We compare the new and exciting Pixel 9 Pro XL with the staple in big smartphone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max
Intro
Google is resurrecting the Pixel XL model! When the new Pixel 9 series dropped on August 13, the lineup featured a surprise – the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It seems that Google has decided to emulate what Apple and Samsung have been doing for the past couple of years offering more models to choose from. The Pixel 9 portfolio now consists of four devices, the vanilla Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and a foldable, nested under the Pixel 9 family – the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
So, back to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. What kind of beast is it, and where does it stand. It sits at the top of Google’s non-folding lineup and it could be the iPhone 15 Pro Max alternative Pixel fans have been waiting for.
So, let’s see how the new Pixel 9 Pro XL performs against a behemoth such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max differences explained:
Pixel 9 Pro XLiPhone 15 Pro Max
Similar size, 6.8-inch screen but with different design (camera bar), 1344 x 2992 pixels Similar size, 6.7-inch screen, camera isle is different on the back, 1290 x 2796 pixels
Google Tensor G4 in-house Google chipset Apple A17 Pro (3nm) chip
Triple camera, including 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto Same triple camera system, only with 48/12/12MP configuration
RAM starting at 12GB (potentially getting a 16 GB version) Less memory in the base version (8GB)
Base storage only 128GB 256GB base storage, twice as much as the Pixel 9 Pro XL
Larger 5,060mAh battery that will potentially deliver better battery life A smaller 4,422mAh battery
Slightly faster wired charging by not by much (45W) Slower wired charging
Table of Contents:
Design and Display
Performance and Software
Camera
Battery and Charging
Audio Quality
Specs
Which one should you buy?
Design and Display QualityXL is the new Pro Max
Can you tell which is which? (Image credit – PhoneArena)
It’s obvious what Google is trying to do with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. And that is to offer a compact Pro model in the face of the regular Pixel 9 Pro, while the XL takes the place previously occupied by the Pixel 8 Pro. Confused? There is nothing to worry about. Think of the Pixel 9 Pro XL as Google’s answer to the Pro Max.
The size of these two phones is very similar, as are the weight and materials used. We’re talking about your typical glass and metal sandwich, and even though we’re getting titanium with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the overall feel is very similar. We can’t help ourselves but to include some numbers to illustrate that. The Pixel 9 Pro XL measures 162.8 x 76.6 x
8.5 mm and weighs 227 grams. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, measures 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm and weighs 221 grams. See!
The main design difference lies in the shape of the camera system on the back. Apple uses the same square design pioneered with the iPhone 12 series, while Google follows the design language first started with the Pixel 6—the Camera Bar, albeit in a refreshed, more modern form.
In terms of colors, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in:
black titanium
white titanium
blue titanium
natural titanium
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in:
Obsidian
Porcelain
Hazel
Rose Quartz
Display Measurements:
Screen measurements
Color charts
Maximum brightnessHigher is betterMinimum brightness(nits)Lower is betterColor temperature(Kelvins)GammaDelta E rgbcmyLower is betterDelta E grayscaleLower is better
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 2052
(Excellent) 1.9
(Good) 6731
(Excellent) 2.26
1.39
(Excellent) 4.98
(Average)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 1092
(Good) 2
(Good) 6844
(Excellent) 2.25
2.52
(Good) 7.21
(Average)
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Color gamut
Color accuracy
Grayscale accuracy
The CIE 1931 xy color gamut chart represents the set(area)of colors that a display can reproduce,with the sRGB colorspace(the highlighted triangle)serving as reference.The chart also provides a visual representation of a display’s color accuracy. The small squares across the boundaries of the triangle are the reference points for the various colors, while the small dots are the actual measurements. Ideally, each dot should be positioned on top of its respective square. The ‘x:CIE31’ and ‘y:CIE31’ values in the table below the chart indicate the position of each measurement on the chart. ‘Y’ shows the luminance (in nits) of each measured color, while ‘Target Y’ is the desired luminance level for that color. Finally, ‘ΔE 2000’ is the Delta E value of the measured color. Delta E values of below 2 are ideal.
These measurements are made using Portrait Displays’ CalMAN calibration software.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Color accuracy chart gives an idea of how close a display’s measured colors are to their referential values. The first line holds the measured (actual) colors, while the second line holds the reference (target) colors. The closer the actual colors are to the target ones, the better.
These measurements are made using Portrait Displays’ CalMAN calibration software.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Grayscale accuracy chart shows whether a display has a correct white balance(balance between red,green and blue)across different levels of grey(from dark to bright).The closer the Actual colors are to the Target ones,the better.
These measurements are made usingPortrait Displays’ CalMAN calibration software.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
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The display panels of both phones are quite similar, both in size and specs. We’re talking about flat AMOLED panels with 6.7-inch diagonals and 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rates. There could be a difference when it comes to brightness. Google lists the brightness figures for the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 2000 nits (HDR) and up to 3000 nits (peak), which is very impressive indeed.
In our display tests we were able to confirm those claims as the Pixel 9 Pro XL exceeded the 2,000-nit threshold and is officially the brightest phone we’ve ever tested (for now).
