Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Display, battery, performance, and cameras compared

Apple and Google’s flagship smartphones, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, are battling it out for dominance in the premium segment. Both devices offer top-tier hardware, refined designs, and long-term software support, but they differ in performance, battery life, cameras, and AI features. Here’s a breakdown of how the two stack up.

📱 Design and Build

At first glance, both devices share a familiar flat-sided, premium aesthetic. Google has leaned closer to Apple’s design language, adding a bolder “G” logo on the back. Neither supports physical SIM trays in some markets, though global variants allow them. The Pixel is slightly heavier, while the iPhone still feels sturdier in hand.

🌟 Display

• Pixel 10 Pro XL: 3200-nit peak brightness, cleaner design with minimal bezels
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Excellent OLED display with Dynamic Island notch

Google takes the lead in brightness, while Apple continues offering rich colour accuracy and smooth visuals.

⚡ Performance and Software

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Powered by Apple’s latest A-series chip, delivering unmatched speed and multitasking efficiency. Runs iOS with the new Liquid Glass design, though accessibility remains a concern.
• Pixel 10 Pro XL: Runs Android with Material 3 Expressive design, offering more customisation and smoother animations. Google’s AI features remain ahead of Apple’s Apple Intelligence, which is still limited.

👉 Winner in performance: iPhone 16 Pro Max

👉 Winner in AI features: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

🔋 Battery and Charging

• Pixel 10 Pro XL: 5,200mAh battery with 45W fast charging (70% in under 30 minutes).
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685mAh battery with 30W charging (50% in 30 minutes).

Despite a smaller battery, Apple’s optimisation gives the iPhone longer endurance. Google wins in charging speed.

📸 Cameras

• Pixel 10 Pro XL: Introduces Pro Res Zoom, enhancing long-range photography with AI. Prioritises HDR balance and diverse skin tones.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Continues to dominate video quality, with natural optics for still photography.

👉 Winner in video: iPhone 16 Pro Max

👉 Winner in AI-driven photography: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

✅ Final Verdict

The iPhone 16 Pro Max remains unbeatable in raw performance and video capabilities, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL shines with a brighter display, faster charging, and AI-driven features. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer Apple’s seamless ecosystem or Google’s flexibility and cutting-edge AI tools.