I blind-tested 7 iPhone stans on which takes better pics: Pixel 9 Pro XL or iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the newest addition to the Pixel family, just dropped — and the troll in me wants to see whether iPhone stans, if blind-tested, would choose the Android device over their beloved Apple smartphone, particularly when it comes to pictures.
I'll admit that, before reviewing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, I would bet money that my iPhone 15 Pro Max would beat it to a pulp in a camera test — no contest. (Although the Pixel family has a reputation of delivering incredible photos, when I did the Pixel 8 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off, the latter impressed me more.) However, after reviewing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, I was taken aback at how well it stacked up against the iPhone 15 Pro Max when I took their cameras for a spin.
Curious about what the iPhone stans had to say, I blind tested seven of them, which were conducted using five sets of images. Stick around for the final verdict.
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Wide camera test
So here's what we're working with for both phones when it comes to the main wide camera lens:
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 48MP, f/1.8 aperture, and 1.22µm
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 50MP, f/1.7 aperture, and 1.2µm
On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will likely capture more detail due to its higher resolution. And with its slightly larger aperture, the Google phone should allow more light gathering, which means better low-light performance. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slight edge in its pixel size, which should offer better dynamic range and less noise.
Still, because of image processing and other factors that affect camera performance, let's use the best tools for analyzing which phone is better: our eyes.
Test 1
Votes: 1 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Test 2
Votes: 1 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Test 3
Votes: 0 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Telephoto test
The new Pixel 9 Pro XL has an upgraded Super Res Zoom feature that has a digital zoom that maxes out at 30X. (Check out how well it zoomed in on strangers 5,280 feet away.) For an apples to apples test, I focused on both phones' 5X telephoto capabilities.
A quick look at specs:
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom
According to these specs, for zoomed-in photos, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should deliver better detail.
Test 4
Votes: 5 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Ultrawide test
And finally, let's get into the ultrawide test:
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 48MP, f/1.7, 123 degrees
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 12MP, f/2.2, 120 degrees
On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro XL should deliver better detail and more scenery.
Test 5
Votes: 0 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Winner
As much as I wanted to see the underdog pull through with this one, the iPhone stans preferred the iPhone 15 Pro Max's photos — for the most part.
When it comes to the telephoto sensor, which is useful for zoomed-in shots and portraits, the iPhone users in this investigation preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max remains undefeated in our blind camera tests.
Kimberly Gedeon, at Mashable since 2023, is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.
