The smartphone showdown of the year is here: Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Both sit at the top of their respective ecosystems, boasting cutting-edge specs, bold new features, and price tags to match. But which one deserves a spot in your pocket?
Specs at glance
Both phones come packed with next-gen hardware.
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Display: iPhone 17 Pro Max sports a 6.9" AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh and 3,000 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 10 Pro XL answers with a 6.8" QHD AMOLED at 120Hz and a slightly brighter 3,300 nits.
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Performance: Apple introduces the A19 Pro chip, promising 40% sustained performance gains, while Google counters with its new Tensor G5 processor.
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Cameras: The iPhone features a triple 48MP setup plus an 18MP front camera. The Pixel packs a 50MP wide lens, 48MP telephoto (5x), 48MP ultrawide, and an impressive 42MP front sensor.
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Storage: iPhone offers up to a massive 2TB, while the Pixel tops out at 1TB.
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Price: Both start at $1,199.
Why choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
1. Pro-level video and selfies
Apple doubled down on content creators with ProRes Raw video support, allowing filmmakers to bypass automated color correction for editing flexibility.
Its new 18MP Center Stage front camera captures wider fields of view, perfect for vlogs and group selfies.
2. Performance and gaming edge
Thanks to the A19 Pro chip and a new vapor chamber cooling system, the iPhone handles gaming and multitasking with fewer slowdowns. Apple claims a 40% boost in sustained performance compared to last year’s already fast iPhone 16 Pro.
3. Massive storage for power users
If you shoot 4K videos daily or simply hoard apps, the 2TB storage option makes the iPhone an unmatched workhorse. The Pixel’s 1TB ceiling will cover most needs but falls short for professionals.
Why choose the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL?
1. AI that feels truly useful
Google continues to lead in AI-powered features. From Magic Cue, which smartly populates messages with relevant info, to generative image editing, Pixel’s software feels ahead of Apple. These features integrate seamlessly, enhancing daily use without feeling intrusive.
2. Camera that forgives every mistake
Google’s strength has always been computational photography. This year, Pro Res Zoom sharpens distant shots with AI, while Auto Best Take stitches together the best expressions in group photos. The result? Consistently polished photos, even for casual shooters.
3. A more personalised software experience
Pixel’s Material 3 Expressive design offers subtle color theming and fluid animations that users can tailor. Apple’s iOS 26 “Liquid Glass” effect looks sleek but has faced criticism for poor contrast. Pixel’s approach is more user-friendly and less distracting.
The verdict: Performance vs intelligence
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better pick for creators, gamers, and anyone needing extreme performance and storage. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro XL shines for AI enthusiasts, photography lovers, and those who value software personalization.
Both devices represent the peak of their platforms. Your choice comes down to whether you prioritize raw power and video tools (iPhone) or smart AI and camera magic (Pixel).
