With the official release of the Pixel 8 Pro and its availability to the masses, it’s high time to pit Google’s latest flagship against Apple’s formidable counterpart. In this Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comparison, we will delve into the nitty-gritty details to determine which of these flagships reigns supreme.
Apple has set a formidable standard, as evidenced in our review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. We were blown away by its cutting-edge A17 Pro chipset, impressive battery life, resilient titanium design, and an extended 5x telephoto zoom camera. These features catapulted the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the top of our best phones list, earning it the runner-up position in our best camera phones list as well.
For the Pixel 8 Pro, it must deliver excellence across several key areas to justify its $100 premium over its predecessor. In our review of the Pixel 8 Pro, it becomes evident that Google is banking on new AI-assisted features to elevate its overall utility. Innovations such as Best Take, Call Screen, and Audio Magic Eraser illustrate how formerly cumbersome processes have been streamlined for user convenience.
Specifications – Pixel 8 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max
| Pixel 8 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Price | $999 | $1,299 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Actua Display (OLED) | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is a type of OLED display that offers excellent picture quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 1 – 120Hz Adaptive | 120Hz Adaptive |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP telephoto (5x zoom) | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto (5x zoom) |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 12MP |
| Chipset | Tensor G3 | A17 Pro |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Battery | 5,050 mAh | 4,422 mAh |
| Charging | 30W (wired), 23W (wireless with Pixel Stand), 12W (Qi wireless) | 20W (wired), 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi wireless) |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 Rating | IP68 Rating |
| Size | 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches | 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 ounces | 7.8 ounces |
Price Comparison – Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro
In 2023, prices have taken an upward trajectory, and the latest flagships from Apple and Google are no exception to this trend. The iPhone 15 Pro Max enters the market with a starting price of $1,199, marking a $100 premium over its predecessor.
While the Pixel 8 Pro has also witnessed a $100 price increase, it manages to undercut the iPhone by commencing at $999. Google sweetens the deal by offering a free Pixel Watch 2 when you purchase the Pixel 8 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max became available on September 22 and offers four titanium color options: black, white, blue, and gray. Customers can choose from three storage capacities, with the 1TB variant carrying a hefty price tag of $1,599.
In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro hit the market on October 12, presenting three appealing color choices: obsidian, porcelain, and bay. While Google provides four storage options, it’s noteworthy that the base storage remains at a modest 128GB, whereas Apple offers a more generous 256GB with the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Design and Build – iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro
In terms of design, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro adhere to their respective design languages while introducing iterative enhancements, making them superior to their predecessors in most aspects.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts an exceptionally premium design, highlighted by a new titanium alloy frame that enhances durability and reduces weight. Its contoured edges contribute to a more comfortable grip, although it’s marginally heavier at 7.8 ounces.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces several design novelties, including a USB-C port, a programmable Action button, and slimmer bezels around the display. It exudes a premium aura in both material selection and craftsmanship.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro showcases its distinctive design charm, notably its matte glass construction. This not only enhances grip compared to the iPhone but also provides resistance against smudges and fingerprints. However, there is a minor concern regarding the single glass piece covering the phone’s triple cameras, making it more susceptible to shattering upon impact.
Fortunately, both phones maintain an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water.
Display Comparison – iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro
In the realm of displays, both flagship phones offer exceptional results. They utilize OLED panels, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max featuring a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Display and the Pixel 8 Pro sporting a 6.7-inch Super Actua Display, both presenting sleek and impressive visuals.
When subjected to display benchmarking tests, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a peak brightness of 1,526 nits, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max outshines it slightly with a peak brightness of 1,550 nits. These displays are remarkably bright, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
As OLED-based screens, both phones provide exceptional contrast and wide viewing angles. The Pixel 8 Pro, when set to Natural mode, can closely match the iPhone 15 Pro Max in color accuracy, boasting a Delta-E score of 0.16.
Choosing an outright winner in this category is challenging, as both phones deliver impressive video quality and perform well in benchmark tests. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gains an edge with its Dynamic Island feature, which enhances the display by dynamically presenting notifications and offering access to mini players, a feature not found in the Pixel 8 Pro.
Camera Battle – iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro
When it comes to camera capabilities, both flagship smartphones are at the top of the game, ensuring exceptional results in various conditions. Here’s a breakdown of their camera setups:
| Pixel 8 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Main Sensor | 50MP | 48MP |
| Ultrawide | 48MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | 48MP telephoto with a 5x optical zoom | A 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom has been improved |
One notable upgrade in the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the extension of its optical zoom range to 5x, aligning it with the capabilities of the Pixel 8 Pro. However, Google focuses on AI-assisted camera features, which significantly contribute to the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera prowess.
