iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro; Apple and Google both released their latest top-of-the-line smartphones this fall. Apple introduced the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which stands as the premium of their offerings. This year, it’s not only larger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it also boasts additional features. On the other hand, Google presented the Pixel 8 Pro as the highest offering in their Pixel lineup.
While it shares a similar screen size with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, there are several distinctions between these two handsets (I found this after one one-week trial of both these phones). So, if you are going to buy your next premium phone this year, then better to know about goods and bads of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 8 Pro.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro. Specs comparison.
| Specs | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
| Announced date | 12 Sept 2023 | 4 Oct 2023 |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm, | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm, |
| Weight | 221g | 213g |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium | Obsidian / Porcelain / Bay |
| Display Size | 6.7-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Display resolution | OLED, 2796 x 1290, | Super Actua OLED, 2992 x 1344 |
| Rear Camera | 48MP main, f/1.78; 12MP ultrawide, f/2.2; 2x telephoto from main; | 50MP f/1.68 main, 48MP f/1.95 ultra wide, 48MP f/2.8 telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP 5x telephoto, f/2.8; 12MP front, f/1.9 | 10.5MP f/2.2 front |
| Ports | USB-C | USB C |
| Battery | 23 hours, 50% in 30 mins 20W wired, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless | 5050mAh, 30W fast charging, 12-18W wireless |
| Storage | 256/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Chipset | A17 Pro | Google Tensor G3 |
Are you one of those who are stuck between the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and the slightly less expensive Google Pixel 8 Pro? Wondering about their battery life, camera capabilities, and other distinctions? Well, you’re in the right place because we’re going to explore all that in our iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro comparison below!
Keep in mind that the below-mentioned specs and results are based upon a one-week trial of both these latest devices. so the long-term using results can be more or less different from it.
Similarities I found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro.
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 8 Pro may not have a similar appearance, but they do have a few things in common.
- First, both feature high-end designs.
- They both have IP68 water and dust resistance.
- They both use USB-C for charging, a notable change from previous comparisons between Apple and Google.
- Both phones feature flat displays and a matte glass finish on their backs.
- They both entertain their users with a 6.7-inch screen.
However, these are pretty much the only commonalities between them.
The differences I found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro.
- iPhone features the Apple A17 Pro chip, while Pixel uses the Google Tensor G3.
- iOS 17 and Android 14 are the operating systems on these devices.
- iPhone boasts a titanium design, whereas Pixel sports an aluminum build.
- iPhone comforts us with 8GB of RAM, while Pixel is one hand forward offering 12GB of RAM.
- iPhone begins at $1,200, whereas Pixel is slightly less expensive for $1,000.
- Pixel boasts a larger battery, though the iPhone may still offer longer battery life.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro. The comparison.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a sleek design with flat edges, using titanium for its build and a matte frame that complements its matte glass back. It also incorporates Apple’s Dynamic Island at the upper part of its flat screen. On the back, there is a triple camera setup in the top left corner (just like we have seen in 11, 12 13, and 14 Pro Max phones). Besides there’s a new customizable Action Button on the left edge, which has an exception from previous iPhone Pro Max models.
Click here to know if the iPhone 15 is worth upgrading or not.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, features a curved aluminum frame that may be more comfortable to grip. It is a sleeky frame that seamlessly transitions into the camera module stretching across the back of the Pixel 8 Pro. The front display is flat, with a centrally positioned punch-hole camera at the top. When it comes to additional features, the Pixel 8 Pro sets itself apart by not having an Action Button or Dynamic Island. Instead, it offers an under-display fingerprint scanner, a feature you won’t find in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The Pixel 8 Pro offers a choice of three colors: Obsidian (Black), Porcelain (Beige), and Bay (Blue). In contrast, the iPhone provides a more subdued color palette with options like Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Black Titanium.
Display measurements:
Both phones have 6.7-inch screens and can handle refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. The Pixel 8 Pro stands out when it comes to outdoor visibility, as it can reach a peak brightness of 2,400 nits, whereas the iPhone maxes out at 2,000 nits.
Titanium vs. Aluminium:
The Apple iPhone 15 Max is a bit shorter and thicker, while the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a tad taller and slimmer. Even though the iPhone 15 Pro Max has switched from stainless steel to titanium, the Pixel 8 Pro is the lighter choice because aluminum is lighter than titanium. But breaking test reveals that titanium is sturdier than aluminum.
