BeastCompare

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9a: Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone 17 Pro Max edges ahead with a BeastScore of 84.5/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2025

iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max
85/ 100
Launch price$1,199
Google · 2025

Google Pixel 9a

Google Pixel 9a
84/ 100
Launch price$499
Head-to-head

iPhone 17 Pro Max wins 4 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max
4 wins
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone 17 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 9a
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 17 Pro Max
    90
    80
  • CameraiPhone 17 Pro Max
    85
    82
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 17 Pro Max
    76
    60
  • BatteryTie
    86
    86
  • DisplayTie
    90
    90
  • ConnectivityiPhone 17 Pro Max
    100
    88
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueGoogle Pixel 9a
    55
    80
Key differences
  • Google Pixel 9a has the bigger battery5,100 mAh vs 5,088 mAh
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max charges faster40W vs 23W
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen6.9" vs 6.3"
  • Google Pixel 9a is lighter186 g vs 233 g
  • Google Pixel 9a launched cheaper$499 vs $1,199
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has a sharper selfie camera18 MP vs 13 MP
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has newer Bluetooth6 vs 5.3
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM12 GB vs 8 GB
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has the faster chipApple A19 Pro vs Google Tensor G4
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6E
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • ✓48 MP main camera
  • ✓6.9" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Google Pixel 9a
  • ✓47 g lighter (186 g vs 233 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$700 cheaper at launch ($499 vs $1,199)
  • ✓Bigger 5,100 mAh battery (+12 mAh)

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 17 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 9a
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDOLED
Screen Size6.9"6.3"
Resolution & Density2868x1320 (460 ppi)2424x1080 (422 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz
Brightness3,000 nits peak2,700 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone 17 Pro Max Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple A19 Pro (3nm)Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsApple GPU (6-core)Mali-G715 MP7
Operating SystemiOS 26Android 15
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR8 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage256GB / 512GB / 1024GB / 2048GB128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone 17 Pro Max Wins Camera
Primary Camera48 MP, f/1.78, OIS, Fusion 48MP48 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Samsung GN3
Telephoto Zoom48 MP (8x optical zoom), f/2.8, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera48 MP, f/2.213 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens18 MP, f/1.913 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Google Pixel 9a Lightest Chassis
Dimensions163.4 x 78 x 8.75 mm154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight233 g186 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity5,088 mAh5,100 mAh
Wired Fast Charging40W wired fast charging23W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging25W wireless charging7W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth6.05.3
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.0USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$1,199$499
Our verdict

iPhone 17 Pro Max wins — BeastScore 84.5/100

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (40W vs 23W) and bigger screen (6.9" vs 6.3"). The Google Pixel 9a is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,100 mAh vs 5,088 mAh).

Buy iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want

Faster wired charging: 40W vs 23W · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Buy Google Pixel 9a if you want

Lighter: 186 g vs 233 g (47 g less) · Lower launch price: $499 vs $1,199

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (40W vs 23W) and bigger screen (6.9" vs 6.3"). The Google Pixel 9a is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,100 mAh vs 5,088 mAh). BeastScore: iPhone 17 Pro Max 84.5/100, Google Pixel 9a 83.7/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a?

iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display and 5088 mAh battery. Google Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch display and 5100 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a compare for speed?

iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 90/100 for performance; Google Pixel 9a scores 80/100.

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