Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 4 XL
Starting at
£149.99
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 4 XL and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4 XL starts at £149.99, £182.71 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4 XL, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- Battery: 3700 mAh on the Google Pixel 4 XL, 3687 mAh on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The Google Pixel 4 XL and iPhone 12 Pro Max cater to different user preferences and priorities. The Pixel 4 XL suits you if you prefer Android with a slightly smaller but sharper screen and a USB-C connector. It offers 64GB storage and 4G connectivity. The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits you if you want iOS with more storage options up to 512GB, 5G support, and a larger screen with Super Retina XDR OLED technology. Both phones have 6GB RAM and similar battery capacities. The iPhone offers a higher resolution front camera and a newer chipset. Choose based on your ecosystem and which features matter most to you.
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
Storage
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and operating system. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge and how long it stays updated with security and new features.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a 3700 mAh battery while the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery. Both offer similar battery capacity so daily battery life may be comparable depending on usage.
Operating System
The Pixel 4 XL runs Android ideal if you prefer a highly customisable and open system. The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS offering a consistent and tightly integrated user experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much space you have for apps and media.
Chipset
The Pixel 4 XL uses the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset which offers solid performance for everyday tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Apple A14 Bionic chip known for strong processing power that supports demanding apps and games.
RAM
Both phones include 6 GB of RAM which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly.
Storage Options
The Pixel 4 XL comes with 64 GB of storage suitable for users with moderate needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more storage options at 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB making it better for storing large libraries of photos, videos, and apps.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and panel technology affecting clarity and colour.
Screen Size
The Pixel 4 XL has a 6.3 inch screen which is comfortable for one-handed use and everyday tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen offering more space for watching videos and browsing.
Resolution
The Pixel 4 XL has a higher resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels resulting in a sharper image with more detail. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 1284 x 2778 pixels still very clear but slightly less sharp.
Screen Type
The Pixel 4 XL uses a P-OLED screen which delivers vibrant colours and good contrast. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen known for bright colours and excellent dynamic range enhancing media viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras which affect the quality of photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The Pixel 4 XL has an 8 megapixel front camera suitable for everyday use.
Main Camera
The Pixel 4 XL offers a 12.2 megapixel main camera. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel main camera. Both provide good quality photos making them capable for casual photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Other factors such as network compatibility, connectors, size, and weight affect daily convenience and connectivity.
Network Compatibility
The Pixel 4 XL supports 4G networks suitable if you do not need 5G speeds. The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G which is useful if you want faster mobile internet where available.
Connector
The Pixel 4 XL uses a USB-C connector a common standard for charging and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector which works with many Apple accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The Pixel 4 XL measures 160.4 mm in height, 75.1 mm in width, and weighs 193 g making it lighter and slightly narrower. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm height, 78.1 mm width, and heavier at 226 g giving a bigger feel in hand.
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Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Google Pixel 4 XL or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £149.99, £182.71 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (193 g vs 228 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Oct 2022, last Android 13)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Google Pixel 4 XL for its value and condition often noting it looks like new with minimal signs of use. Many find the Android system logical and flexible and the screen impresses with its high resolution. Some users mention battery issues and occasional hardware faults but others are happy with its performance over a year or more.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is praised for its pristine condition reliable battery life and strong performance. Users enjoy the larger screen and higher storage options with many recommending it for refurbished purchases. Positive comments highlight the phone's appearance and smooth operation. There are some reports of incorrect colours and hardware problems but overall satisfaction is high.
The Pixel 4 XL suits those who prefer Android with a sharp screen and lighter design while the iPhone 12 Pro Max fits users wanting iOS with larger storage 5G connectivity and a bigger screen.
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
Google Pixel 4 XL vs iPhone 12 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 4 XL, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Battery: 3700 mAh on the Google Pixel 4 XL, 3687 mAh on the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Google Pixel 4 XL is cheaper refurbished, from £149.99 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Google Pixel 4 XL has 3700 mAh and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has 3687 mAh.
The Google Pixel 4 XL has 12.2 megapixels and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 4 XL ended in Oct 2022. Its last version is Android 13. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 4 XL comes in 64GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.