Notable Google Pixel 8 Pro camera features include:
- Pro Controls: Providing complete manual control for tuning camera settings.
- Magic Editor: Offering AI-driven photo editing and enhancement.
- Audio Magic Eraser: Allowing for audio adjustments in videos.
- Best Take: Enhancing photo capture capabilities.
- Video Boost (upcoming): Promising improved video performance.
While camera features can enhance the experience, performance is a vital consideration. Let’s delve into a comparison of their camera performance:
In a detailed camera comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro showcase their strengths and differences in various photography scenarios:
Main Camera (Outdoor Scenes):
- Both excel in capturing outdoor scenes.
- The Pixel 8 Pro is favored for its realistic color science and higher contrast.
Portrait Mode:
- Portrait mode is a close call.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max offers portrait mode at a 1x zoom, while Pixel 8 Pro has a 1.5x zoom.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max handles dynamic range better, while Pixel 8 Pro produces realistic skin tones.
Selfie Camera:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max wins in the selfie category due to sharper details and proper exposure.
- Pixel 8 Pro also takes outstanding selfies but with slightly softer details.
Telephoto Camera (5x):
- iPhone 15 Pro Max wins in this category, offering sharper details and more definition.
- Pixel 8 Pro provides a bit more shadow detail.
Macro Mode:
- Pixel 8 Pro excels in capturing fine details up close.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max offers better contrast but falls short in capturing fine details.
Low-Light Photography:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max triumphs in low-light scenarios with brighter, overall images.
- Pixel 8 Pro’s shots underexpose and exhibit less detail in challenging low-light conditions.
Video Recording:
- Both phones support 4K at 60 fps.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max showcases better contrast and shadow highlights in well-lit conditions.
- Pixel 8 Pro’s video quality remains good but may exhibit noise in shadows when using the 5x zoom camera.
Low-Light Video Recording:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max captures better-looking low-light footage overall.
- Pixel 8 Pro’s low-light video may suffer from noise and underexposure.
In this comparison, both phones exhibit their camera prowess in different aspects, with each having its strengths and weaknesses across various photography scenarios. The choice between them may depend on your specific photography preferences and needs.
Performance Comparison – iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro
In the area of performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, equipped with the A17 Pro chip, outperforms the Pixel 8 Pro with the Tensor G3 chip, as indicated by synthetic benchmark tests.
The Pixel 8 Pro’s performance in GeekBench reveals single and multicore scores of 1,699 and 3,666, respectively. However, these results fall notably short when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which boasts nearly double the performance.
The disparity between the two becomes evident in graphics processing performance as well, with the Pixel 8 Pro achieving a frame rate of 52 fps, significantly slower than the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s smoother 92 fps.
Moreover, the Pixel 8 Pro takes a significantly longer time to render video in Adobe Premiere Rush, clocking in at 71 seconds, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max accomplishes the task in just 24.5 seconds.
While the synthetic benchmark tests demonstrate the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s superiority in terms of performance, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 8 Pro handles basic operations with responsiveness, ensuring a smooth user experience for tasks like gaming and navigating the interface.
Battery Life Comparison – iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro has made significant improvements in its battery life compared to its predecessor, addressing one of the main criticisms of the Pixel 7 Pro. Equipped with a 5,050 mAh battery, it achieves an impressive battery benchmark test result of 10 hours and 3 minutes. This is a notable achievement, surpassing the 10-hour mark, which is considered the average battery life for today’s flagship phones.
However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max sets a high standard, boasting an even longer battery life of 13 hours and 10 minutes. It’s important to note that the Pixel 8 Pro’s battery life has been compared to other competitors, and it still falls short of Apple’s offering.
Here’s a summary of their battery specifications and charging capabilities:
| Pixel 8 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Battery Size | 5,050 mAh | 4,422 mAh |
| Battery Life | 10 hours and 3 minutes | 13 hours and 10 minutes |
| Recharge (15 mins / 30 mins) | 29% / 59% | 20% / 41% |
The difference in battery life is substantial, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max clearly outperforming the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro, however, excels in charging speed, reaching 59% with just 30 minutes of charging, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 41%.
Android vs. iOS Software – Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
The choice between Android and iOS often comes down to personal preference, and each ecosystem offers a unique set of experiences. In the case of the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both phones excel in their respective operating systems, and users will find distinctive features and capabilities.
Google’s Android 14 on the Pixel 8 Pro:
- Leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to power various software features.
