At 6.9 inches, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is a real big lie. But Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is also a strong contender, with both phones boasting cutting-edge technology, from powerful cameras to new processors, tempting you to spend your money. So let’s take a closer look at the specs to see how these two phones compare. At the end of this article you will find a table comparing all the technical specifications, side by side.

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 not a difference you’re likely to notice, but if your main concern is getting the best screen for your money, then the iPhone leads the way. And while the Pixel’s 486 ppi pixel density is slightly higher than the iPhone’s 460 ppi, again, it’s not really a difference you’re likely to notice in everyday life.

Learn more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Compelling upgrade with my favorite iPhone feature in years

Both phones run on local processors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 chip was a bit disappointing in benchmark tests, putting it more in line with last year’s mid-range phones and only slightly faster than its predecessor. In 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 with the 16 Pro Max. That said, benchmarks don’t tell the whole story, so we’ll have to wait and see how these phones cope with different demanding tasks when we can put them side by side.

Both the iPhone and Pixel pack the standard trio of rear cameras: primary, ultra-wide, and 5x telephoto. The Pixel put up a good fight during my recent comparison with iPhone 15 Pro Maxbut it remains to be seen how it compares to the new one. However, the iPhone’s inclusion of ProRaw imaging and ProRes video encoding, as well as the new 4K slow motion mode – makes iPhone more attractive to photo and video creators.

Neither phone offers expandable storage, but both offer storage capacities of up to 1TB and IP68 water resistance.

Should you choose the iPhone or the Pixel?

Despite all the flashy specs and features, the two main factors most people should consider when choosing between these two phones are price and software. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, compared to $1,099 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Is the $100 Pro Max better than Google’s biggest Pixel? Honestly, these prices are misleading. The Pixel comes with 128GB of storage, compared to Apple’s 256GB. If you upgraded to a 256GB 9 Pro XL, it costs the same as Apple’s phone.

In terms of software, a phone works iOS and the other Android. Obviously, whether you or your family or close friends use Android or iOS will be a deciding factor in determining which phone is best for you. While Apple promises five years of major operating system upgrades, Google commits to seven years. Ultimately, whether you opt for an 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

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