Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Let the Showdown Begin! 

Published: Aug 20, 2025, 11:51 AM

The iPhone 16 Pro Max from Apple is nearing a year in the market, and it has certainly made a significant impact. However, it missed out on some promised AI software features, which is a bit of a letdown. Still, it remains highly desirable thanks to Apple's ecosystem and polished experience.

Now it's Google’s turn! With the excitement around Android 16 and the official launch of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, new hardware and software are arriving together, which is a pleasant surprise. The Pixel Pro XL series aims directly at the iPhone Pro Max throne, boasting the most advanced features available. Can it stand up to Apple’s flagship?

Design and Size

If you’re familiar with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Pixel 10 Pro XL won't surprise you much. Google maintains its signature camera bar and flat design, which is both recognizable and comfortable to hold. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is slightly heavier due to a bigger battery and new Qi2 magnets, weighing in at 232 g compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 227 g. It still features an aluminum body with a shiny finish.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces some subtle enhancements, like slimmer bezels and a lighter titanium frame. While the overall size remains familiar, it adds two new buttons: the Action Button and Camera Control buttons.

Display Differences

The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display with a peak brightness of 3,300 nits. This technology ensures colors remain true even at high brightness levels, and it offers a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz, along with stunningly thin bezels.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its ultra-smooth 120Hz ProMotion and excellent brightness of up to 2,000 nits. Both displays are impressive, but Android’s Pixel line offers finer controls over color calibration, allowing users to adjust saturation as desired.

Performance and Software

For the first time, Google's Tensor chip is entirely custom-built, with the new Tensor G5 manufactured on a 3nm process—similar to Apple’s A-series chips. Google claims a 34% boost in CPU speed, which, while significant, may not be enough to outpace Apple’s A18 Pro chip. The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers top-tier performance, though it does throttle under heavy loads.

The Pixel 10 series launches with Android 16, featuring new AI capabilities like the Magic Cue, which provides real-time suggestions based on your content. Other AI enhancements include improved Call Screening and voice-activated photo editing. Meanwhile, iOS 18 on the iPhone 16 Pro Max has reached its final version, but some promised features, like Siri upgrades, are still pending.

Camera

The Pixel 10 Pro XL retains its reliable camera setup:

• 50MP main

• 48MP ultra-wide

• 48MP 5x periscope telephoto

• 42MP selfie

A notable upgrade is the new Pro Res Zoom, which extends zoom capabilities to 100x, compared to last year's 30x limit. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features:

• 48MP main

• 48MP ultra-wide

• 12MP 5x periscope telephoto

• 12MP selfie

Apple emphasizes video quality with superior stabilization and color science, making it a favorite among content creators. Google also aims to enhance the user experience with AI-guided framing suggestions for photos, although its effectiveness remains to be seen.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with a larger battery of approximately 5,200 mAh and offers faster charging: 45W wired and 25W wireless, thanks to new Qi2 support. Google is introducing a new ecosystem of chargers similar to Apple's MagSafe.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max maintains a battery capacity just under 5,000 mAh but excels in efficiency, often lasting up to two days on a single charge. It supports 27W wired charging.

Summary

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is shaping up to be a worthy contender in the flagship space, featuring custom silicon, enhanced RAM, and Google’s strong camera capabilities. It’s particularly appealing for those invested in the Google ecosystem or interested in advanced AI features.

However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the benchmark, with its polished software, powerful A18 Pro chip, exceptional display, and extensive app ecosystem.

As 2025 heats up, the competition between these two giants is just beginning, especially with the iPhone 17 Pro Max on the horizon!