iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Pixel 4 Xl: Which Phone Reigns?
Struggling to choose between the best smartphones on the market? The battle between the iPhone and Android ecosystems is always fierce, and in 2019, two titans clashed: the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Pixel 4 XL. Both devices brought innovative features and top-tier performance to the table, making the decision even tougher.
This in-depth comparison dives into the strengths and weaknesses of each phone, helping you determine which one is the perfect fit for your needs. We’ll explore everything from camera capabilities and display quality to processing power and battery life. Get ready to discover which device comes out on top.
Whether you’re an Apple aficionado or an Android enthusiast, this comparison of the iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Pixel 4 XL will provide valuable insights. We’ll break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision. Let’s find out which phone offers the ultimate smartphone experience!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro Max | Pixel 4 XL |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64/256/512GB | 64/128GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 8MP |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Battery Capacity | 3969 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Operating System | iOS 13 | Android 10 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2688 x 1242 pixels. It boasts excellent brightness, color accuracy, and HDR support. However, the notch can be distracting for some users.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Equipped with a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The design includes a large forehead, housing the front-facing sensors.
- Winner: Pixel 4 XL
Camera
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Boasts a triple 12MP camera system, offering versatile shooting options, including ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. It excels in video recording and generally produces natural-looking images. However, the software processing sometimes oversaturates colors.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Features a dual 12.2MP camera system with excellent image processing, particularly in low-light conditions thanks to Night Sight. It offers strong computational photography capabilities. Lacks an ultra-wide lens compared to the iPhone.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max
Performance
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and games with ease. iOS is known for its smooth performance and optimizations.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Runs on the Snapdragon 855 processor, offering solid performance. However, it can sometimes feel slightly less responsive than the iPhone, especially in multitasking.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Offers impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day with heavy usage. It provides excellent endurance.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Battery life is decent, but not as strong as the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It may require charging before the end of the day with heavy use.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max
Software
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, security, and consistent updates. The ecosystem offers tight integration with other Apple devices.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Runs on stock Android, providing a clean and intuitive user experience. It receives timely software updates and offers unique Google features.
- Winner: Pixel 4 XL
Design
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a glass back. The large notch and camera bump are design elements that some users may not prefer.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Boasts a distinctive design with a two-tone back and a large forehead. It has a more modern look, but some users may not appreciate the forehead.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Typically more expensive than the Pixel 4 XL at launch.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Generally more affordable than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, especially when considering used or refurbished options.
- Winner: Pixel 4 XL
Biometrics
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Utilizes Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Relies on facial recognition, which was somewhat less reliable than the iPhone’s Face ID, and lacked a fingerprint sensor.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Camera (Overall) | Pixel 4 XL |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Software Experience | Pixel 4 XL |
| Value | Pixel 4 XL |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without cables.
- High-Quality Displays: Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Pixel 4 XL feature vibrant OLED displays, ensuring excellent visuals for media consumption.
- Fast Processing: Both devices offer powerful processors capable of handling demanding tasks, ensuring a smooth user experience.
- Solid Build Quality: Both phones are constructed with premium materials, providing a durable and high-end feel.
