), 20:9, LTPO OLED, 120 Hz, HDR 10 |
| rear camera | 48 MP main + 48 MP ultra-wide + 12 MP 5x telephoto | 50 MP main + 48 MP ultra-wide + 48 MP 5x telephoto |
| Front Selfie Camera | 12 MP | 42 MP |
| Video | Up to 4K at 60/120FPS, Dolby Vision HDR at 60 FPS, 10 bit HDR, Pro Res Spatial Video | Up to 4K at 60FPS, Gyro EIS, OIS, 10 bit HDR |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| port | USB Type C 3.2 Generation 2 | USB Type C 3.2 |
| Battery | 4,676 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
| Charge | 50% charge in 30 minutes, 25-watt wireless MagSafe charging | 70% charge in 30 minutes, 12-watt wireless charging |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| weight | 225 g/ 7.9 oz | 221 grams/ 771 ounces |
| software | iOS 18 | android 14 7 years of OS updates |
Construction and design
Talking about the design, you will be surprised to know that both the phones look more or less the same if you look at them from a certain angle. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has flatter sides, contoured edges and matte glass at the back.
Apple, on the other hand, has stuck to the tried and true design it has had since the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It comes with a grade 5 titanium frame, is shinier and has a matte back. Apple has also increased the size to accommodate the 5.9-inch display, just in case the old design wasn't already too big for you.
This increase in size is why both phones are 163mm tall, with the iPhone 9 Pro being slightly wider than the Pixel 9 XL. The sides of both are almost the same width, measuring 8.3mm and 8.5mm respectively. While the Pixel comes with the typical power and volume buttons located on its right side, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also comes with a customisable action button and a touch-sensitive camera button that lets you easily control the camera.
The main difference comes at the back with the iPhone's typical three-lens camera setup that we have grown accustomed to. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a bold camera bump that honestly resembles the Google search bar. If I had to pick a favorite, I would choose the Pixel, because despite all the premium additions, the Pixel's design feels more polished and refined than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Display
Talking about the display, the Cupertino giant has given a bigger 6.9-inch panel for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while last year's model had a 6.7-inch panel. This year it has also reduced some bezels and reduced the size of the dynamic island. This gives Apple more room to flex its Super Retina XDR LTPO OLED panel.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is no slouch either, as it has a bigger 6.8-inch screen with almost equally thin bezels and a QHD+ SuperACTUA LTPO OLED panel. Both devices have a 120Hz refresh rate, but the Pixel takes a slight edge as it can get brighter outdoors as it has a peak brightness of 3000 nits compared to the iPhone's 2000 nits.
In this case, I would say both the companies do their best, and have the best specifications. So, no matter which phone you choose, it is a win-win situation for both.
Hardware and Specifications
In this section, we will talk about what makes these flagship devices special. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features an all-new and powerful A3 Pro processor built on 3nm architecture and TSMC's N18E processing node. It has a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core dedicated to the Neural Engine, allowing the phone to handle Apple intelligence-related activities more efficiently.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL also features the new Tensor G4 chipset based on Samsung's 4 nm, manufacturing process. This is an 8-core CPU running at a maximum frequency of 3.1 GHz. It also includes a new Exynos 5400 modem that allows for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, Bluetooth 5.4 as well as satellite connectivity like the iPhones.
The Tensor G4 couldn’t beat last year’s A17 Pro, so there’s no doubt that it will fall far behind the A18 Pro when we talk about performance.
Battery Life Comparison: Which Battery Lasts the Longest
Although Apple has not revealed the exact battery capacity, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger battery than its previous model. The new stacked design improves battery life and density. Given that the iPhone 15 Pro Max offered up to 25 hours of video streaming, we can expect similar battery performance from the iPhone 16 Pro Max as well.
Google makes no secrets about its battery. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery that lasts about 6.5 hours with normal use and 7 hours with optimized settings. Charging is also faster with the Pixel, supporting 37-watt wired charging that can reach 70% in 30 minutes, compared to the iPhone's 50%.
Both the phones support wireless charging, but did you know? One peculiar thing is that the iPhone 16 Pro Max can charge faster at 25-watts with MagSafe charging. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can only charge wirelessly at 27-watts with the Pixel Stand, otherwise it is limited to 12-watts.
Camera and Video Comparison: The Real Deciding Factor
Talking about the camera, neither Apple nor Google have made any changes from their primary sensors from last year. The main camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the same 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm sensor while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 MP, f/1.68, 25mm lens.
Both phones have a secondary periscope camera with 5x optical zoom. The iPhone has a 12 MP sensor with 3D sensor shift OIS, while the Pixel has a 48 MP sensor. The main difference comes with a new 48MP ultra-wide lens on the iPhone which is quite different from the 12MP lens they use. Meanwhile, you will also get a 48 MP ultra-wide on the Pixel.
With a camera like this, you know your photos will look great. In terms of video, the story is pretty much the same. Both the Pixel and the iPhone can record 4K videos at 24/30/60 FPS. But Apple takes it up a notch, letting you capture stunningly detailed videos at 120FPS and even record in Dolby Vision.
Most people like me were hoping that Apple will improve the front camera, as a 12 MP lens seems very old for a flagship in 2024, but I guess we will have to wait till next year for further upgrades. However, you will get a 42 MP front selfie shooter in Pixel. Both phones can also do 4K 60 FPS with their front cameras.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which is the better value flagship
As you can see, the competition is pretty stiff. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is no slouch either and Google has done its best to make its phone as good an alternative to Apple as possible. You could argue that Google has copied Apple's homework a bit too much this time around. But that also makes the phone feel more premium than its previous versions.
So if you are a performance freak, then the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best choice for you, or if you want to take production quality videos. But if taking photos is your thing, and performance is not a big issue for you, then I would recommend you to get the Pixel 9 Pro XL because you are getting almost the same experience here.