- Enhanced Call Screen feature makes Google Assistant sound more human and respond contextually to questions.
- Features like Summarize, grammar check with the Fix It feature, and voice dictation with multiple language support.
- Impressive 7 years of software and security updates.
Apple’s iOS 17 on the iPhone 15 Pro Max:
- Offers features like StandBy Mode, turning the phone into a versatile companion with alarm clock, smart hub display, and digital photo frame.
- Live Stickers in Messages, Reactions in FaceTime, and an improved Reminders app.
- Provides 5 years of software and security support.
While both operating systems offer significant benefits, Google’s AI-assisted features on the Pixel 8 Pro are particularly compelling. The enhanced Call Screen and extensive language support, coupled with 7 years of software updates, make the Pixel 8 Pro a strong choice for those who appreciate AI-driven features.
The Verdict
In the battle of the flagships, the choice between the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences. Let’s break down the verdict into key categories:
Price: The Pixel 8 Pro offers a $100 cost advantage over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Google’s inclusion of a free Pixel Watch 2 sweetens the deal further.
Design and Build: Both phones excel in design and construction, with premium materials and craftsmanship. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s titanium frame reduces weight and adds durability, while the Pixel 8 Pro’s matte glass finish offers excellent grip and resists smudges.
Display: These phones feature stunning OLED displays with high peak brightness. While the Pixel 8 Pro performs admirably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Dynamic Island adds a unique touch, making it the winner in this category.
Camera: In the camera department, both phones shine. The iPhone 15 Pro Max gains an edge with its 5x optical zoom, while the Pixel 8 Pro leverages AI-enhanced features for remarkable photography.
Performance: The iPhone 15 Pro Max dominates in terms of raw performance, thanks to its A17 Pro chip. However, the Pixel 8 Pro remains responsive for daily tasks and offers a smooth user experience.
Battery Life: The iPhone 15 Pro Max sets the standard with an impressive 13-hour battery life. While the Pixel 8 Pro’s 10-hour benchmark is a significant improvement, it falls short of Apple’s offering.
Android vs. iOS Software: Your preference for Android or iOS can be a deciding factor. Google’s Android 14, with AI-powered features, is appealing. iOS 17 brings its own set of enhancements and offers a more extended software support period.
If you’re budget-conscious and value AI-assisted features, the Pixel 8 Pro is a compelling choice. However, if you prioritize superior performance and battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains the top pick. Your decision should consider these factors and which aspects align with your specific needs and preferences. Both phones are excellent options, and the choice ultimately comes down to what matters most to you.
| No. | Google Pixel 8 Pro Pros | Cons | iPhone 15 Pro Max Pros | Cons |
| 1. | Competitive Price: The Pixel 8 Pro comes at a $100 lower starting price than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it a budget-friendly flagship option. | Performance: While the Pixel 8 Pro handles everyday tasks well, it falls short in synthetic benchmark tests, indicating lower raw performance compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. | Superior Performance: Equipped with the powerful A17 Pro chip, the iPhone 15 Pro Max outperforms its competition in terms of raw performance and gaming capabilities. | Higher Price: The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes at a premium price, which might be a limiting factor for budget-conscious buyers. |
| 2. | AI-Enhanced Camera: Google’s AI-powered camera features, such as Best Take, Call Screen, and Audio Magic Eraser, add unique and convenient photography and video capabilities. | Battery Life: Despite improvements, the Pixel 8 Pro’s battery life, while good, doesn’t quite match the exceptional longevity of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. | Long Battery Life: With a battery life of 13 hours and 10 minutes, it sets a high standard for all-day usability. | Customization: iOS offers less customization compared to Android, which may not suit users who prefer a high degree of personalization. |
| 3. | Android 14 with AI Features: Android 14 offers a highly customizable experience with AI-driven features like Summarize, grammar check, and voice dictation. Plus, it promises seven years of software updates. | Software Support: Although Android 14 offers an impressive seven years of software updates, it may not match the longevity of iOS updates for Apple devices. | Camera System: The 5x optical zoom camera and top-tier imaging capabilities make it an excellent choice for photography and videography. | Charging Speed: While it supports wireless charging, the wired charging speed is slower compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. |
| 4. | Display Brightness: The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is impressively bright, providing excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. | iOS 17: Apple’s ecosystem offers a seamless and integrated experience with ongoing software support, ensuring security and feature updates. | ||
| 5. | Charging Speed: It charges quickly, reaching 59% in just 30 minutes, thanks to its 30W wired charging. | Premium Build: Its titanium frame, slimmer bezels, and attention to detail contribute to a premium and comfortable design. |
