iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Specifications compared
The iPhone 16 rangeFirst unveiled at Apple’s launch event in September, it’s now in stores. Of the four phones, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max come with most upgrades, including larger screens. At 6.9 inches, the display of the 16 Pro Max is a real stunner. But Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is also a hefty beast, and both phones pack plenty of top tech to tempt your cash. So let’s take a look at the specs to see how these two phones stack up.
Size is the big similarity here, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s screen measuring 6.9 inches – just 0.1 inches larger than the 6.8-inch Pixel XL screen. It’s hardly a difference you’re ever likely to notice, but if your main concern is the most screen for your money, then the iPhone leads the way. And while the Pixel’s 486ppi pixel density is slightly higher than the iPhone’s 460ppi, again it’s not really a difference you’re likely to notice in everyday use.
See more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Compelling upgrade with my favorite iPhone feature in years
Both phones run on homegrown processors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 chip was a bit of a disappointment in benchmark 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 it’s probably safe to assume the same will be true of the 16 Pro Max. That said, benchmarks don’t tell the whole story, so we’ll have to wait and see how these phones handle various demanding tasks when we can put them side by side.
iPhone 16 Pro Max specs vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size, technology, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.9-inch LTPO OLED; 2,868 x 1,320 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED; 2,992 x 1,344 pixels; Variable refresh rate from 1-120 Hz |
| 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 8.25mm | 162.8×76.6×8.5mm |
| Weight (gram, ounce) | 227g | 221g |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 48 megapixel (wide), 48 megapixel (ultra-wide), 12 megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50 megapixel (wide), 48 megapixel (ultra-wide), 48 megapixel (5x telephoto) |
| Front camera | 12 megapixels | 42 megapixels |
| Video recording | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A18Pro | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM/storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | No | No |
| Battery/charging speeds | Undisclosed, Apple claims up to 33 hours of video playback | 5,060mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | Below view |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No |
| Special features | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera control button, 4x audio microphones, Dynamic Island, Screen brightness range from 1 to 2000 nits, IP68 resistance, Titanium frame colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium | Satellite SOS; 7 years without operating system, security and Pixel function; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video boost with 8K upscaling; Macro focus on ultra-wide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; Peak brightness of 3000 nits; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second generation); 12W Qi wireless charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual SIM card (eSIM + nano SIM card); Add me; Best recording; Magic eraser; Magic editor |
| US starting price | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,099 (128GB) |
| UK starting price | £1,199 (256GB) | Converts to £860 (128GB) |
| Starting price Australia | AU$2,149 (256GB) | Converts to AU$1,670 (128GB) |
More from the Apple event
The iPhone and Pixel both include the standard trio of rear cameras: main camera, ultra-wide-angle camera, and 5x telephoto camera. The Pixel put up a good fight in my recent one comparison with the iPhone 15 Pro Maxbut how it compares to the new one remains to be seen. The addition of ProRaw footage and ProRes video encoding on the iPhone – along with the new 4K slow motion mode — makes the iPhone more attractive to photo and video makers.
Neither phone offers expandable storage, but both offer storage capacities up to 1TB and IP68 water resistance.|
Do you choose the iPhone or the Pixel?
Despite all the standout specs and features, price and software are the two biggest factors most people will have to consider when choosing between these two phones. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s $1,099. Is the Pro Max $100 better than Google’s largest Pixel? Frankly, those prices are deceptive. The Pixel comes with 128GB of storage compared to Apple’s 256GB. If you upgrade to a 256GB 9 Pro XL, it will cost the same as Apple’s phone.
Software-wise, one phone runs iOS and the other runs Android. Obviously, if you, your family or close friends use Android or iOS, this will 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. Whether you choose an iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you ultimately get an excellent phone that will last for years to come.
Check this out: Review: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro is an impressive upgrade
