{"id":252632,"date":"2025-10-26T12:18:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-26T12:18:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/252632\/"},"modified":"2025-10-26T12:18:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T12:18:14","slug":"i-put-the-iphone-17-pro-max-vs-pixel-10-pro-xl-through-a-7-round-face-off-heres-the-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/252632\/","title":{"rendered":"I put the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL through a 7-round face-off \u2014 here\u2019s the winner"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google<\/a> Pixel 10 Pro XL are the top-of-the-line models in their respective lineups, especially when they\u2019re spec\u2019d and priced almost identically; it’s no wonder they rank among the best phones<\/a>. But which is the tops among these two?<\/p>\n

I honestly can\u2019t remember the last time Google came out on top, but our Pixel 10 Pro XL review<\/a> reveals big improvements in areas like the camera and AI. The latter\u2019s notable because the Pixel 10 Pro XL is starting to widen the divide between what Google offers versus Apple.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In contrast, our iPhone 17 Pro Max review<\/a> shows how Apple continues to make great strides in the areas that matter to a lot of people. From the outstanding performance out of its A19 Pro chip<\/a>, to the hardware upgrades to its telephoto and selfie cameras, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a force to be reckoned with.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

But which of these heavyweights comes out on top? I\u2019ve been putting the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL to the test for the past week to tell you which is better for your needs.<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: SpecificationsSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/p>\n

Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

Starting price<\/p>\n

$1,199 \/ \u00a31,199 \/ AU$2,199<\/p>\n

$1,199 \/ \u00a31,199 \/ AU$1,999<\/p>\n

Display<\/p>\n

6.9-inch OLED<\/p>\n

6.8-inch OLED<\/p>\n

CPU<\/p>\n

A19 Pro<\/p>\n

Tensor G5<\/p>\n

Storage<\/p>\n

256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB<\/p>\n

256GB, 512GB, 1TB<\/p>\n

RAM<\/p>\n

N\/A<\/p>\n

16GB<\/p>\n

Rear cameras <\/p>\n

48MP main (f\/1.78), 48MP ultrawide (f\/2.2), 48MP 4x telephoto (f\/2.8)<\/p>\n

50MP main (f\/1.68), 48MP ultrawide (f\/1.7), 48MP 5x telephoto (f\/2.8)<\/p>\n

Front camera<\/p>\n

18MP (f\/1.9)<\/p>\n

42MP selfie (f\/2.2)<\/p>\n

Colors<\/p>\n

Silver, Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue<\/p>\n

Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian<\/p>\n

Battery<\/p>\n

N\/A<\/p>\n

5,200 mAh<\/p>\n

Charging Speed<\/p>\n

35W, 25W wireless<\/p>\n

45W wired, 25W wireless<\/p>\n

Water Resistance<\/p>\n

IP68<\/p>\n

IP68<\/p>\n

Size<\/p>\n

6.4 x 3.0 x 0.34 inches<\/p>\n

6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches <\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

8.22 ounces<\/p>\n

8.2 ounces<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Price and Release<\/p>\n

The Pixel 10 Pro XL launched on August 28, 2025, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max launching less than a month later, on September 19, 2025.<\/p>\n

Gone are the days when Google undercuts Apple on price, as the Pixel 10 Pro XL has the same $1,199 starting cost as the iPhone 17 Pro Max \u2014 with both models coming with 256GB of starting storage. You can get them in 512GB and 1TB capacities, but Apple also offers the iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2TB storage.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Today’s best Google Pixel 10 Pro XL deals<\/p>\n

However, Google is asking for more money with its higher storage options. For example, the 512GB and 1TB cost $1,319 and $1,549 respectively versus the $1,299 and $1,499 prices Apple has with its models.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Today’s best Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max deals<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Design<\/p>\n

\n

\"iPhone\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

In typical ultra-premium fashion, both companies put in a lot of effort and detail with their designs. Apple gave its flagship model a big makeover, which fashions an aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and regular Ceramic Shield on the back. The camera compartment also sees a change as the square shaped arrangement makes way for a more rectangular one.<\/p>\n

