iPhone XS Max 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 XS Max

iPhone XS Max
64/ 100
Launch price$1,099
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 XS Max
iPhone XS Max
2 wins
Pixel
Pixel
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone XS MaxPixel
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraiPhone XS Max
    75
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel
    53
    57
  • SecurityiPhone XS Max
    100
    34
  • ValuePixel
    55
    68
Key differences
  • iPhone XS Max has the bigger battery3,174 mAh vs 2,770 mAh
  • Pixel has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone XS Max has the bigger screen6.5" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 208 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $1,099
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone XS Max has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • iPhone XS Max is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone XS Max
  • ✓Bigger 3,174 mAh battery (+404 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.5" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓65 g lighter (143 g vs 208 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$450 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $1,099)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone XS MaxPixel
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeOLED Super Retina HDAMOLED
Screen Size6.5"5"
Resolution & Density2688x1242 (458 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness625 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 12Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 256GB / 512GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone XS Max 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 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight208 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,174 mAh2,770 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging7.5W 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$1,099$649
Our verdict

iPhone XS Max and Pixel are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XS Max for its bigger battery (3,174 mAh vs 2,770 mAh) and bigger screen (6.5" vs 5"), or the Pixel for its sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP) and lighter body (143 g vs 208 g).

Buy iPhone XS Max if you want

Larger battery: 3,174 mAh vs 2,770 mAh · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Buy Pixel if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 208 g (65 g less) · Lower launch price: $649 vs $1,099

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone XS Max or Pixel?

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XS Max for its bigger battery (3,174 mAh vs 2,770 mAh) and bigger screen (6.5" vs 5"), or the Pixel for its sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP) and lighter body (143 g vs 208 g). BeastScore: iPhone XS Max 64.2/100, Pixel 63.8/100.

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

iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch display and 3174 mAh battery. Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery.

How do iPhone XS Max and Pixel compare for speed?

iPhone XS Max scores 64/100 for performance; Pixel scores 64/100.

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