Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and iPhone XS Max?
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £13.09 less than the iPhone XS Max. The Google Pixel 3a is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.6 inch.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Google Pixel 3a and iPhone XS Max differ in size, screen resolution, operating system, and storage options, fitting different user needs. The Pixel 3a is more compact and lighter with a 5.6 inch screen and Android OS, suited for those who want a simpler, everyday phone that is easy to hold. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED display and iOS, ideal if you prefer a bigger screen for media and more storage options up to 512GB. Battery capacities are similar, but the iPhone XS Max is heavier and wider. Both phones feature unlocked 4G connectivity and similar RAM, making them practical choices depending on your priorities.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max price
Storage
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating systems. These factors influence how long the device lasts and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a slightly larger battery capacity of 3174 mAh compared to the Pixel 3a's 3000 mAh. This means the iPhone may offer a bit more battery life between charges, which could suit heavier phone users or those who spend more time away from charging points.
Operating System
The Pixel 3a runs on Android, providing a different user experience and app ecosystem compared to the iPhone XS Max which runs on iOS. Your choice here depends on which system you prefer for daily use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can store.
Chipset Power
The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, while the Pixel 3a has a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670. Both have 4 GB of RAM, so multitasking ability is similar. The iPhone's chipset is designed for high efficiency and performance, appealing if you want a faster phone for demanding apps.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3a is available in a single 64GB storage option, suitable for everyday use with moderate app and media storage. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, ideal if you need more space for photos, videos, or large apps.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. Important differences include size, resolution, and display type.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5 inch screen, providing more space to watch videos or browse content. The Pixel 3a has a smaller 5.6 inch screen, which makes it easier to hold and use with one hand.
Resolution and Display
The iPhone XS Max offers a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688 on a Super Retina OLED screen, which delivers sharper images and more vibrant colours. The Pixel 3a has a 1080 x 2220 OLED display, which still provides good image quality but with less detail and screen real estate than the iPhone.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and front-facing sensors, which are important for photos, video calls, and selfies.
Main Camera Detail
The Pixel 3a has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, while the iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera. Both cameras provide similar detail levels, fitting general photography needs well.
Front Camera Quality
The Pixel 3a sports an 8 megapixel front camera, slightly higher resolution than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This could benefit those who take many selfies or make frequent video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous differences include size, weight, network compatibility, and SIM options. These affect portability and connectivity.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 3a is more compact and lighter, measuring 151.3 mm in height and weighing 147 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall and 208 g, which suits users who prioritise a bigger screen over pocketability.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 4G networks and accept a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexible carrier options. Both come unlocked, allowing you to choose your provider freely.
Thickness and Width
The iPhone XS Max is slightly thinner at 7.7 mm compared to the Pixel 3a's 8.2 mm. The iPhone is also wider at 77.4 mm versus the Pixel's 70.1 mm, reflecting the larger screen size.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
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Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Google Pixel 3a or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £13.09 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 208 g)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.6 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Google Pixel 3a often highlight its reliability and condition, with many finding the phone in excellent shape and easy to set up. Some mention occasional slow performance or minor hardware issues, but several have successfully used alternative operating systems like Ubuntu on it. The Pixel 3a appeals to those who want a straightforward phone that works well for everyday tasks and prefer something lighter and more compact.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max reflect satisfaction with the phone's condition, often described as looking brand new with no scratches or dents. Customers appreciate the value it offers for its price and the quality of its screen and overall performance. Some report battery life concerns and minor issues like call volume, but most find it meets their needs well. The larger screen and multiple storage options make it suitable for users who want more space and a more immersive display experience.
Overall, the Pixel 3a suits those who want a lighter, smaller phone with Android, while the iPhone XS Max fits those who prefer a larger screen, iOS, and more storage choices.
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XS Max has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