\n

\"In-hand\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Google\u2019s redesign came with last year\u2019s model, so the Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn\u2019t have much difference. But despite this, I still love the charm it exudes with its rounded corners, aluminum frame, and matte-textured toughened Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. There\u2019s also the oval shaped camera cutout on the back, which I find more attractive than Apple\u2019s.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

While the Cosmic Orange version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a refreshing color change, the Pixel 10 Pro XL still beats it with more color options. This one\u2019s tough and boils down to personal preference.<\/p>\n

Winner: tie<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Display<\/p>\n

\n

\"Article\n<\/p>\n

Galaxy S25 Ultra (left), iPhone 17 Pro Max (center), Pixel 10 Pro XL (right) (Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

When it comes to size, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a slight advantage with its 6.9-in OLED display, but that\u2019s about the only thing it has better than the Pixel 10 Pro XL\u2019s 6.8-inch screen. Frankly, you can\u2019t go wrong with either display because they offer exquisite viewing angles, fast 120Hz adaptive refresh rates, and rich colors that make them perfect for watching video content.<\/p>\n

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0 <\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/p>\n

Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

Brightness (nits)<\/p>\n

1,899<\/p>\n

2,555<\/p>\n

Color (DCI-P3)<\/p>\n

77.6%<\/p>\n

89%<\/p>\n

Accuracy (Delta-E)<\/p>\n

0.26<\/p>\n

0.21<\/p>\n

What makes the Pixel 10 Pro XL better in this area is its blinding peak brightness output of 2,555 nits. This makes a huge difference outdoors when the sun\u2019s out because I can make out its display much easier than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which tops out at 1,899 nits. As I\u2019ve detailed in my recent display comparison test<\/a>, this difference lets me read web pages much easier with the Pixel 10 Pro XL \u2014 along with watching video.<\/p>\n

Winner: Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Cameras<\/p>\n

\n

\"iPhone\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Last year I shot over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL<\/a>, which ended up giving the win to Apple by a stretch. This time it\u2019s interesting because both phones’ cameras get their share of upgrades.<\/p>\n

The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s rear camera system consists of a 48MP main shooter, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 4x optical zoom. The latter\u2019s an upgrade over the previous model, along with its new 18MP Center Stage camera<\/a> that I\u2019ve already tested in detail against other best camera phone<\/a> contenders. The new telephoto shooter comes with controversy<\/a>, as the iPhone 16 Pro Max featured a 12MP telephoto, but with a slightly longer 5x optical zoom.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Google\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Google\u2019s strategy is different because there\u2019s honestly no hardware change, so you get a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x telephoto, and 42MP selfie. Instead, it\u2019s leaning on new image processing algorithms and AI.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t go wrong using their main cameras during the day because the results are almost identical. The details and sharpness of the landscape scene I shot above look similar, but I like how the Pixel 10 Pro XL draws out a bit more detail in the shadows \u2014 along with how the sky\u2019s brighter.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With their ultrawide cameras, they seem to cover the same range from side to side, but a closer inspection reveals that the iPhone 17 Pro Max pulls in more detail and definition with the textures of the stone and bricks. However, I again like how the Pixel 10 Pro XL boosts the exposure to draw out the details hidden in the shadows.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

To judge their dynamic range performance, I pointed the cameras at the museum above with the sun directly behind it. This causes the facade to be in shadow, which in turn, causes both phones to compensate for this contrast in light by boosting the shadows. The Pixel 10 Pro XL manages to do this while retaining the same level of contrast throughout the shot, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a lower contrast look.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I took both phones on a day trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and snapped the closeup of the Chinese Aster above. Initially, both look really crisp and make the flower look dramatic by applying just the right amount of background blur. However, the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets my vote with its stronger contrast and sharper look.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t ever judge a camera by the amount of megapixels they tout because my selfies above prove how the 18MP front-camera of the iPhone matches the 42MP one of the Pixel. Both capture a lot of my facial features well, like my hairline and freckles on my nose, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL shows more definition with my hoodie. However, I prefer how the iPhone 17 Pro Max captures my skin tone.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Zoom performance is interesting because I don\u2019t notice a huge difference between 2x and 5x zoom. However, I can see a difference at 10x zoom as the Pixel 10 XL does a better job of showing more of the textures around the wooden sign hanging on the Torri gate above. What\u2019s even more impressive is how Pro Res Zoom with the Pixel 10 Pro XL uses AI to enhance zoom shots beyond 30x zoom.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The iPhone 17 Pro Max handles panoramas better, evident in how it casts an even exposure all throughout the shot above \u2014 especially pulling up the shadowed portions of the trees in the background. The Pixel 10 Pro XL isn\u2019t as eye-catching, but it\u2019s also strange that it cut out a portion of the tree on the right.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

