Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is £111.20 less expensive than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Screen size goes to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max with its 6.9" display. With 50MP on the rear, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the higher-resolution camera. Front-camera quality goes to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at 42MP.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.9" 6.8"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
458 460
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
233 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£959.00 upfront) £37.00/mo (£399.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£1025.00 £378.00
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.9" 6.8"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 458 460
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 233 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £11.95/mo
£959.00 upfront
£37.00/mo
£399.00 upfront
SIM-free £1025.00 £378.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is cheaper on contract at £1215.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £959.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £378.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two — it's 34g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, and is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.