iPhone XR vs Pixel: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2018

iPhone XR

iPhone XR
64/ 100
Launch price$749
Google · 2016

Pixel

Pixel
64/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 2 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone XR
iPhone XR
2 wins
Pixel
Pixel
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone XRPixel
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel
    60
    64
  • CameraiPhone XR
    72
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel
    53
    57
  • SecurityiPhone XR
    86
    34
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • iPhone XR has the bigger battery2,942 mAh vs 2,770 mAh
  • Pixel charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Pixel has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone XR has the bigger screen6.1" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 194 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $749
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone XR has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • Pixel has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • iPhone XR is better protected from water and dustIP67 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone XR
  • ✓Bigger 2,942 mAh battery (+172 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓51 g lighter (143 g vs 194 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $749)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone XRPixel
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeLiquid Retina LCDAMOLED
Screen Size6.1"5"
Resolution & Density1792x828 (326 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness625 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 12Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone XR Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.8, OIS12.3 MP, f/2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (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 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight194 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67IP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,942 mAh2,770 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W 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$749$649
Our verdict

iPhone XR and Pixel are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XR for its bigger battery (2,942 mAh vs 2,770 mAh) and bigger screen (6.1" vs 5"), or the Pixel for its faster charging (18W vs 15W) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP).

Buy iPhone XR if you want

Larger display: 6.1" vs 5"

Buy Pixel if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 194 g (51 g less) · Lower launch price: $649 vs $749

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone XR or Pixel?

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XR for its bigger battery (2,942 mAh vs 2,770 mAh) and bigger screen (6.1" vs 5"), or the Pixel for its faster charging (18W vs 15W) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP). BeastScore: iPhone XR 63.8/100, Pixel 63.8/100.

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

iPhone XR has a 6.1-inch display and 2942 mAh battery. Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery.

How do iPhone XR and Pixel compare for speed?

iPhone XR scores 60/100 for performance; Pixel scores 64/100.

Similar Smartphones

Gear for the iPhone XR

All Amazon Finds →

Related articles

All articles →