Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3 XL
Starting at
£100.00
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 XL and iPhone XS?
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 XL starts at £100, £38.35 less than the iPhone XS.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3 XL, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger battery: 3430 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
- The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger screen: 6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch.
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS specs
The Google Pixel 3 XL and iPhone XS both came out in 2018 and offer strong features for users who want a quality smartphone. The Pixel 3 XL suits those who prefer a larger screen and longer battery life, with a 6.3 inch display and a 3430 mAh battery. The iPhone XS appeals to users who want ongoing software updates and a more compact size at 5.8 inches. Performance varies with the Pixel 3 XL using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and the iPhone XS running on Apple's A12 Bionic chip, both paired with 4 GB RAM. Camera differences are subtle, with the Pixel 3 XL offering a slightly higher resolution front camera. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone XS available up to 256GB.
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These factors affect how long the phone lasts each charge and how long it stays current with new features and security.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3 XL has a 3430 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the Pixel 3 XL can provide longer usage between charges, which benefits users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Operating System
The Google Pixel 3 XL runs Android, offering a different user experience with more customisation options. The iPhone XS runs iOS, known for smooth integration with Apple services and apps. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly apps run and how much space you have for files and media.
Chipset Differences
The Google Pixel 3 XL uses the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset, while the iPhone XS runs on the Apple A12 Bionic chip. Both support strong performance, but the choice may affect your experience with certain apps and tasks depending on optimisation for Android or iOS.
RAM and Multitasking
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, which is enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly and handle multitasking without issues for typical users.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3 XL comes in 64GB and 128GB storage sizes, suitable for users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone XS offers 64GB and 256GB options, giving more space for those with larger photo libraries or app collections.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, read text, and interact with apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all play a role in the overall experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Google Pixel 3 XL has a larger 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960, making it well suited for watching videos and browsing with more screen space. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen at 1125 x 2436 resolution, providing a more compact device for those who prefer smaller phones that fit easily in one hand.
Screen Type
The Pixel 3 XL uses a P-OLED screen type, while the iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED display. Both offer rich colours and deep blacks, but the iPhone's screen type is known for its bright and sharp image quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include the front and main cameras. These matter for selfies, video calls, and photography.
Front Camera Resolution
The Google Pixel 3 XL has an 8 megapixel front camera, offering slightly higher resolution selfies compared to the iPhone XS's 7 megapixels. This may appeal to those who take a lot of self-portraits or use video chat frequently.
Main Camera Detail
Both phones have similar main cameras, with the Pixel 3 XL at 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XS at 12 megapixels. This means both can capture photos with good detail, suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features cover size, weight, network compatibility, and other physical details that affect daily use and convenience.
Size and Weight
The Google Pixel 3 XL is larger and heavier, measuring 158 mm in height and 76.7 mm in width, with a weight of 184 g. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter at 143.6 mm tall and 70.9 mm wide, weighing 177 g. If you prefer a phone that fits easily in your pocket or hand, the iPhone XS suits you better.
Carrier Compatibility and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks. Each uses a physical SIM card plus eSIM, giving flexibility with mobile plans and networks.
No Expandable Storage
Neither phone has a slot for an SD card, so storage capacity cannot be expanded beyond the built-in options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3 XL or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 XL if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £38.35 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (3430 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 184 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 3 XL often highlight its excellent condition and good build quality. Many say it looks and works like new, with strong praise for the phone's performance and overall quality. Some mention battery life as a concern, noting it may not last as long as expected for heavy users. A few customers experienced issues with Bluetooth or the camera, but most were satisfied with how the phone operates daily and its large screen size.
Reviews for the iPhone XS show satisfaction with its appearance and smooth performance. Many customers say the phone looks like new and runs perfectly, with battery life that lasts well for typical daily use. The compact size is appreciated, and storage options up to 256GB suit users with many apps or photos. Some customers reported minor marks or battery health below 100 percent, but most found it suitable for everyday tasks and valued the camera quality.
Overall, the Google Pixel 3 XL suits those wanting a larger screen and longer battery life with Android, while the iPhone XS is a good fit for users who prefer a compact, smoothly running phone with the latest iOS updates and more storage options.
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS FAQs
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3 XL, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger battery: 3430 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 XL is cheaper refurbished, from £100 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger battery: 3430 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 XL has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XS has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3 XL ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 XL comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
