Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which Phone Has the Best Camera? - Games True

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which Phone Has the Best Camera?

The playful side of me is itching to stir up another classic debate of Android vs. iPhone. Apple has been boasting about the superior camera system on the iPhone compared to its competitors. However, in recent times, some Android users have been claiming that the Pixel series is catching up.

To settle the score, I decided to conduct a quick camera test to determine which top-of-the-line phone – the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the iPhone 15 Pro Max – takes better photos. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, released last year, introduced a new telephoto sensor that allowed for zooming in on photos up to 5X optically, an improvement from the 3X on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers an impressive Super Res Zoom of 30X, an upgrade from the 20X digital zoom on the Pixel 8 Pro.

But the real question is, how do these two devices stack up against each other?

## Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max camera test

We have two smartphone giants that offer photos from various perspectives such as the wide lens, telephoto sensor, ultrawide shooter, and selfie camera. Let’s dive into them all.

### Wide lens

**Pixel 9 Pro XL**
![Pixel 9 Pro XL shot of Northport Bay in New York](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-1-fill_-size_2000x1125-v1724995803.jpg)

**iPhone 15 Pro Max**
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shot of Northport Bay in New York](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-2-fill_-size_2000x1182-v1724995803.jpg)

**Analysis:** The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s photo showcases sharper and more defined details compared to the softer look of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s shot. It also appears brighter and slightly more exposed. Additionally, the colors in the Pixel’s shot are more vibrant while the iPhone delivers a more natural look. For me, the Android device takes the win here.

**Winner:** Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

*Wide camera specs:*
– Pixel 9 Pro XL: 50MP, f/1.7 aperture, and 1.2µm
– iPhone 15 Pro Max: 48MP, f/1.8 aperture, and 1.22µm

### Ultrawide lens

**Pixel 9 Pro XL**
![Pixel 9 Pro XL shot of Manhattan](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-3-fill_-size_2000x1125-v1724995803.jpg)

**iPhone 15 Pro Max**
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shot of Manhattan](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-4-fill_-size_2000x1125-v1724995803.jpg)

**Analysis:** The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s ultrawide shooter produced a more detailed and vibrant shot compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The richness in colors and sharper details give the iPhone the edge in this category.

**Winner:** iPhone 15 Pro Max

*Ultrawide camera specs:*
– Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/1.7, 123 degrees
– iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.2, 120 degrees

### Telephoto

**Pixel 9 Pro XL**
![Pixel 9 Pro XL shot of the Bryant Park Hotel](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-6-fill_-size_2000x1125-v1724999351.jpg)

**iPhone 15 Pro Max**
![iPhone 15 Pro Max’s shot of the Bryant Park Hotel](https://games-true.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images-5-fill_-size_2000x1125-v1724999350.jpg)

**Analysis:** The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto shot captured more defined details and sharper images compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both devices offer different looks with the iPhone producing a darker and cooler image, while the Pixel is noticeably brighter.

**Winner:** Pixel 9 Pro XL

*Telephoto specs:*
– Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom
– iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom

### Selfie

**Pixel 9 Pro XL**

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL Camera Test

Selfie shot with Pixel 9 Pro XL that features woman with red hair

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Selfie shot with Pixel 9 Pro XL that features woman with red hair

Analysis: One positive about the Pixel 9 Pro XL is that it offers a greater field of view for selfies, allowing you to see more of the upper body in the shot. However, the skin tone appears less warm and the hair color and clothing look more muted in comparison.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, captures more details on the clothing and presents a more true-to-life complexion. Even the texture of the bag appears more prominent in the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s photo.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Selfie camera specs

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 42MP, f/2.2

iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/1.9

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera Test Winner

There isn’t a definitive winner in this comparison. It ultimately depends on personal preference. The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels with its wide lens shooter and telephoto sensor, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max performs better in selfies and ultrawide shots.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL tends to offer brighter images, appealing to those who prefer a highly illuminated look in photos. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s shots are more balanced and true-to-life, making it the preferred choice for consumers looking for natural color accuracy.

Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

iPhone 15 Pro Max in Blue Titanium

Topics
Apple
Google

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