iPhone 11 Pro vs Pixel 4: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re caught between powerhouse contenders. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle that has intrigued tech enthusiasts for years: the iPhone 11 Pro vs Pixel 4. Both phones brought innovative features to the table, but which one ultimately delivered a superior user experience?
The iPhone 11 Pro, with its sleek design and powerful A13 Bionic chip, promised a seamless performance. Google’s Pixel 4, on the other hand, focused heavily on its computational photography capabilities and a clean Android experience. These devices represent contrasting philosophies in the mobile world, making the comparison even more compelling.
We’ll examine everything from camera quality and performance to software and battery life. By the end of this comprehensive analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your individual needs and preferences. Get ready to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the iPhone 11 Pro and the Pixel 4!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | Pixel 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 5.7-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 8MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 30fps |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Battery Capacity | 3046 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Operating System | iOS 13 | Android 10 |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face Unlock |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a premium stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, offering a more luxurious feel. It boasts IP68 water and dust resistance. The design is generally well-regarded, though some find the camera bump prominent.
- Pixel 4: Constructed with an aluminum frame and a glass back, the Pixel 4 feels solid, but the build isn’t quite as premium as the iPhone. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance. The Pixel 4’s design is more minimalist.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro: Equipped with a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display (OLED) with excellent color accuracy, brightness, and HDR support. It delivers a stunning visual experience.
- Pixel 4: Features a 5.7-inch OLED display that’s very good, with vibrant colors and decent brightness. However, it doesn’t quite match the iPhone’s peak brightness or overall quality.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Processor & Performance
- iPhone 11 Pro: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which offered top-tier performance at the time. It handles any task with ease, including demanding games and video editing, and offers excellent power efficiency.
- Pixel 4: Utilizes the Snapdragon 855 processor, which is still a capable chip but doesn’t quite match the A13 Bionic in raw power or efficiency. Performance is still smooth for everyday use and most apps.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Camera
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a triple-camera system with excellent image quality, especially in video recording and low-light conditions. Offers a wider range of focal lengths and impressive computational photography.
- Pixel 4: Boasts a dual-camera setup with exceptional image processing, particularly in portrait mode and with its Night Sight feature. It excels in computational photography despite having fewer lenses.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Software & User Experience
- iPhone 11 Pro: Runs iOS, known for its user-friendliness, smooth performance, and extensive app ecosystem. It offers a consistent and well-optimized experience.
- Pixel 4: Runs stock Android, providing a clean and intuitive interface with timely software updates. Google’s software features are a major draw.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro: Provides a good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Optimization and the efficient A13 Bionic chip contribute to good power management.
- Pixel 4: Battery life is a weakness. It often struggles to last a full day, especially with heavy usage, and is smaller than what is expected from phones of its time.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Storage & Price
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offered in various storage options, with higher price points. The price is reflective of its premium build and features.
- Pixel 4: Typically less expensive than the iPhone 11 Pro, though storage options were limited at launch.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Special Features
- iPhone 11 Pro: Includes Face ID for secure facial recognition, which is convenient and reliable.
- Pixel 4: Features Motion Sense, a radar-based gesture control system, and a more advanced portrait mode. However, Motion Sense wasn’t always as useful as advertised.
- Winner: iPhone 11 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Software Experience | Pixel 4 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Design | iPhone 11 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without cables.
- Fast Charging: Both devices offer fast charging capabilities, enabling you to quickly replenish the battery.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Both phones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for faster and more reliable connections to other devices.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature vibrant OLED displays with excellent color accuracy and contrast.
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Both devices support dual-band Wi-Fi for improved network speeds and reliability.
- Stereo Speakers: Both phones are equipped with stereo speakers, offering an immersive audio experience.
iPhone 11 Pro Vs Pixel 4 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, offering a luxurious feel and improved grip. Its IP68 water resistance ensures durability. The Pixel 4, on the other hand, boasts an aluminum frame and a glass back with a distinctive two-tone design. It also has IP68 water resistance. Both phones are well-built, but the iPhone 11 Pro feels more premium due to its materials. The Pixel 4 offers a unique aesthetic that many users find appealing.
Display Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display provides exceptional color accuracy, brightness, and contrast. Its HDR support makes content look stunning. The Pixel 4’s OLED display also delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations. While the Pixel 4’s display is excellent, the iPhone 11 Pro’s panel often edges out in terms of overall quality and brightness, particularly in direct sunlight. Both are top-tier displays.
