Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which flagship phone could win?

One of the biggest matchups this year is nearing. That’s why an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comparison is necessary right now, even though the two devices aren’t technically official.

We’re nearing the next Made by Google event on August 13 , where we’ll presumably get our first formal introduction to the entire Pixel 9 lineup. The 9 Pro XL would technically be the true successor to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro because of its larger display size — whereas the Pixel 9 Pro will likely have most of the same features as the 9 Pro XL, but in a more hand-friendly size.

On the flip side, iPhone 16 Pro Max rumors have been heating up as well. Although Apple has yet to reveal a potential date for its next iPhone 16 announcement , it’s likely that it could happen September 10. Regardless of the exact timing, it’s certainly going to be one of the biggest rivals to the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Not only do we expect bigger upgrades with these two flagships, but we suspect that a large portion of their stories will center around AI features. We’re taking the rumors and everything we know about the two devices for this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL face-off, so you can have a better idea of which could earn that honor of being the best phone .

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Rumored Specs

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design

This could be an interesting matchup given how they're similar in size. Although the Pixel 9 Pro XL is believed to be getting a larger 6.8-inch screen . Based on the leaked images of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it could be getting a slight makeover too complete with a new camera bar setup, flatter edges, and either a glossy or matte finish . It could turn out to be the latter, since last year’s Pixel 8 Pro featured a matte glass finish.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is tipped to grow in size as well with a 6.9-inch display — which would be up from the 6.7-inch display size with the current iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apart from that, the design language appears to be mostly unchanged with a titanium alloy trim and Action Button appearing yet again. Although, a new Capture button on the right edge of the phone near the power button could be a new addition to the design.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Display

We’ve already pointed out how the Pixel 9 Pro XL could end up getting a 6.8-inch display and the iPhone 16 Pro Max a 6.9-inch one, but Google’s next Pixel needs to outshine its rival in the brightness category. That’s because the iPhone 16 Pro Max is tipped to be 20% brighter than its predecessor .

Given that our own testing revealed a peak brightness output of 1,550 nits with the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display, the calculations would mean the iPhone 16 Pro Max could exceed 1,860 nits. The Pixel 9 Pro XL would need to do much better, seeing that the Pixel 8 Pro came up just a smidge short compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 1,526 nits.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Cameras

We’ve pitted many of the best camera phones through plenty of camera shootouts, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro , so there’s obviously a lot at stake between the upcoming flagships. Nothing has yet to dethrone the iPhone 15 Pro Max in our best camera phones guide, so there’s expectation for it to be no different with its successor.

The rumors paint a marked upgrade for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, complete with a larger 1/1.4-inch sensor sensor with its 48MP main camera, upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera (up from 12MP), and what could end up being a longer ranged telephoto camera. While a 5x optical zoom is the our minimum guess with its 12MP telephoto camera, a rumor alludes to the possibility of a 6x optical zoom instead.

With that in mind, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can’t afford to come up short and the rumors paint it to have specs similar to last year’s flagship. It’s believed to feature the same setup as before — a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom — so it could hinge largely on new image processing algorithms and AI-enhancements for it to beat the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

One area where Google definitely could one-up its rival would be taking selfies. That’s because rumors hint at a 50MP auto-focusing selfie camera replacing the 10.5MP one in the current Pixel 8 Pro.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Performance

One big area of opportunity where Google has trailed Apple is performance, mainly due to how it was a one-sided affair between the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is tipped to feature a newer Tensor G4 chip , which seems promising in leaked benchmark results . Adding to that is the rumored bump to 16GB of RAM (up from 12GB), which should prove handy for multitasking and any new AI features.

There’s little doubt in the iPhone 16 Pro Max being the most powerful iPhone to date when it’s announced, but the leaks suggest it’s going to be a monster. That’s because Apple’s A18 Pro chip could be as powerful as some MacBooks based on leaked early GeekBench scores . Another claim about the A18 Pro is that its NPU (neural processing unit) performance is better than the M4 chip seen in the iPad Pro 2024. These are bold claims, which would give the iPhone 16 Pro Max a big edge.

While benchmark scores are great, they still don't give us an accurate portrayal of how they handle every day tasks. While their predecessors delivered fluid responses, the real test this time could come down to how they process on-device AI features.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Software

That timeless question of which is better — Android or iOS — will no doubt be on full display between these two flagships. We’ve already seen previews of iOS 18 and Android 15 , so we suspect that’s what they’ll be running out of the box. Rather than going through all the highlights of each software, the more pressing question is what, if any, exclusive features will make their way to these two devices.

For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it’s getting turbocharged with help from Apple Intelligence . We’ve already seen it in action through the iOS 18.1 developer beta release , like Siri’s new functions and the summarizing function with Writing Tools. Other iOS 18 features include a more customizable home screen, redesigned Control Center and more. Still, it’s difficult to say if Apple will somehow distinguish the iPhone 16 Pro Max in any way with exclusive Apple Intelligence features.

Google had a head start over Apple when it comes to AI features, but it’s looking very promising based on the leaks. Not only is it expected to receive enhancements, like upgraded automated replies, text-to-image converting, and improved on-device processing, but it’s believed to gain the ability to record and transcribe phone calls with summaries, upgraded Pixel AI assistant and new AI photo editing tools. The latter supposedly consists of 3 features : Add Me that better lets users tweak group photos, an image creator that’s powered by generative AI and a screenshot tool that can search the content in them.

Even though past Pixel releases came with the newest software, there's a rumor that the Pixel 9 Pro XL could end up with Android 14 out of the box — while an update would bring Android 15 later on.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Battery

More often than not, each new generation eclipses the previous one when it comes to battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is tipped to gain a larger 4,676 mAh battery , which could be enough to give it the edge in our battery benchmark test. That’s because the iPhone 15 Pro Max pulled in a much better time than the Pixel 8 Pro, so considering that the A18 Pro chip presumably comes with better power efficiency means even longer battery life.

Of course, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a big challenge ahead of itself — especially when rumors suggest it’s packing a smaller battery. Last year’s Pixel 8 Pro crammed in a 5,050 mAh cell, but uncovered filings reveal a 4,952 mAh for the Pixel 9 Pro XL . With that in mind, it’ll really come down to the Tensor G4’s power optimizations to get the most out of the battery.

It might take a miracle, though, seeing that the Pixel 8 Pro lagged well behind the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As for charging? Google is hinted to introduce 45W wired charging with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which would be an improvement over the 23W speeds of the Pixel 8 Pro.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Outlook

These are two powerhouse devices on a collision course, but pricing could very well again turn out to be the defining factor in this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL face-off. Apple’s believed to keep its pricing steady for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which would mean a $1,199 starting cost.

Google, on the other hand, would be smart to keep the Pixel 9 Pro XL at the same $999 price point that the current Pixel 8 Pro occupies. Pixel phones have undercut iPhones in price historically, so we expect it would be no different here. However, it could change with the smaller Pixel 9 Pro in the mix.

Either way, we’ll have a more definitive judgment once we’ve properly put the two through their paces.

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