iPhone X vs Pixel XL: Which One Should You Buy?

Pixel XL edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2017

iPhone X

iPhone X
63/ 100
Launch price$999
Google · 2016

Pixel XL

Pixel XL
64/ 100
Launch price$769
Head-to-head

Pixel XL wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone X
iPhone X
2 wins
Pixel XL
Pixel XL
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone XPixel XL
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel XL
    60
    64
  • CameraiPhone X
    75
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel XL
    53
    57
  • SecurityiPhone X
    86
    34
  • ValuePixel XL
    55
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel XL has the bigger battery3,450 mAh vs 2,716 mAh
  • Pixel XL has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone X has the bigger screen5.85" vs 5.5"
  • Pixel XL is lighter168 g vs 174 g
  • Pixel XL launched cheaper$769 vs $999
  • Pixel XL has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone X has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • Pixel XL has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • iPhone X is better protected from water and dustIP67 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone X
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.85" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel XL
  • ✓6 g lighter (168 g vs 174 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$230 cheaper at launch ($769 vs $999)
  • ✓Bigger 3,450 mAh battery (+734 mAh)

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone XPixel XL
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeOLED Super Retina HDAMOLED
Screen Size5.85"5.5"
Resolution & Density2436x1125 (458 ppi)2560x1440 (534 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness625 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel XL Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 11Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 256GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone X Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.8, OIS12.3 MP, f/2
Telephoto Zoom12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2.4, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens7 MP, f/2.28 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel XL Lightest Chassis
Dimensions143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight174 g168 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67IP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,716 mAh3,450 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging7W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.04.2
USB Port & SpeedLightningUSB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$999$769
Our verdict

Pixel XL wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,716 mAh) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP). The iPhone X is worth a look if you prefer its bigger screen (5.85" vs 5.5").

Buy iPhone X if you want

Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Buy Pixel XL if you want

Larger battery: 3,450 mAh vs 2,716 mAh · Lower launch price: $769 vs $999

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone X or Pixel XL?

The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,716 mAh) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP). The iPhone X is worth a look if you prefer its bigger screen (5.85" vs 5.5"). BeastScore: iPhone X 63.2/100, Pixel XL 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone X and Pixel XL?

iPhone X has a 5.85-inch display and 2716 mAh battery. Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch display and 3450 mAh battery.

How do iPhone X and Pixel XL compare for speed?

iPhone X scores 60/100 for performance; Pixel XL scores 64/100.

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