Pixel 9 versus iPhone 15 Pro Max camera comparison: the ultimate showdown

We’re kicking off our Pixel 9 camera comparison series with a matchup against the iPhone 15 Pro Max. There’s a huge price difference between these two devices with the Pixel 9 costing a mere $800 and the iPhone coming in at $1200, but the differences in the cameras are pretty insignificant if you don’t care about having a 5x periscope camera.

The two cameras on the back of the Pixel 9 are the same as those found on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, although its 10.5MP selfie camera up front doesn’t match the higher resolution sensor that the more expensive Pixel devices have to offer.

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Factoring all that in, does the Pixel 9 stand a chance in a head-to-head shootout against the iPhone 165 Pro Max?

Pixel 9 & iPhone 15 Pro Max camera specs

Pixel 9

50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, single-zone Laser AF, OIS
48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF
10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (selfie), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm
Video: 4K @ 60fps

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Main: 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (selfie)
Video: 4K @ 60fps