In a previous article, we discussed the Pixel 3 and what will mean for the smartphone marketplace.
But how does it compare the current champion, Apples iPhone XS? Which is better? Find out below.
Which is better, the Google Pixel 3 or the iPhone XS?
We will be comparing these two phones based on a variety of factors, outlined in the below table.
| iPhone XS | Pixel 3 | |
| Display Size | 5.8″ (14.73 cm) | 5.5″ (13.97 cm) |
| Storage | 64 GB – 256 GB | 64 GB – 128 GB |
| Camera | 12 MP + 12 MP, 7 MP Front Camera | 12.2 MP, 8 MP Dual Front Cameras |
| Battery | 2658 mAh | 2915 mAh |
| Ram and Other Specifications | 4 GB, Hexa Core (2.49 GHz, Dual core) | 4 GB, Octa core (2.5 GHz, Quad core) |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
| Fingerprint Sensor | No | Yes |
| Sim Slots | SIM1: Nano SIM2: eSIM | SIM1: Nano |
| Cost | US$999 upwards | $799 upwards |
Display
Immediately you will notice that the iPhone XS natively has a much bigger screen than the Pixel 3, which leaves them in the dust. The Pixel 3 screen is higher quality, with a deeper rich OLED display created by LG, but we are going to go with bigger is better. Winner: iPhone XS
Storage
Both the two phones lack external storage and require you to buy the storage you want right from the beginning. This may be to encourage customers to buy online storage (Such as Google Drive, 100 GB for only $2.99 a month for example) which both companies provide (iCloud and Google Drive respectively).
The iPhone XS comes with internal storage options starting from 64 GB and increasing up to 256 GB, whilst the Pixel 3 only has two storage options of 64 GB and 128 GB. It is clear that the iPhone easily trumps the Pixel 3. Winner: iPhone XS
Camera
Comparing the camera specs are a little hard. On one hand, the iPhone has two 12 megapixel cameras and a 7-megapixel front facing a camera, whilst the Pixel has one 12.2 megapixels rear camera but two 8 megapixels front-facing camera. Its one-half dozen of the other.
According to specifications, the Pixel 3 will beat the iPhone XS in the camera department. Winner: Pixel 3 but its a very close win.
The elephant in the room, of course, is that the Pixel 3 only has one camera on the back whilst the iPhone XS has two. Google claims that the Pixel 3 has the ability to take just as good photos as the iPhone XS (Which may or may not be true) but when it comes to blurring the background, the iPhone will have real focal depth whilst the Pixel 3 will be computer generated.
However, the Pixel 3 has a powerful ability known as Night Shot which allows the camera to operate in almost pitch black conditions. We have not seen anything like this on the market and perhaps it’s a real game changer.
Computing Power
Apple has beaten Google to the punch with their more powerful A12 chip. Essentially, Google has chosen to go with an older chip (The Snapdragon 845) that is about to be replaced (Tried and true rather than experimental). The difference in computing power is around 15% difference.
But will you notice? Because both of these phones are designed around their own operating systems (Google and Android vs Apple and iOS) they are both silky smooth and fast. But, just for clarity, we will give Apple the win here. Winner: iPhone XS
Extra Features
Both phones have a variety of extra features that may make them attractive or unattractive for buyers. Both phones have the same core features: Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope.
However, it is about how they use them. The new iPhone has the ability to measure spaces in real time using the two back cameras and the gyroscope, whilst the Pixel 3 cannot.
It’s also worth noting that the iPhone XS and Pixel 3 both don’t have a headphone 3.5 mm port, but only the Pixel 3 comes with a USB-C to 3.5mm converter in the box. Apple users will have to pay $9 for that privilege. Winner: Draw
Finger Print Sensor
The iPhone has no fingerprint sensor but it does have FaceID, which is reportedly much faster in this iteration. However, the Pixel 3 with its fingerprint sensor is much faster and can work without having to hold up the phone. This is a personal preference and we prefer the reliability of the fingerprint reader. Winner: Pixel 3
Sim Card
In a surprise twist, it seems Apple has one-upped the offering from Google by having two sim cards in their latest iPhone.
But to clarify, this is actually the ability to have an eSIM, a very useful digital sim card. We have gone into great detail on why this is the SIM of the future in our article here.
We can’t get over how powerful this technology is and fully endorse Apple, a market leader, for including it. Shame on you Google. Winner: iPhone XS
Cost
iPhone: $999 with the price increases depending on storage.
Pixel 3: $799 with the price increases depending on storage.
The iPhone is marketed as a luxury item, and it shows through the pricing. If you are looking to buy a robust phone that is useful, then the Pixel 3 is perfectly suited for it. If you are looking for a style item, that is top of the line and has additional features over the Pixel 3, then the iPhone is excellent. Winner: Pixel 3
Which phone should I get?
It really comes down to what features aspire to you.
- If you love taking photos, then the Pixel 3 takes the best photos on the market
- For fans of the Apple ecosystem and want plenty of storage, then the iPhone is the way to go
- Those that are looking for the best bang for your buck, then the Pixel 3 packs the most features for the cheapest cost.
Good luck!
P.s. If you are wondering where the iPhone XR is in this review, don’t get it. It can’t even do HD video (Create or show it), poor battery and made out of plastic. It’s almost an insult at its price point. Winner: Any other phone
