Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3 XL
Starting at
£100.00
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 XL and iPhone XS Max?
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 XL starts at £100, £68.09 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 XL, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger battery: 3430 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Google Pixel 3 XL and iPhone XS Max were both released in 2018 and offer strong performance and features for everyday use. The Pixel 3 XL has a slightly larger battery and higher screen resolution, which suits those who value longer battery life and sharper display detail. Both phones have similar RAM, camera resolutions, and 4G connectivity. Their operating systems and screen sizes differ, making each a good fit depending on your preference for Android or iOS and screen size needs.
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
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Storage
- 64GBSold out
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Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability matters if you want your phone to last through daily use, including battery endurance and software support.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 3 XL has a 3430 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the Pixel 3 XL can potentially offer longer usage time on a single charge, which is useful if you use your phone heavily throughout the day or prefer fewer recharges.
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Foldable
Ip rating
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Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and multitasks. Both phones share the same amount of RAM but use different chipsets and offer different storage options, which can influence speed and space for your files.
Chipset Differences
The Google Pixel 3 XL is powered by the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic. Each chipset delivers solid performance for daily tasks, but the choice may come down to which operating system and app ecosystem you prefer.
RAM Capacity
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, which is enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly and support multitasking for typical users.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3 XL is available with 64GB or 128GB of storage, which suits users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone XS Max offers more varied storage options at 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, making it a better fit if you want to keep many apps, photos, and videos on your device.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences how you experience videos, photos, and apps. Differences in screen size, resolution, and type affect clarity and viewing comfort on the Pixel 3 XL and iPhone XS Max.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen, slightly larger than the Pixel 3 XL's 6.3 inch display. A larger screen gives more room for watching videos or browsing, which can benefit users who prefer more screen space.
Screen Resolution
The Pixel 3 XL has a higher resolution of 1440 by 2960 pixels, compared to the iPhone XS Max's 1242 by 2688. This means the Pixel 3 XL can show finer detail, which is noticeable when looking closely at images or reading small text.
Screen Type
The Pixel 3 XL uses a P-OLED screen, while the iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED display. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, but the specific screen technology might affect colour tone and viewing angles, which comes down to personal preference.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution affect how your photos and video calls look. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ slightly on the front camera megapixels.
Front Camera Resolution
The Pixel 3 XL has an 8 megapixel front camera, which offers more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This difference may matter if you prioritise front camera sharpness.
Main Camera Detail
The Pixel 3 XL sports a 12.2 megapixel main camera, slightly higher than the iPhone XS Max's 12 megapixels. Both cameras capture detailed photos, but the Pixel 3 XL's higher megapixel count may help capture finer image details.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, and network compatibility, which affect how the phones feel in your hand and work with carriers.
Weight and Size
The Pixel 3 XL weighs 184 grams and measures 158 mm tall by 76.7 mm wide, while the iPhone XS Max weighs 208 grams and is 157.5 mm tall by 77.4 mm wide. The Pixel 3 XL is lighter and a little taller but narrower, which might suit users wanting a lighter phone with a slightly taller screen.
SIM Card Support
Both phones support a physical SIM card and an eSIM, giving flexibility if you want to use two numbers or switch carriers without changing SIM cards.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices come unlocked and support 4G networks, allowing use with a wide range of carriers in the UK.
SD Card Slot
Neither phone has an SD card slot, so storage expansion with a memory card is not possible. You will need to choose the right built-in storage option when buying.
Carrier compatibility
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Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Google Pixel 3 XL or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 XL if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £68.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a bigger battery (3430 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Google Pixel 3 XL often praise its condition and performance, noting it looks and works like new even years after release. Many appreciate how well it handles everyday use and find it comparable to other popular smartphones. Some mention issues with battery life and occasional Bluetooth glitches, but most say these were manageable or resolved. The camera and overall quality receive positive comments, although there is a rare mention of camera failure.
Users of the iPhone XS Max highlight the phone's excellent condition and value. Many are pleased with its screen and performance, with some noting the phone looks brand new and runs well. Battery life is mentioned as a concern by a few users, with some needing to replace the battery for better endurance. A few customers experienced minor issues such as Face ID not working or initial setup delays, but overall the phone meets expectations.
Both phones suit buyers looking for a well-maintained refurbished device from 2018. The Pixel 3 XL is appreciated for its lighter weight and sharper screen, while the iPhone XS Max appeals to those wanting larger storage and iOS support.
Google Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Google Pixel 3 XL 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 XL, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger battery: 3430 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 XL is cheaper refurbished, from £100 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The Google Pixel 3 XL has a bigger battery: 3430 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 XL has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XS Max 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 Max 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 Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
