iPhone XS 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

iPhone XS
64/ 100
Launch price$999
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
iPhone XS
2 wins
Pixel
Pixel
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone XSPixel
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraiPhone XS
    75
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel
    53
    57
  • SecurityiPhone XS
    100
    34
  • ValuePixel
    55
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel has the bigger battery2,770 mAh vs 2,658 mAh
  • Pixel has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone XS has the bigger screen5.8" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 177 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $999
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone XS has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • iPhone XS is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone XS
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.8" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓34 g lighter (143 g vs 177 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$350 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $999)
  • ✓Bigger 2,770 mAh battery (+112 mAh)

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone XSPixel
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina OLEDAMOLED
Screen Size5.8"5"
Resolution & Density2436x1125 (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 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
Dimensions143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight177 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,658 mAh2,770 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$649
Our verdict

iPhone XS and Pixel are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XS for its bigger screen (5.8" vs 5") and newer Bluetooth (5 vs 4.2), or the Pixel for its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,658 mAh) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP).

Buy iPhone XS if you want

Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens) · Larger display: 5.8" vs 5"

Buy Pixel if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 177 g (34 g less) · Lower launch price: $649 vs $999

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone XS or Pixel?

It's a close call. Pick the iPhone XS for its bigger screen (5.8" vs 5") and newer Bluetooth (5 vs 4.2), or the Pixel for its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,658 mAh) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 12 MP). BeastScore: iPhone XS 64.2/100, Pixel 63.8/100.

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

iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch display and 2658 mAh battery. Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery.

How do iPhone XS and Pixel compare for speed?

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

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