Both phones have identical 6.7-inch screens with HDR support and refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. They both use OLED panels, although Apple and Google have distinct names for them. Apple dubs it the Super Retina XDR, while Google goes with Super Actua. Plus, you have the option for an Always-On Display on both devices.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro have a slight difference in resolution. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 2796 x 1290 pixels resolution, giving it a pixel density of 460ppi. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels, providing a higher pixel density of 489ppi. Technically, this makes the Pixel 8 Pro more detailed on paper, but I used both of them for a week, watching movies gives equal joy on both screens.
Performance and chipset:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s latest A17 Pro chipset, which is the world’s first 3nm mobile processor. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro uses the new Tensor G3 chip, crafted with 4nm technology in Samsung foundries.
When we look at the internal components of these two devices, it can be a bit tricky to make a direct comparison. They both boast powerful hardware. It appears the iPhone chip is packing more performance, really delivering in that aspect, while the Tensor chip from Google lags a bit. Nevertheless, Google is emphasizing the chip’s enhanced machine learning abilities as its strong suit, so that’s worth considering.
Storage:
Coming to some major specifications, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features users with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro is leading this time with a higher 12GB of the swifter LPDDR5X RAM.
As far as storage is concerned, the iPhone gives you multiple options of 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro provides the lowest choices of 128GB, while the other 256GB, and 512GB, and for the first time, a 1TB version is also available.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max gets the software updates for about five years, possibly until late 2028 at the earliest. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro will receive software updates for a more extended period of seven years, lasting until 2030.
Camer comparison of iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro;
You cannot remain without noticing the impressive camera system of both of these premium smartphones for which you are reading the whole discussion. But yeah! I have also experienced some notable differences between them after capturing some aesthetic snaps for one week. The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a triple-lens camera setup, which includes a 48-megapixel Main (wide) camera offering three focal length choices, a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, and a 12-megapixel Telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro also features a triple-lens camera system with a 50-megapixel Wide camera, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, and a 48-megapixel Telephoto camera providing 5x optical zoom. It also comes with a variety of features, some of which are even more impressive than Apple’s thanks to the extensive use of AI. These include Best Take, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur, along with Pixel’s signature features like Night Sight and Astrophotography.
Night mode comparison:
This year, the competition in camera technology is really getting intense. Pixels have held a strong position in capturing great night shots, and they come with some impressive features. Although, it’s worth noting that some of these features might enhance the photo in a way that differs from what you originally saw. So, it ultimately depends on your preference in deciding which device aligns better with your needs.
In low-light conditions, the iPhone falls short in terms of dynamic range. It often struggles with overexposed highlights and a lack of detail in dark areas, which is a common issue with Apple’s latest flagship. Meanwhile, the Pixel offers a more balanced dynamic range and slightly better color reproduction, making it a better choice in such scenarios.
Video comparison:
When it comes to video features, the iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out. It can record 4K videos at different frame rates, such as 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, and 60fps. Plus, it offers impressive modes like Cinematic mode and Action mode. In summary, the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers outstanding video capabilities.
Selfie comparison:
If you’re a fan of bold and striking selfies, the Pixel is the way to go! Google’s latest flagship smartphone offers vibrant colors and a stylish look for your self-portraits. On the other hand, if you prefer a more natural and unfiltered look in your photos, the iPhone 15 Pro Max excels at capturing the raw, everyday moments.
Battery comparison:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a 4,422mAh battery, while this time Pixel 8 Pro is offering a larger 5,050mAh battery power. Our practical approach claims that it’s not just the battery power that determines the longevity of your phone’s charging. As my personal experience reveals that iPhones tend to outlast Pixel phones by a significant margin.
When it comes to charging, the iPhone 15 Pro Max can handle 25W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, outperforms it with 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging, although the latter speed is achievable only when using a Pixel Stand wireless charger.
My personal opinion:
Choosing between the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 8 Pro really boils down to your personal taste. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a fantastic device known for its smooth performance, sleek design, and various features including Dynamic Island and the Action Button, along with software perks like Standby mode and Check-In. If you already own other Apple devices, such as a Mac or AirPods, the choice is pretty clear. Yet, now I have changed my mind due to the exception camera results Pixel is offering this time. Moreover, the price of Pixel 8 Pro is also less than iPhone 15 Pro Max