When it comes to low light, Apple is still king in this area because of how the iPhone 17 Pro Max is able to make dark scenes look bright. Despite the near-pitch black setting of when I photographed the tree above, both phones brighten it up with their respective night modes \u2014 but the iPhone 17 Pro Max does a better job at exposing the branches and leaves.<\/p>\n

Beyond the hardware, I will say that I prefer the Pixel 10 Pro XL\u2019s camera app because it has more of the features I crave. For example, Pro Controls lets me adjust settings like the focus and ISO \u2014 while extra AI-assisted modes like Add Me<\/a> and Auto Best Take<\/a> make it more versatile. The iPhone 17 Pro Max to its credit has the Camera Control<\/a>, but I don’t find it as helpful.<\/p>\n

This one\u2019s tough because both phones certainly have their strengths. Notice how I don\u2019t mention weaknesses because they seriously don\u2019t have any. The Pixel 10 Pro XL wins for its zoom performance and shooting modes, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max beats it in low light and selfies.<\/p>\n

Winner: Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Performance<\/p>\n

\n

\"iPhone\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s never been a time when Google\u2019s chip has outperformed Apple\u2019s in our lab testing, and that doesn\u2019t change with this year\u2019s models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by an A19 Pro chip and delivers results that blow out the Tensor G5 out of the water.<\/p>\n

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0 <\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/p>\n

Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

Geekbench 6 (single \/ multi-core)<\/p>\n

3,871 \/ 9,968<\/p>\n

2,322 \/ 6,286<\/p>\n

Adobe Premiere Rush video transcode (mins:secs)<\/p>\n

0:22<\/p>\n

2:19<\/p>\n

3DMark Wild Life Original Unlimited (fps \/ score)<\/p>\n

159.53 \/ 26,637<\/p>\n

81.03 \/ 13,531<\/p>\n

In Geekbench 6, the iPhone’s 3,871 single core score easily eclipses the 2,322 score of the Tensor G5, and the result is no different with their multi-core scores. When it comes to graphics processing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is unequivocally the superior phone as it maintains an average frame rate of 159.53 fps with 3DMark\u2019s Wild Life Original Unlimited test. This is nearly double the 81.03 fps that the Pixel 10 Pro XL averages running the same test.<\/p>\n

While I prefer the iPhone 17 Pro Max for gaming \u2014 it delivers smoother graphics that don\u2019t cause it to overheat thanks to its new vapor cooling system \u2014 I don\u2019t see a tremendous difference in performance from either phone with everyday tasks. Meaning, if you\u2019re going to be juggling multiple apps, surf the web, and watch the occasional flick, you won\u2019t see a big difference between them.<\/p>\n

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Battery and Charging<\/p>\n

\n

\"iPhone\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Not only does it have the more powerful processor, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also way more power efficient \u2014 which results in a much longer battery life on our battery drain test. Its time of 17 hours and 54 seconds is more than 3 hours longer than the Pixel 10 Pro XL\u2019s mark of 14 hours and 9 minutes.<\/p>\n

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0 <\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/p>\n

Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

Battery life (Hrs:Mins)<\/p>\n

17:54<\/p>\n

14:09<\/p>\n

Recharge percentage (15 mins)<\/p>\n

35%<\/p>\n

33%<\/p>\n

Recharge percentage (30 mins)<\/p>\n

64%<\/p>\n

63%<\/p>\n

I still find both phones getting all-day battery life with my real world experience, with very few instances of having to charge them while I\u2019m at work. However, I constantly find the iPhone 17 Pro Max with more juice left over after the same amount of time has passed. While the Pixel 10 Pro XL has the faster 45W charging speed, it\u2019s the iPhone 17 Pro Max that charges faster in the same amount of time. For example, 30 minutes of charging them yields 63% capacity for the Pixel \u2014 while the iPhone gets to 64%.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Google\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

