Google Pixel 4 vs iPhone 11 Pro: Which Phone Wins?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. Two phones that often top the list for consideration are the Google Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11 Pro. Both devices boast impressive features and performance, but which one truly comes out on top?
This comparison dives deep into the key aspects of the Google Pixel 4 versus the iPhone 11 Pro, examining their cameras, displays, performance, and overall user experience. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each phone, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Get ready to discover which smartphone reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle. Whether you’re a loyal Android user or an iPhone enthusiast, this comparison will provide valuable insights to guide your next mobile purchase. Let’s see how the Google Pixel 4 stacks up against the mighty iPhone 11 Pro!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Google Pixel 4 | iPhone 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Display Technology | OLED | OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 | Apple A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP + 16MP | 12MP + 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Operating System | Android 10 | iOS 13 |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Google Pixel 4: Features a distinctive two-tone design with a prominent camera square. It uses a glass back and an aluminum frame. Pros: Unique aesthetic, premium feel. Cons: Glass back can be prone to breakage, design may not appeal to all.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Boasts a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back. It offers a more understated and professional design. Pros: Durable build, premium materials. Cons: Can be heavier than other phones.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Display
- Google Pixel 4: Equipped with a 90Hz OLED display. It offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Pros: High refresh rate, excellent color accuracy. Cons: Smaller screen size.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a Super Retina XDR display. It provides impressive brightness and contrast. Pros: Excellent display quality, great for media consumption. Cons: No high refresh rate.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Camera System
- Google Pixel 4: Features a dual-camera setup with excellent computational photography. It excels in low-light conditions. Pros: Exceptional image processing, great portrait mode. Cons: Lacks a telephoto lens.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Has a triple-camera system with telephoto, wide, and ultrawide lenses. Offers versatile shooting options. Pros: Versatile camera system, excellent video recording. Cons: Image processing can be less natural compared to Pixel.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Performance
- Google Pixel 4: Powered by a Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM. Provides smooth performance for most tasks. Pros: Fast processing speeds, fluid user experience. Cons: Can lag behind the iPhone in some tasks.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Utilizes the A13 Bionic chip. Offers exceptional performance and multitasking capabilities. Pros: Blazing-fast performance, optimized software. Cons: Limited RAM compared to some Android phones.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 4: Offers relatively poor battery life. Requires frequent charging. Pros: Fast charging. Cons: Below-average battery endurance.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Provides significantly better battery life. Can easily last a full day. Pros: Excellent battery life, fast charging. Cons: Wireless charging speed is slower.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Software and User Experience
- Google Pixel 4: Runs stock Android with timely updates. Offers a clean and intuitive user interface. Pros: Pure Android experience, regular updates. Cons: Limited customization compared to some Android phones.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Runs iOS, known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration. Pros: Easy to use, excellent app ecosystem. Cons: Limited customization options.
- Winner: Tie
Biometrics
- Google Pixel 4: Uses face unlock. Offers a fast and secure unlocking method. Pros: Fast and secure. Cons: Can be less reliable than Touch ID in certain situations.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Uses Face ID. Provides a secure and reliable facial recognition system. Pros: Secure and fast. Cons: Face ID requires direct line of sight.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Availability
- Google Pixel 4: Initially priced competitively but is now available at a lower price point. Pros: Generally more affordable now. Cons: No longer readily available in retail.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Was priced higher at launch but has seen price drops over time. Pros: Widely available. Cons: Still pricier than the Pixel 4.
- Winner: google pixel 4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Software Experience | Google Pixel 4 |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Video Recording | iPhone 11 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize vibrant OLED displays, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks for immersive viewing experiences.
- Wireless Charging: Both the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Fast Processing: Both phones offer fast processing speeds and smooth performance for day-to-day tasks and demanding applications.
- High-Quality Cameras: Both phones feature advanced camera systems capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are water-resistant, protecting them from accidental splashes and brief submersion.
Google Pixel 4 Vs Iphone 11 Pro Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 4 boasts a minimalist design with a distinct square camera module and a matte glass back, offering a premium feel. It’s available in several vibrant colors. The iPhone 11 Pro, on the other hand, features a surgical-grade stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, exuding a luxurious aesthetic. Its camera bump is also noticeable. Both phones are water-resistant, but the iPhone 11 Pro arguably feels more robust. The Pixel 4 offers a more playful design, while the iPhone 11 Pro leans toward a more sophisticated look.