Camera Performance
The iPhone 11 Pro’s triple-lens camera system excels in versatility, offering excellent photos and videos in various lighting conditions. Its Night mode is outstanding. The Pixel 4, despite having a dual-lens setup, relies heavily on computational photography to produce incredible results, particularly in low light. Its astrophotography mode is noteworthy. Both phones offer top-tier camera experiences, with the iPhone providing more hardware flexibility and the Pixel excelling in software processing.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 11 Pro, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, handling demanding tasks and games with ease. iOS offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. The Pixel 4, equipped with the Snapdragon 855, provides strong performance, though it sometimes lags behind the A13. The Pixel 4 runs on stock Android, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience with timely updates and exclusive features like Google Assistant integration.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers better battery life than the Pixel 4, allowing for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Pixel 4’s battery life is adequate, but it may require charging before the end of the day with heavy usage. The iPhone’s optimized hardware and software contribute to its superior battery performance. Both phones support fast charging, but the iPhone 11 Pro’s battery efficiency provides a significant edge for those prioritizing endurance.
Price and Value
When released, the iPhone 11 Pro was positioned at a higher price point than the Pixel 4. While both phones are now available at discounted prices, the initial cost difference reflects the premium materials and features of the iPhone. Considering the overall performance, camera capabilities, and software experience, both phones offer excellent value. The Pixel 4’s price may be more appealing if the user prioritizes software features, while the iPhone 11 Pro offers a more comprehensive premium package.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You prioritize a premium design and build quality.
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and its user-friendly interface.
- You want a phone with a versatile triple-camera system.
- You value longer battery life.
Buy Pixel 4 If…
- You prefer a clean Android experience with timely updates.
- You prioritize camera software features like Night Sight and Astrophotography.
- You want a phone with advanced Google Assistant integration.
- You appreciate a more compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in camera quality?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-lens system with versatility, excelling in video and various lighting. The Pixel 4’s dual-lens setup uses computational photography for excellent images, particularly in low light. The Pixel excels in post-processing and Night Sight, while the iPhone offers more hardware flexibility and video recording capabilities. Both deliver top-tier results; your preference depends on your shooting style.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro generally provides better battery life. Its optimized hardware and software contribute to extended use throughout the day. The Pixel 4’s battery life is good, but it may require charging before the end of the day with heavy usage. Consider your usage patterns; the iPhone typically offers superior endurance for those prioritizing longer battery performance.
How does the performance compare?
The iPhone 11 Pro, with its A13 Bionic chip, delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. The Pixel 4, powered by the Snapdragon 855, provides strong performance. The iPhone handles demanding tasks and games more efficiently. The difference is noticeable in tasks that require high processing power or extended gaming sessions, where the iPhone’s optimization shines.
What are the unique software features of each phone?
The iPhone 11 Pro runs on iOS, known for its smooth user experience, security, and ecosystem integration. The Pixel 4 runs on stock Android with timely updates, exclusive Google Assistant features, and a clean interface. Both offer unique functionalities, but the Pixel leans more into Google’s services and AI capabilities, while the iPhone focuses on a streamlined Apple ecosystem.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The iPhone 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display offers exceptional color accuracy, brightness, and contrast. The Pixel 4’s OLED display features vibrant colors and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The iPhone often edges out in brightness, but both are top-tier panels, making it a matter of preference for color and display smoothness.
How do the designs compare?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back. The Pixel 4 boasts an aluminum frame and a two-tone glass back. The iPhone feels more luxurious with its materials, while the Pixel’s design is more unique. Both phones have IP68 water resistance. The choice depends on your preference for aesthetics and build materials.
What is the price difference between these phones?
At launch, the iPhone 11 Pro was priced higher. However, both phones are now available at discounted prices. The iPhone’s original premium price reflected its premium materials and features. The Pixel 4 often offered a more competitive price point initially. Check current market prices, as they vary based on retailer and condition, to compare value.
Final Verdict
Both the iPhone 11 Pro and Pixel 4 were excellent phones in their time, offering top-tier performance and camera capabilities. The iPhone 11 Pro excels with its premium build, superior battery life, and versatile camera system. The Pixel 4 offers a cleaner software experience and exceptional computational photography. Ultimately, the iPhone 11 Pro provides a more complete premium package.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro