It’s that time of year when we have the same old debate, “Apple or Android”? However, this time is different, since both companies offer pretty compelling options. Google has been hot on Apple’s tail lately and with the Pixel 9 series this year, I believe they have genuinely stepped up to compete with Apple’s newly launched iPhone 16 lineup.
So, while we’ve already covered the base models, in this read, I’ll compare the top-tier options: the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Pixel 9 Pro. And answer which one stands out as the best flagship smartphone to buy this year.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Specs At a Glance
| Specs | 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 + 256 GB/512 GB/1 TB storage | 16GB RAM + 256 GB/512 GB 4.0 Storage |
| Display | 6.9 inches, Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | 6.8 inches, 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 Gen 2 | USB Type C 3.2 |
| Battery | 4,676 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
| Charging | 50% charge in 30 mins, 25-watt wireless MagSafe charging | 70% charge in 30 mins, 12-watt wireless charging |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 225 grams/ 7.9 ounce | 221 grams/ 771 ounce |
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 7 years of OS updates |
Build and Design
When it comes to design, you’d be surprised to learn that both phones more or less look the same, if you look at them from a certain angle of course. The Pixel 9 Pro XL sports flatter sides, with contoured edges and matte glass at the rear.
Apple, on the other hand, has stuck with the tried-and-true design that has been in place since the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It comes with a Grade 5 Titanium frame, which is glossier, and has a matte back. Apple also increased the size to accommodate the 5.9-inch display, just in case, the older design wasn’t already huge for you.
This increase in size is why the two phones stand 163 mm tall, with the iPhone being a bit wider than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The sides are approximately the same width, measuring 8.3 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively. While the Pixel goes with the typical power and volume buttons located on its right side, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also comes with a customizable action button and a touch-sensitive camera button that lets you control the camera with ease.
The main difference comes to the back with the iPhone’s typical three-lens camera setup, which we have grown used to. Whereas Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a bold camera bump that honestly looks like the Google search bar. If I have to pick a favorite, I’d say I will go with the Pixel, because despite all the premium additions, Pixel’s design feels more polished and refined than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Display
On the display side of things, the Cupertino giant went with a larger 6.9-inch panel for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, compared to the 6.7-inch from last year’s model. It has also shed some bezels this year 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 isn’t far behind, as it brings a 6.8-inch large screen with almost equally thin bezels and a QHD+ SuperACTUA LTPO OLED panel. Both devices have a 120 Hz refresh rate but the Pixel takes a minor lead as it can get brighter outdoors as it has a 3000 nits peak brightness compared to the iPhone’s 2000 nits.
In this department, I’d say that both companies bring their A-game, featuring the best specs at their disposal. So it’s a win-win situation no matter which phone you pick.
Hardware and Specifications
In this section, we’ll talk about what beats inside these flagship devices. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features an all-new and powerful A18 Pro processor built on 3nm architecture and TSMC’s N3E processing node. It has a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and 16-core dedicated to the Neural Engine, allowing the phone to handle Apple Intelligence-related activities more efficiently.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL also introduces the new Tensor G4 chipset based on Samsung’s 4 nm, manufacturing process. This is an 8-core CPU clocked at a max frequency of 3.1 GHz. It also includes a new Exynos 5400 modem which 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, there is no doubt that it will fall significantly behind the A18 Pro when we talk about raw performance.
Battery Life Comparison: Which One Lasts the Longest
Although Apple hasn’t disclosed the exact battery capacity, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a larger battery than its predecessor. 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 a similar battery performance from the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Google doesn’t keep its battery specs a secret. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 5,060 mAh battery, providing around 6.5 hours of regular usage and up to 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 phones support wireless charging, but guess what? In a weird turn of events, the iPhone 16 Pro Max can charge faster at 25 watts with MagSafe charging. On the other side, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can only charge at 27-watt wirelessly with a Pixel Stand, otherwise it is limited to 12-watts.
Camera and Video Comparison: The Real Deciding Factor
On the camera front, you’ll see that neither Apple nor Google swayed away from their primary sensor from last year. The main camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the same 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm sensor while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the 50 MP, f/1.68, 25mm lens.
Both phones feature a secondary periscope camera with 5x optical zoom. The iPhone has a 12 MP sensor with a 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 a big departure from the 12MP lens that they used. Meanwhile, you’ll get a 48 MP ultra-wide on the Pixel too.
With camera specs like these, you know that your photos will come out looking nothing less than great. On the video front, the story is almost the same again. Pixel and iPhone, both can record 4K videos in 24/30/60 FPS. But Apple takes it up a notch, allowing you to capture stunning detailed videos at 120FPS and also record in Dolby Vision.
Most people like me, were expecting Apple to improve the front camera, as the 12 MP lens feels too outdated for a flagship in 2024 but I guess we’ll have to wait till the next year for further upgrades. Although, on the Pixel, you will find a 42 MP front selfie shooter. Both phones can do 4K 60 FPS from their front cameras as well.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which is the Better Value Flagship
So as you can see, the competition is pretty neck to neck. The Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t slouching behind and Google has done its due diligence to make its phone, as good of an alternative to Apple’s offering as it possibly can. You can make an argument that Google copied Apple’s homework a bit too thoroughly this time around. But it also makes the phone feel more premium compared to its previous iterations.
So if you are a pure performance freak, then the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a no-brainer, or if you are in taking production quality videos. But if taking photos is your niche, and performance isn’t much of an issue for you then I’d say go with the Pixel 9 Pro XL as you are basically getting almost the same experience here too.