Finally, I like how both phones feature embedded magnets to support all the accessories I love to use \u2014 like my MagSafe wallet <\/a>and the many best MagSafe chargers<\/a> I test.<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Software and AI<\/p>\n

\"iOS<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

Visually, I really like the makeover Apple gives to iOS 26 <\/a>with its new Liquid Glass<\/a> design. It\u2019s a refreshing change that adds transparent, glass-like elements to various parts of the interface, while animations look fluid as ever. I also love the changes it makes with the lock screen with new customization options that make my wallpapers look more dynamic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But while Apple invests a lot into updating the look and feel of iOS 26, it struggles to keep pace with the features that come with Android 16<\/a> on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. There isn\u2019t much of a cosmetic change with Android 16, but Google widens its lead when it comes to productivity and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pixel\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

With the former, I can obviously run apps in split-screen mode to make it way easier to use two apps simultaneously. You still can\u2019t do this on iPhone. Secondly, there\u2019s the hidden Android 16 desktop mode<\/a> I can tap into that essentially gives me a desktop PC-like experience when I connect my Pixel 10 Pro XL to a monitor. Doing the same thing with the iPhone 17 Pro Max results in nothing more than a mirroring mode.<\/p>\n

Secondly, I need to talk about AI because there are barely any new Apple Intelligence features with iOS 26<\/a>. While I really like the new Call Screen feature of iOS 26<\/a>, it still doesn\u2019t come close to matching what the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers with its similar feature<\/a>. I\u2019ve put other similar software features they offer to the test, like Photo Clean Up vs Magic Eraser<\/a> and Image Playground vs Pixel Studio<\/a>, with the Pixel coming out on top each time.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pixel\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Google adds even more new AI features with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, like how Magic Cue<\/a> is the perfect example of AI working in the background to proactively recommend suggestions to me, its new Live Translation<\/a> feature that uses generative AI to essentially mimic my voice with phone call translations, and the slew of AI photo editing tools at its disposal. Ask Photos<\/a> is unlike anything out there with editing photos because now I can just describe what changes I want and the Pixel 10 Pro XL proceeds to make them.<\/p>\n

I can go on and on about more features with the Pixel 10 Pro XL\u2019s software, but the point I want to make is that these tools and features make a big difference to my workflow. I\u2019m spending less time because of them, which is why Google\u2019s farther ahead in this area than Apple.<\/p>\n

Winner: Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/p>\n

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Verdict<\/p>\n

\n

\"iPhone\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

This iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL came out much closer than I anticipated, resulting in a tie after looking at all the categories. Google could\u2019ve ended up finally doing the unthinkable if only it were priced lower than its rival, much like how it\u2019s been in previous years \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t as this is the first time it\u2019s the same price as the iPhone.<\/p>\n

But despite this, I\u2019m still surprised by the result. Whether you go with the Pixel 10 Pro XL or iPhone 17 Pro Max, they\u2019re superb in their own way. I would choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if performance and battery life are tops on your priority list, whereas the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers better productivity and AI features.<\/p>\n

If you were to ask me which one I\u2019d personally pick, I\u2019d have to say the Pixel 10 Pro XL. That\u2019s because as I\u2019ve said, the new AI features it offers saves me time \u2014 plus I can fall back to using the Android 16 desktop mode if I forget to bring my laptop with me to work. Even though the Tensor G5 is clearly outmuscled by the A19 Pro, the Pixel 10 Pro XL\u2019s performance is still good enough for my liking.<\/p>\n

Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!<\/p>\n

More from Tom’s Guide<\/p>\n

Today’s best Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL deals<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL are the top-of-the-line models in their…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":252633,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[165,74],"class_list":{"0":"post-252632","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mobile","8":"tag-mobile","9":"tag-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252632","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252632"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252632\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/252633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252632"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252632"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252632"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}