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Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is a real big one, with a screen size of 9.6 inches, but Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is also a meaty contender. Both flagship phones are stacked to the gills with some of the best mobile technology. You’ll find powerful cameras, new processors, and various AI skills that tempt you to spend your money. So let’s dive into the specs to see how Apple and Google phones compare. At the end of this article, you will find a chart that compares all the technical specifications, side by side.
Size is the big similarity here, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display measuring 6.9 inches — just 0.1 inch larger than the Pixel XL’s 6.8-inch display. You’d hardly notice the difference, but if your primary concern is getting as much screen for your money as possible, then the iPhone comes out on top. And while the Pixel’s pixel density of 486 ppi is slightly higher than the iPhone’s 460 ppi, again, it’s not a difference you’re likely to notice in day-to-day use.
See more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro review: A compelling upgrade with my favorite iPhone feature in years
Both phones run on domestic processors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 chip was a bit of a letdown in tests, putting it more in line with last year’s mid-range phones and barely faster than its predecessor. By comparison, even the iPhone 15 Pro Max blew the Pixel out of the water, and the 16 Pro Max beat the proverbial Pixel in our set of benchmarks. Of course, for your day-to-day emailing and Instagram scrolling, you probably won’t notice any difference, but the iPhone is certainly better equipped for things like ray-tracing-enabled video games.
Both the iPhone and Pixel have the standard trio of rear cameras – main, ultra-wide and 5k telephoto. Pickel fought well in my recent camera shoot. However, the iPhone included ProRav images and ProRes video encoding – along with the new 4K slow motion mode — makes iPhone more attractive to photo and video creators.
Neither phone offers expandable storage, but both offer capacities up to 1TB and IP68 water resistance.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size, technology, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.9-inch LTPO OLED; 2,868×1,320 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED; 2,992×1,344 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 486 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches | 6.4x3x0.3 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm | 162.8×76.6×8.5 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 227 g (7.99 oz) | 221 g (7.8 oz) |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 48 megapixels (wide), 48 megapixels (ultrawide), 12 megapixels (5x telephoto) | 50 megapixels (wide), 48 megapixels (ultrawide), 48 megapixels (5x telephoto) |
| Front camera | 12 megapixels | 42 megapixels |
| Video recording | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM/storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | None | None |
| Battery/charge speeds | Undisclosed, Apple claims up to 33 hours of video playback | 5,060 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | Under the display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | no | None |
| Special features | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera control button, 4k audio microphone, Dynamic Island, Display brightness range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 resistance, Titanium frame colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium | Satellite SOS; 7 years of operating system crashes, security and Pixel features; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultra-wide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45V fast charging (charger not included); 15V wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second generation); 12V wireless Ki charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor |
| US starting price | $1199 (256GB) | $1099 (128GB) |
| UK starting price | £1,199 (256GB) | Converts to £860 (128GB) |
| Australia starting price | AU$2149 (256GB) | Converts to AU$1670 (128GB) |
Should you buy an iPhone or a Pixel?
Despite all the flashy specs and features, the two biggest factors most people need to consider when choosing between these two phones are price and software. The iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,199 compared to the $1,099 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Is the Pro Max $100 better than Google’s biggest Pixel? Honestly, those prices are deceiving. The Pixel comes with 128GB of storage compared to Apple’s 256GB. If you’ve upgraded to the 256GB 9 Pro XL, it costs the same as Apple’s phone.
In terms of software, one phone works iOS and other Android. Clearly, if you, your family, or close friends use Android or iOS, that’s going to be a big factor in determining which phone is best for you. While Apple promises five years of major OS upgrades, Google commits to seven years. Ultimately, whether you opt for the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you’re getting a great phone that should last you for years.
Watch this: Review: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro is an impressive upgrade
