Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 and iPhone XS Max?
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 starts at £121, £47.09 less than the iPhone XS Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.5 inch.
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Google Pixel 3 and iPhone XS Max both launched in 2018 but offer different experiences suited to distinct users. The Pixel 3 is smaller and lighter, with a 5.5 inch P-OLED screen and Android software, making it a choice for those who prefer a compact handset that fits easily in one hand. Battery capacities and camera megapixels vary slightly, which may impact daily use depending on your priorities. Storage options range from 64GB on the Pixel 3 to up to 512GB on the iPhone XS Max. Each device suits different needs, from portability to screen size and software preferences.
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
- BlackSold out
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Storage
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which is larger than the Google Pixel 3's 2915 mAh. This means the iPhone XS Max may offer longer usage time between charges, which can be important if you use your phone heavily throughout the day. The Pixel 3's battery size suits those who use their phone moderately or have access to charging during the day.
Operating System
Google Pixel 3 runs Android, giving access to Google services and a wide range of apps. The iPhone XS Max uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and devices.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on chipsets, RAM, and storage capacity, affecting speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your phone.
Chipset and RAM
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking for everyday apps. The Pixel 3 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, while the iPhone XS Max has an Apple A12 Bionic. Both chipsets are capable for common tasks, but your experience may vary depending on the types of apps you use and your preference for Android or iOS.
Storage Options
The Google Pixel 3 is available with 64GB of storage, suitable for users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone XS Max offers more flexibility with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, making it a better fit if you want to keep more photos, videos, or apps without relying on cloud storage.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, and display type. These influence how much content fits on the display and how sharp and vibrant images look.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, providing more space for watching videos, browsing, and typing. The Google Pixel 3 has a smaller 5.5 inch screen, which can be easier to handle with one hand and more pocket-friendly.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone XS Max offers a 1242 x 2688 resolution with a Super Retina OLED display, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The Google Pixel 3 has a 1080 x 2160 resolution with a P-OLED screen, which also produces rich colours but at a slightly lower resolution. Both are OLED types, so both provide good contrast and deep blacks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera megapixels, which affect photo detail, and front camera quality for selfies or video calls.
Main Camera
The Google Pixel 3 has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, slightly higher than the iPhone XS Max's 12 megapixels. This difference could help capture a bit more detail in photos with the Pixel 3, though both cameras are designed for high-quality images.
Front Camera
The Pixel 3 offers an 8 megapixel front camera, while the iPhone XS Max has 7 megapixels. This small difference may benefit those who take many selfies or make frequent video calls, as the Pixel 3's front camera provides marginally higher resolution.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility, which impact how the phone feels and fits into your daily routine.
Size and Weight
The Google Pixel 3 is smaller and lighter, measuring 145.6 mm tall, 68.2 mm wide, and weighing 148 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier, at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 208 g. The Pixel 3 suits those who want a more compact phone that is easier to carry, while the iPhone XS Max offers a larger screen with a bigger body.
Connector Type
The Pixel 3 uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone XS Max uses Apple's Lightning connector. Your choice may depend on which cables and chargers you already have or prefer to use.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and compatible with 4G networks. They support a physical SIM card plus eSIM, giving flexibility in how you use mobile networks and switch providers.
Depth
The iPhone XS Max is slightly slimmer at 7.7 mm compared to the Pixel 3's 7.9 mm. This difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in daily use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121, £47.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2915 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 3 appreciate its small, light design and capability for everyday use. Many say the phone looks like new and works perfectly. Some mention the battery requires attention and note a screen tint issue. The condition of the screen varies as described, and some found excellent service through their purchase. A few customers had problems with network compatibility or battery life, but most praise the phone's value and performance.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and value for the price. Many customers find the screen and overall device to be in great shape, with some noting minor scratches that are easy to cover with a case. Battery life varies, with some users reporting shorter duration. The phone suits those who want a large, high-quality screen and good performance. Setup times and occasional issues with features like Face ID were mentioned, but overall users are satisfied with the device's reliability and appearance.
The Google Pixel 3 fits buyers who want a compact, lightweight phone with Android and a good camera setup. The iPhone XS Max suits those seeking a larger screen with iOS and more storage options. Both devices appeal to users valuing refurbished quality and strong performance for daily tasks.
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Google Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 is cheaper refurbished, from £121 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XS Max has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
