Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Everything to Know

Choosing a new smartphone can be challenging, especially when picking between the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The two flagship devices deliver top-of-the-line performance but excel in different ways — the iPhone 15 Pro Max for its enhanced video features and the Pixel 8 Pro for its high-end specs at a low price point.

We've examined the specs of each smartphone to help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you go with iOS or Android, Navi can find the best price for each with our unbiased Phone Deal Finder.

We’ll detail everything you need to know about the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Specs

While they have similarities, the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max have several key differences — below is a head-to-head comparison of the specs of both devices. 

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Pixel 8 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Displays

Both phones have a 6.7-inch high-resolution OLED screen with adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz, which reduces blur and creates a smooth experience when navigating menus and playing games. But a key difference in the displays is how Google and Apple have integrated their front-facing camera. 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features the "Dynamic Island," a pill-shaped area around the camera that displays information like music controls and timers. The Pixel's camera, shown as a small hole in the screen, takes up less room than the Dynamic Island but has no additional functionality. 

The Pixel does beat the iPhone in brightness — while the iPhone 15 Pro Max can reach 2000 nits of peak brightness, the Pixel can hit up to 2400. 

Pixel 8 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Features and Color Options

The iPhone 15 Pro Max saw the introduction of the long-awaited USB-C port (something Android phones have had for years), along with a customizable "Action" button that users can set to perform a variety of functions. The Pixel 8 Pro also received a unique feature that may one day come to the iPhone: a temperature sensor.

Both phones come in four sets of colors: the Pixel 8 Pro is available in black (obsidian), blue (bay), green (mint), and tan (porcelain), and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in black, white, blue, and natural titanium.

Pixel 8 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Cameras

While both phones have impressive, albeit bulky, rear cameras — their size is the trade-off for their even bigger capabilities.

Packed inside the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro includes a similar 50MP main camera, and its ultrawide and 5x optical zoom cameras are each 48MP.

Additionally, the Pixel offers a 10.5MP front camera for selfies, while the iPhone's is 12MP.

While the Pixel may have the megapixel advantage, the iPhone's edge is its ability to shoot ProRes Log Video, a type of footage popular with professional video creators — and for good reason.

ProRes Log allows users to capture more data, such as the details in the brightest and darkest parts of a scene, while recording video. This is especially useful when editing said footage because the additional information gives users more room to adjust colors, highlights, and shadows to their liking without losing as much quality. But this comes with some extra legwork. 

Unlike shooting in standard video modes, ProRes Log footage will look desaturated after it's recorded and will need editing to achieve the intended look. Shooting in this format also means that data files will take up more space — up to 30 times more than typical video files.

Fortunately, those files can be recorded directly on an external storage device that can be connected to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

However, Pixel 8 Pro owners can use Google's AI tools to unlock stunning footage (and more) from their devices.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro: AI Features

The Pixel 8 Pro, powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, has some impressive AI features, especially when it comes to photo and video. Its Magic Editor lets you remove and adjust objects in images, and Best Take combines multiple shots to create the perfect photo. Additionally, Video Boost enhances video footage with richer colors and more detail using Google's advanced AI processing.

Now, Apple is working on its own AI improvements through the upcoming Apple Intelligence system, which plans to incorporate ChatGPT technology. This update, expected later this fall, will be available only on Apple devices with the A17 Pro chip or newer, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Until Apple Intelligence makes its debut, Google’s Pixel 8 Pro stands out as the stronger AI offering between the two phones. 

Android and Apple Ecosystems

If you already own products from either company, staying within the Android or Apple ecosystem may help steer your decision.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max currently runs on iOS 17, which allows users to sync data and content across other Apple devices.

With Android 14, the Pixel 8 Pro can also share data with other Google devices. However, it can do so with third-party Android smartphones — like the Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and  Galaxy S24 Ultra — and devices that simply have access to Google apps, like iPhones. 

But iOS and Android are different in many respects. If you enjoy phone customization, Android allows users to change features like the phone's theme and the size of widgets. Meanwhile, Apple has only just started expanding the customization options found in iOS.

Software updates will be available for each device later this year, and the Pixel 8 Pro will continue to receive updates until 2030.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro's battery can last over 24 hours with regular usage or 72 hours with its "Extreme Battery Saver" mode — though this setting turns off certain features.

Depending on its network configuration and other factors, the iPhone 15 Pro Max can achieve up to 96 hours of talk time off a single charge or up to 29 hours of battery life while using video.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro each have fast charging capabilities that allow them to be charged from 1 percent to 50 percent in about 30 minutes — but they require power adapters that don't come inside the box.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Privacy and Security

iPhone has had a long history of security-focused features, such as on-device processing of personal data and end-to-end encryption for iMessage texts and FaceTime calls.

Google has also focused on privacy, allowing its AI to limit access to sensitive information and letting users control which apps can see their data. Not to mention, its AI-powered "Pixel Call Assist" feature can automatically screen incoming calls.

The Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also allow users multiple ways to unlock their phone, including using a passcode or face detection. However, the Pixel has an additional under-display fingerprint sensor.

Pixel 8 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Price and Storage

Comparing the Retail Prices for both devices, the Pixel 8 Pro is the more affordable option in virtually every scenario.

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199 for 256 GB of storage, the Pixel 8 Pro costs $1,059 for the same amount, and it also has a cheaper 128 GB option for $999. Both phones can get up to 1 TB of storage, but the iPhone will run $1,599 to the Pixel's $1,399.

Whether you go with the Pixel 8 Pro or the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we always recommend searching for phone deals to help lower the cost. That’s where Navi’s Phone Deal Finder below and our phone deals roundups can help.

While the Pixel 8 Pro is already a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers, you can find the greatest offers from top carriers across the country on our Pixel 8 Pro Deals page. The list is updated the moment we find new deals, helping you save even more on your purchase.

If you’re on the hunt for the best and latest promos on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, be sure to check out our iPhone 15 Deals page.

The Bottom Line

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Pixel 8 Pro represent the best of Apple and Google's latest technology.

Whether you choose the iPhone for its advanced video recording capabilities or the Pixel for its powerful AI capabilities (and affordable price), you can’t go wrong.