Highlights

• The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in outdoor settings with vibrant, natural images.
• The Pixel 9 Pro XL is superior in close-up shots with natural colour reproduction and background blur.
• The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more detail in distant shots with its higher-resolution telephoto sensor.
• iPhone 15 Pro Max provides better exposure and contrast.
• The iPhone 15 Pro Max produces wider, more vibrant panoramas, sharper selfies, and better macro shots compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max are the two most anticipated smartphones this year with the best camera technology in the segment.

While on paper both phones’ cameras look extraordinary, tech enthusiasts across the industry have been curious about their real-world performance.

So, it was no surprise that after the launch of the Pixel 9 Series and finally getting their hands on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, many tech experts have been putting 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max through a comprehensive performance showdown.

Recently, Andrew Laxon from CNET also shared his findings from the flagship devices‘ camera performance tests. Laxon tested the devices in Edinburgh, capturing hundreds of photos to determine which phone delivers superior image quality.

While we are sharing a round-up of Laxon’s findings, this is to acknowledge it was Andrew Laxon from CNET who provided the original content of this comparison. All the images featured in this comparison have been sourced from the original comparison analysis posted on CNET.

Let’s start with how the cameras look on the spec sheet.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Camera Specs

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Outdoor Photography

Pixel 9 Pro XL Outdoor Photo (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

iPhone 15 Pro Max Outdoor Photo (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

In the bright outdoors, both smartphones excel. However, the camera performance of the iPhone 15 Pro Max definitely stands out. The 48-megapixel sensor produces vibrant and natural images.

Its warm colour balance and natural shadows noticeably give it an edge over the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Pixel 9 Pro X sports a 50-megapixel camera. It delivers slightly muted but well-detailed pictures.

Overall, both phones are impressive in outdoor photography, with the iPhone showing its power of capturing subtle details.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max  – Close-Up Shots

 Pixel 9 Pro XL Close-Up Outdoor Shot (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

iPhone 15 Pro Max Close-Up Outdoors (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in close-up shots. The camera of this phone gives natural colour reproduction with the perfect combination of background blur.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max maintains focus across the entire image. However, the iPhone camera peculiarly gives a slightly yellow-green tint to the pictures.

In comparison, the Pixel is better for shots where background blur is desired. While the iPhone is more suitable when you need to capture all details in focus.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Telephoto Zoom

 Pixel 9 Pro XL Telephoto Zoom Lens Photo (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

iPhone 15 Pro Max Telephoto Zoom Lens Picture (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

Both devices Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature 5x optical zoom. But the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more detail in distant shots due to its higher-resolution telephoto sensor.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, provides better exposure and contrast. It can also be seen in the example pictures that iPhone images can appear overly sharpened. This feels more noticeable when pictures are placed next to Pixel phone pictures, which look much more natural.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Night Mode

Pixel 9 Pro XL Night Mode Photography Results (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

 iPhone 15 Pro Max Night Mode Photography Results (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

In low-light conditions or night mode photography, the iPhone 15 Pro Max generally outperforms the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The iPhone captures better details in dark areas, maintaining texture and clarity, while the Pixel’s noise reduction can over-smooth images, losing some detail.

The iPhone also has an advantage in ultrawide night shots and 5x zoom images, though the Pixel occasionally surprises with excellent results.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Panorama, Selfie, and Macro Photography

Andrew Laxon in his tests tried both the phones for every possible aspect of the phone cameras.

 Pixel 9 Pro XL Panorama Shots (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

 iPhone 15 Pro Max Panorama Shots (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

For panoramas, the test shows that the iPhone 15 Pro Max produces wider, more vibrant images. In comparison, the Pixel 9 Pro XL gives sharper but less colourful pictures.

 Pixel 9 Pro XL Selfie Camera Performance (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

 iPhone 15 Pro Max Selfie Camera Performance (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

In selfies, the iPhone’s images are sharper and more detailed, while the Pixel’s are smoother but less crisp due to its noise reduction.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Macro Lens Results (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

 iPhone 15 Pro Max Macro Lens Results (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

For macro photography, the iPhone once again comes out on top. The iPhone images offer sharper and much more vibrant images.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Raw Image Capture

 Pixel 9 Pro XL RAW Image Capture (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

iPhone 15 Pro Max RAW Image Capture (Image Credit: Andrew Lanxon/CNET)

The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s ProRaw feature provides exceptional image quality for editing, making it ideal for professional photographers.

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL while improved in raw capture. still lags when pictures are placed next to the iPhone shots. With its raw files often requiring extensive sharpening to reach a usable quality.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max – Verdict

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max are some of the best camera phones you can get in the market today. Both excel in different areas and overall provide a well-rounded camera system that will suit most of your needs.

The Pixel is a great choice for those who prioritize detailed daylight photography and natural colour reproduction. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a more versatile camera, which is particularly good for low-light, macro, and professional raw photography.

Ultimately, the choice between these two flagship devices depends on individual photography needs and preferences.

FAQs

Q1. How is the front camera of the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Answer. iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a 12 MP resolution Wide Angle lens front camera with f/1.9 aperture, 23 mm focal length and 3.6″ sensor size.

Q2. Does the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL have a telephoto lens?

Answer. Yes, Pixel 9 Pro phones have a 48 MP resolution Telephoto lens with f/2.8 aperture,113 mm focal length and 2.55″ sensor size.

Q3. What front camera does Pixel 9 Pro phones have?

Answer. Google Pixel 9 Pro phones have a front camera with a 42 MP resolution Ultra-Wide Angle (103° FoV) lens and f/2.2 aperture.

Q4. How much does the iPhone 15 Pro Max cost?

Answer. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max price in India starts from ₹ 143,999. The lowest price of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is ₹ 143,999.

Q5. Which phone camera is better – Pixel 9 Pro XL  or iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Answer. Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 15 Pro Max are some of the best camera phones you can get in the market today. Both excel in different areas and overall provide a well-rounded camera system that will suit most of your needs. The Pixel is a great choice for those who prioritise detailed daylight photography and natural colour reproduction. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a more versatile camera, which is particularly good for low-light, macro, and professional raw photography.

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