Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 4
Starting at
£131.91
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 4 and iPhone XS Max?
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4 starts at £131.91, £36.18 less than the iPhone XS Max. The Google Pixel 4 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The Google Pixel 4 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2800 mAh.
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The Google Pixel 4 and iPhone XS Max offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Pixel 4 runs Android with 6 GB RAM and a 5.7 inch 90 Hz P-OLED screen, making it a good fit for those who value smoother display performance and multitasking. The iPhone XS Max, with iOS, 4 GB RAM, and a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen at higher resolution, suits buyers who want a bigger display and longer battery life. Storage options also vary, with the iPhone XS Max offering up to 512 GB. Both phones have unlocked network compatibility and similar camera specs, but they differ in battery capacity and charging ports. Your choice depends on preferences for screen size, software, and device dimensions.
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating systems. These factors affect how long a device lasts in daily use and how long it will continue to receive support.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 3174 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 4's 2800 mAh. This means the iPhone XS Max can offer longer usage between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life during the day.
Operating System
The Pixel 4 runs Android, offering a different user experience and app ecosystem compared to the iPhone XS Max, which uses iOS. Your preference for either operating system will influence your choice.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, memory, and storage options. These determine how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much space you have for files and apps.
Processor
The Pixel 4 uses the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset, while the iPhone XS Max has the Apple A12 Bionic. Both are capable processors designed for their respective platforms, providing solid everyday performance.
RAM
The Pixel 4 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open and smoother multitasking. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, which handles iOS multitasking efficiently but with less capacity for background apps.
Storage Options
The Pixel 4 is stocked with 64 GB and 128 GB storage options, suitable for everyday use and moderate media storage. The iPhone XS Max offers a wider range of storage up to 512 GB, ideal for users who need large capacity for videos, apps, and files.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen type shaping your experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos and using apps comfortably. The Pixel 4's 5.7 inch screen is more compact, which suits those who prefer a smaller device that fits easily in one hand.
Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a higher resolution of 1242 x 2688 pixels, delivering sharper images and text on its larger screen. The Pixel 4's resolution is 1080 x 2280 pixels, which still provides clear visuals but at a slightly lower pixel density.
Refresh Rate
The Pixel 4 features a 90 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother, which benefits users who notice subtle motion improvements. The iPhone XS Max has a standard 60 Hz refresh rate.
Screen Type
The Pixel 4 uses a P-OLED screen, while the iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED. Both screen types offer rich colours and deep blacks, enhancing viewing quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera resolutions that impact photo and video quality, influencing how detailed your pictures and selfies can be.
Front Camera
The Pixel 4 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures slightly more detail for selfies compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This suits users who take many self-portraits or video calls.
Main Camera
The Pixel 4's main camera is 12.2 megapixels, while the iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera. Both offer similar photographic capabilities, suitable for everyday photos and videos.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features include connectivity, device size, and weight, which affect how the phone fits in your hand and connects to accessories.
Connector Type
The Pixel 4 uses a USB-C connector, common in many devices and accessories, while the iPhone XS Max uses Apple's Lightning connector. Your choice may depend on your existing cables and chargers.
Size and Weight
The Pixel 4 is smaller and lighter at 147.1 mm height, 68.8 mm width, and 162 g weight, making it easier to handle and pocket. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm height, 77.4 mm width, and 208 g weight, offering a bigger screen at the cost of size and heft.
SIM Card Support
Both phones support a physical SIM card plus eSIM, giving flexibility for dual SIM use or switching carriers without changing SIM cards.
Network Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked and support 4G networks, allowing use with a wide range of carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 4 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 4 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £131.91, £36.18 less than the iPhone XS Max
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (90 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2800 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Google Pixel 4 often praise its condition, with many saying it looks like new and performs well for everyday needs. Some find the battery life acceptable, though a few mention issues with battery health or face unlock features. The Pixel 4's screen quality is appreciated, but there are reports of common screen problems like dead pixels and green lines. Overall, users value the phone's speed and usability, with some recommending it as a good first phone or a reliable device for everyday use.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight its excellent condition and good value, with many users happy with the screen and overall performance. Battery life receives mixed feedback, with some customers needing replacements for better longevity. The setup process can take longer, but once running, the phone meets expectations for a quality smartphone. Users recommend the iPhone XS Max for those who want a larger screen and solid performance without needing the newest model.
The Pixel 4 suits buyers seeking a compact phone with a smooth screen and Android experience, while the iPhone XS Max fits those who prefer a larger display, iOS, and a wider range of storage options.
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The Google Pixel 4 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 4 is cheaper refurbished, from £131.91 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2800 mAh.
The Google Pixel 4 has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone XS Max has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 4 ended in Oct 2022. Its last version is Android 13. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
