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

Pixel 9 Pro XL
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

iPhone 15 Pro Max
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 1 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Test 2

Pixel 9 Pro XL
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pixel 9 Pro XL
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Votes: 1 out of 7 preferred the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Test 3

Pixel 9 Pro XL
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

iPhone 15 Pro Max
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

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

Pixel 9 Pro XL
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

iPhone 15 Pro Max
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

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

Pixel 9 Pro XL
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

iPhone 15 Pro Max
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

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.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (256 GB) – Blue Titanium

Advertisement

Opens in a new window

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL