Ah, I enjoy a thrilling showdown, and this one is a real treat. On one side, we have the iPhone 15 Pro Max. A seasoned champion, the 15 Pro Max reigns at the top of numerous best smartphone lists as we anticipate its successor, the iPhone 16. Equipped with Apple’s A17 Pro chip, the device is swift and potent enough to handle console-grade graphics, a notable achievement.

The Titanium frame transforms what might typically be a hefty block into a light marvel. Additionally, you receive a full day of battery performance and the cameras, which by now are acclaimed as among the finest available. We must not overlook that this is the debut where the iPhone abandoned Lightning in favor of USB-C charging.

The major grievances about the phone revolve around its expense. However, we are firmly entrenched in the era of $1,000+ phones, with no halt in sight. The Action Button is divisive as several users have reported minimal use of this fledgling button. Lastly, the display, where Apple bragged about the new Ceramic Shield, clearly reveals wear after extensive usage.

See iPhone 15 Pro Max at Best Buy

And on the other side, you have the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Although an underdog in this clash, it would be unwise to dismiss it –– especially since Google is heavily leveraging its AI prowess to even the odds. Google Gemini is ingenious, notably in photography, where it effortlessly performs Photoshop-like modifications in mere moments. Moreover, Google’s Pixel line has earned a reputation for its exceptional camera functionality.

Nonetheless, the further Google indulges in artificial intelligence, the more it demands users’ trust with personal data, which is a substantial request.

Apart from AI and photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL draws strong acclaim for its novel design, which exudes the aura of a flagship smartphone. The screen is also larger and more vibrant than its predecessor. Moreover, you gain an extensive seven years of OS updates. The phone supports rapid charging via a 45W charger, although it doesn’t come included. It feels disappointing that Google doesn’t provide a charger after spending more than $1,000 on their smartphone.

Mirroring its Apple rival, the primary criticism is its cost. Then, there is the persistent concern of invasive AI and the need to finance the benefit eventually.

See Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at Best Buy

So, there you have it. This is turning into a captivating contest, but who will rise as the victor in this clash of premium smartphones?

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Cost

What do each of these costly phones offer?

Let’s just confront the harsh reality here. I understand your struggle, having purchased numerous $1,000+ smartphones myself. The iPhone’s base model is priced at $1,199 without any trade-in deals or carrier promotions. This affords you 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory. The 512GB edition costs $1,399, whereas the 1TB variant demands $1,599.

On the Google spectrum. The Pixel 9 XL Pro’s base model starts at $1,099. However, that variant only provides 128GB of internal memory. Still, each Pixel version comes with a notable 16GB of RAM. The 256GB version quickly equals at $1,199, while the 512GB version is slightly more affordable than its iPhone counterpart at $1,319. Lastly, the 1TB variant of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is priced at $1,549, rendering it $50 more economical than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Overall, in terms of cost, the Pixel 9 Pro XL emerges as the superior choice. Not only does it feature four model options, except for the 512GB version, the Pixel is more economical than the iPhone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Style

Will the authentic iPhone please reveal itself?

Yes, as many evaluations have observed, including our own Florence Ion, the Pixel 9 Pro XL resembles the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If copying is indeed the sincerest form of praise, Google appreciates Apple significantly. From the curved edges on the shiny metallic sides to the matte glass back with the shiny emblem in the center, you could easily confuse one for the other. I mean, even the matte lines along the sides resemble each other.

There are some notable distinctions, however. For instance, the Pixel lacks an Action button on the side that encompasses the power and volume buttons, which, according to certain evaluations, is a feature they, too, can forgo. There are also the rear housings that accommodate the phone’s respective camera lenses. The iPhone’s housing is a rounded square in the upper left corner of the back. Meanwhile, the Pixel’s sensor is oval and covers most of the top of the rear panel.

If you inspect the Pixel’s base, you’ll spot a USB-C port, a nano-SIM slot, and a speaker, which, at a quick glance, overly resembles a microSD slot. I felt deep dismay at the realization. Aside from its USB-C port at the base, the Pro Max features dual speakers at the bottom with nothing atop.

Upon discussing colorschemes, Google triumphs in this case. The enterprise willingly explores color variations, presenting shades of Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian. Apple has opted for a more business-casual strategy with Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. We hear you, Apple; titanium is a significant part of your design – there’s no need to keep hammering that point home.

Or perhaps not. Titanium indeed matters, as it lets Apple reduce the Pro’s weight while boosting sturdiness. Weighing 7.81 ounces, the 6.3 x 3 x 0.32-inch piece feels almost unsubstantial compared to the previous model’s 8.47-ounce heft. Yet, don’t be quick to judge! The Pro XL is slightly lighter at 7.8 ounces and more slender, measuring 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches.

Beauty, and by extension, design, lies in the viewer’s perception. Although it may be contentious, I’ll hand this round to Google. It’s thinner, lighter, and yes, pink is appealing to me.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Performance

Quite the battle, if I’ve ever witnessed one

The iPhone 15 Pro Max leads as the strongest smartphone available until the iPhone 16 Pro Max makes its debut shortly. Until then, the iPhone 15 sets the bar high with its formidable A17 Pro chip. It certainly makes me nostalgic for the era of lap docks, where phones could transform laptops, using them as trackpads. But I digress.

It’s tough to hinder the iPhone’s capabilities, and even opening a plethora of apps and browser tabs didn’t cause any noticeable slowdowns. Resident Evil 4 Remake, on an iPhone? If you had told me I’d be making such an assertion a year ago, I’d have offered you a gently-used bridge on sale in Brooklyn. Yet, outside some occasional frame drops, it operated smoothly without converting the phone into a fiery metal block.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its Google Tensor G4 processor, held up effectively through various apps and web browsers. I even performed some minor image editing in Adobe Photoshop Express and Google Photos without issues. Regrettably, Resident Evil 4 Remake isn’t on Android, so I opted for Alien Isolation. Despite being numerous times terminated by the Xenomorph, the game was fluid and didn’t overheat excessively.

Geekbench 6 evaluated both devices, with the anticipated result being the iPhone 15 Pro Max excels with single and multithread test scores of 2,975 and 7,438, respectively, surpassing the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 1,932 and 4,631. Yet, remember that the iPhone has overwhelmingly exceeded every recently launched smartphone. Still, in terms of performance prowess, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains unparalleled.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: AI

Engaging functions, but what about the implications?

Whereas Microsoft, Samsung, and various OEMs inundate us with AI jargon, Google diverges with more than mere chatbots, sound suppression, and background blurring. The focus here is on generative AI. Reimagine stands out in Google’s photo-editing toolkit. This feature in the revamped Magic Editor employs AI with your images per your preference. Simply input your desire and let Reimagine work its magic. A snapshot of my boyfriend’s charming daughter before our gate transformed dynamically into a realistic oceanic backdrop. Witnessing this live was remarkable.

Furthermore, features such as Add Me permit you to insert yourself into a group photo post-capture. Zoom Enhance is like the crime show gimmick available on your mobile. It ensures clarity when zooming without degrading image quality, as generative AI refills lost pixels for crisp results. Conveniently, this tool is usable both pre and post-capture. Google’s creativity extends to video, enabling 8K upscaling and offering tone adjustments to audio.

This precedes the full evolution to Gemini, or shall I specify, Gemini Advanced. Expect standard AI features and “Her”-like virtual aid with a calming voice. Gemini organizes and summarizes screenshots via Pixel Screenshots. On the organizational front, Google Keep now drafts lists, while the Call Notes feature records, summarizes, and transcribes your calls. However, ensure the other party is aware during calls, as recording without consent is unlawful in numerous regions. Do not risk falling into that trap. The primary dilemma for prospective Gemini users is the trust factor with Google regarding recording calls and conversations through Gemini.

As you contemplate that, let us proceed to talk about Apple Intelligence. In its current Preview phase, there’s limited information available apart from what’s been showcased on Apple Newsroom. Similar to Gemini, you’ll receive a generous portion of generative AI – tools to write and summarize text, generate AI-created images using Image Playground, and even create Genmojis – generative AI emojis. Got it? Genmojis!

Furthermore, Siri will be more of a conversationalist, able to communicate naturally. Notifications will be condensed into easily digestible pieces. Primary emails will be moved up in priority while longer ones will go through a summarization process. A new Focus mode will adopt a similar approach, prioritizing critical notifications and deferring others. Like Gemini, Apple Intelligence can record conversations, create transcripts, and summarize the content.

Unrefined sketches can be transformed into more presentable versions using Image Wand. Creating custom memory videos from photos and videos is possible too, and Apple Intelligence will even select the right soundtrack. For images, Apple Intelligence assists in sifting through a growing collection by simply typing your search query. I’m eager to see how much specificity or ambiguity is needed for that feature. Lastly, you can delete undesired photo elements similar to Magic Erase using the new Clean Up function.

Like Google, Apple aims to earn trust with handling your calls, notes, and searches, underlining a rigorous privacy framework. Again, we’ll have to wait and observe once it launches officially.

Both AI offerings are complimentary at the moment. Whereas Apple hasn’t disclosed plans for user charges, Google is opting for a $20/month fee.

For now, Google triumphs in this aspect. Stay tuned for the complete rollout of Apple Intelligence.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Camera

The top shooters face off

This is a historic showdown. While Google’s strength hasn’t always been blistering CPU speed, its photo capabilities, especially in dim-light conditions, have made up the difference, even before incorporating AI flair. But Apple is no lightweight here, leading some to question the need for an expensive DSLR.

Apple starts strong, arming the Pro Max with a 48-megapixel primary sensor with a ƒ/1.78 aperture. Both ultrawide and telephoto lenses feature 12-MP sensors. The ultrawide has a ƒ/2.2, while the telephoto sits at ƒ/2.8. For the telephoto, you’ve got 5x digital zoom and up to 25x digital zoom at hand.

The Pro XL took slight enhancements to the camera, beginning with its 50-MP wide sensor, cautiously enlarged for better light capture. The main camera lens boasts f/1.68, beneficial for night shots and depth art. The ultrawide sensor received a significant bump, escalating to a robust 48-MP from its predecessor’s 12-MP. The telephoto remains at 48-MP, with the previous 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom.

Editor’s Note: Should you encounter difficulties reading captions, note that in side-by-side comparisons, the Pixel 9 Pro is depicted first followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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