iPhone XR vs Pixel XL: 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 XL

Pixel XL
64/ 100
Launch price$769
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 XL
Pixel XL
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone XRPixel XL
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel XL
    60
    64
  • CameraiPhone XR
    72
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel XL
    53
    57
  • SecurityiPhone XR
    86
    34
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel XL has the bigger battery3,450 mAh vs 2,942 mAh
  • Pixel XL charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Pixel XL has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone XR has the bigger screen6.1" vs 5.5"
  • Pixel XL is lighter168 g vs 194 g
  • iPhone XR launched cheaper$749 vs $769
  • Pixel XL has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone XR has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • Pixel XL 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
  • ✓$20 cheaper at launch ($749 vs $769)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel XL
  • ✓26 g lighter (168 g vs 194 g), easier to hold
  • ✓Bigger 3,450 mAh battery (+508 mAh)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone XRPixel XL
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeLiquid Retina LCDAMOLED
Screen Size6.1"5.5"
Resolution & Density1792x828 (326 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 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 XL Lightest Chassis
Dimensions150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight194 g168 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67IP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,942 mAh3,450 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$769
Our verdict

iPhone XR and Pixel XL are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XR for its bigger screen (6.1" vs 5.5") and lower launch price ($749 vs $769), or the Pixel XL for its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,942 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W).

Buy iPhone XR if you want

Larger display: 6.1" vs 5.5"

Buy Pixel XL if you want

Larger battery: 3,450 mAh vs 2,942 mAh · Lighter: 168 g vs 194 g (26 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone XR or Pixel XL?

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XR for its bigger screen (6.1" vs 5.5") and lower launch price ($749 vs $769), or the Pixel XL for its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,942 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). BeastScore: iPhone XR 63.8/100, Pixel XL 63.8/100.

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

iPhone XR has a 6.1-inch display and 2942 mAh battery. Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch display and 3450 mAh battery.

How do iPhone XR and Pixel XL compare for speed?

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

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