- Excellent Cameras: Both phones boast impressive camera systems capable of capturing stunning photos and videos.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. Pixel 4 XL Buying Guide
Display Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro Max boasts a stunning Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colors, exceptional brightness, and incredible detail. Its OLED technology provides deep blacks and a high contrast ratio, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Pixel 4 XL features a smooth 90Hz OLED display, leading to fluid animations and a responsive feel. While the Pixel 4 XL’s display is excellent, it doesn’t quite match the iPhone’s peak brightness and overall picture quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both are excellent but the iPhone has the edge.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a versatile triple-camera system, including ultrawide, wide, and telephoto lenses, allowing for a wide range of creative shots. It excels in video recording, offering excellent stabilization and dynamic range. The Pixel 4 XL, despite having a dual-camera setup, relies heavily on Google’s computational photography. Its Night Sight mode remains a benchmark, delivering incredible low-light performance. However, the iPhone 11 Pro Max provides more flexibility with its additional lens and superior video quality, making it a stronger contender for overall camera performance.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivering blazing-fast performance and seamless multitasking. iOS offers a polished and user-friendly experience, with consistent software updates. The Pixel 4 XL runs on a Snapdragon 855 processor and stock Android, known for its clean interface and quick updates. While the Pixel 4 XL offers a smooth experience, the A13 Bionic provides a noticeable advantage in terms of raw processing power and graphics performance, particularly in demanding games and applications. The iPhone offers superior performance.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day even with heavy usage. It supports fast charging, though the fast charger is sold separately. The Pixel 4 XL’s battery life is decent, but it doesn’t quite match the endurance of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It also supports fast charging, but the charging speed is slightly slower than the iPhone. The iPhone 11 Pro Max generally provides longer battery life and a faster charging experience overall, making it more convenient for users.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, conveying a sense of luxury. It’s also water-resistant. The Pixel 4 XL has a more minimalist design with a glass back and a matte aluminum frame. While both phones feel well-built, the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s use of premium materials and its slightly more refined design give it a slight edge in terms of overall build quality and aesthetics, especially when comparing the frame. Both are excellent options.
Price and Value
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, being a flagship device, comes with a premium price tag. While it offers top-tier features and performance, the initial investment is significant. The Pixel 4 XL, while also a premium phone, was often available at a slightly lower price point, especially after its initial launch. Considering the features offered by each phone, the value proposition depends on individual needs. The iPhone offers more features for the price. However, the Pixel 4 XL offers a great value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max If…
- You prioritize a long-lasting battery life.
- You’re invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
- You want the best video recording capabilities.
- You value the most premium build quality.
Buy Pixel 4 XL If…
- You prefer the stock Android experience.
- You want a phone with exceptional computational photography.
- You value timely software updates directly from Google.
- You appreciate unique features like Motion Sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better camera?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a more versatile camera system with three lenses, providing greater flexibility for different shooting scenarios. It also excels in video recording. The Pixel 4 XL, however, excels with its software processing, especially in low-light conditions. Both phones take excellent pictures, but the iPhone offers more features and flexibility.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR display with vibrant colors, high brightness, and exceptional detail. The Pixel 4 XL features a smooth 90Hz OLED display. While the Pixel 4 XL is excellent, the iPhone’s display is brighter and offers better overall picture quality, especially in direct sunlight. Both are high quality.
Which phone offers better performance?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivers exceptional performance with fast processing and graphics capabilities. The Pixel 4 XL, with a Snapdragon 855 processor, offers smooth performance, but the A13 Bionic provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks and games. The iPhone has the edge in raw power.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has significantly better battery life, lasting a full day even with heavy usage. The Pixel 4 XL’s battery life is decent, but it doesn’t quite match the endurance of the iPhone. If battery life is a priority, the iPhone is the better choice.
Which phone has a better design?
Both phones have premium designs. The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, while the Pixel 4 XL has a glass back and an aluminum frame. The iPhone’s use of premium materials and its slightly more refined design give it a slight edge in terms of aesthetics and perceived build quality.
Which phone is better for software updates?
Both phones receive regular software updates. iPhones are known for their consistent and timely software updates provided directly by Apple. The Pixel 4 XL, running stock Android, also receives updates directly from Google. Both phones offer excellent software support, but the iPhone typically has a longer lifespan of software updates.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max typically launched with a higher price tag than the Pixel 4 XL. While the Pixel 4 XL offered great value, the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s premium features came at a higher cost. The price difference depends on the specific model and where you are purchasing it. The iPhone is typically more expensive.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 Pro Max and Pixel 4 XL are both excellent smartphones. The iPhone excels in performance, display quality, and camera versatility, along with superior battery life. The Pixel 4 XL offers a clean Android experience and exceptional computational photography. Ultimately, the iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a more well-rounded and premium experience.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max