Display Quality
The Pixel 4 features a vibrant OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 11 Pro has a Super Retina XDR display, known for its exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and HDR capabilities. The iPhone excels in overall display quality, particularly in daylight readability. The Pixel 4’s 90Hz refresh rate gives it a slight edge in responsiveness. Both displays offer excellent viewing experiences, but the iPhone’s is arguably better for media consumption due to its superior brightness and color accuracy.
Camera Performance
The Pixel 4 is renowned for its computational photography, producing stunning images with its dual-camera system, particularly in low-light conditions. Its Night Sight mode is a standout feature. The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a triple-camera system, offering greater versatility with its ultra-wide lens, along with excellent video recording capabilities and superior dynamic range. Both phones take excellent photos, but the iPhone 11 Pro provides more creative options. The Pixel 4 excels in low light, while the iPhone 11 Pro offers more flexibility in varying shooting situations.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 11 Pro, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivers exceptional performance and seamless multitasking, coupled with the user-friendly iOS operating system. The Pixel 4 runs on a Snapdragon processor and features the clean, intuitive Android experience. The iPhone 11 Pro holds a slight edge in raw processing power. Both offer smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Software updates are typically faster on the iPhone. Both operating systems provide unique strengths, with iOS known for its ease of use and Android for its customizability.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers better battery life compared to the Pixel 4. It can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Pixel 4’s battery life is adequate but may require a top-up during the day for heavier users. The iPhone’s efficiency, combined with its larger battery, gives it a significant advantage in this area. If battery life is a priority, the iPhone 11 Pro is the better choice. The Pixel 4’s battery life is decent, but may not last the entire day for demanding users.
Price and Value
At launch, both phones were premium-priced. However, depending on the current market, the Pixel 4 might be available at a lower price point. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its high-end build and features, generally commands a premium. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize. Both offer excellent value for their respective price brackets. Consider the long-term software support and resale value when making your decision. The Pixel 4 might represent a better value for some, while the iPhone 11 Pro offers a more premium experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Google Pixel 4 If…
- You prioritize a pure Android experience with timely software updates.
- You value Google’s exclusive software features, such as the Google Assistant and call screening.
- You appreciate a compact phone size that’s easy to handle.
- You want a phone with excellent computational photography capabilities.
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and its user-friendly interface.
- You want access to a vast ecosystem of apps and accessories.
- You need the best video recording capabilities.
- You value a phone with a longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
Both phones have excellent cameras. The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera system with an ultra-wide lens, offering more creative options. The Pixel 4 excels in computational photography and low-light performance. Ultimately, it depends on your photography needs and preferences. The iPhone is better for video and versatility. The Pixel is better in low light and portrait mode.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers better battery life than the Pixel 4. It can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use, while the Pixel 4 may require a top-up during the day. The iPhone’s efficient processor and larger battery contribute to its superior battery performance. For users prioritizing battery, the iPhone 11 Pro is the better choice.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 11 Pro, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, typically demonstrates slightly faster performance in general tasks and demanding applications. The Pixel 4 runs smoothly, but the iPhone’s optimized hardware and software integration give it an edge. The difference is not drastically noticeable in everyday use. The iPhone will have a slight advantage in benchmarks.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display is known for its exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and HDR capabilities. The Pixel 4 has a vibrant OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling. The iPhone’s display is generally superior for media consumption, while the Pixel 4 has a smoother experience due to its high refresh rate.
Which phone offers better software support?
iPhones generally receive software updates for a longer period compared to Android phones. Apple is known for providing timely updates to its devices. The Pixel 4 also receives updates, but the support period may not be as extensive as the iPhone 11 Pro. This ensures the iPhone will remain secure and have the latest features for longer.
Which phone is easier to use?
Both phones offer user-friendly interfaces, but the iPhone’s iOS is often praised for its simplicity and ease of use, especially for those new to smartphones. The Pixel 4 features a clean Android experience, which is customizable and intuitive. The choice depends on your personal preference. The iPhone is generally considered more intuitive for beginners.
Which phone is more durable?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, making it feel more robust. Both phones are water-resistant. The iPhone 11 Pro is arguably more durable due to its build materials. However, both phones should be handled with care. Consider using a case for added protection on either device.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 Pro edges out the Pixel 4 due to its superior battery life, exceptional display, and robust build quality. While the Pixel 4 excels in computational photography and offers a smoother display experience with its 90Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 11 Pro provides a more well-rounded and premium experience overall. The iPhone 11 Pro offers a better balance of features.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro