Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 13, 2020 September 9, 2024
Release Year 2020 2024

Physical

Volume 92.93 cm³ 93.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.94 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 228 g 199 g
Height 160.8 mm 152.8 mm
Width 78.1 mm 72 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Obsidian
  • Hazel
  • Porcelain
  • Rose Quartz

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.3 "
Resolution 1284 x 2778 1280 x 2856
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.8 % 86.9 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 495 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 3000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 82.13 mAh/in² 118.42 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.67 mAh/cm³ 50.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3687 mAh 4700 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G715 MC7

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 14
Maximum OS Version 18 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 9 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mmiPhone is larger & wider, Pixel is thicker; impact on one-handed use and pocketability.
Weight228g199gPixel 9 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.7"6.3"iPhone offers a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1284x27781280x2856Minimal practical difference in sharpness.
Pixel Density (PPI)458495Pixel 9 Pro has slightly sharper text and images.
TechnologyOLEDOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzPixel 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits3000 nitsPixel 9 Pro is significantly brighter, easier to see in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)Different architectures, both offer high performance.
AnTuTu Score1,121,8031,148,512Nearly identical performance, both handle demanding tasks smoothly.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Mali-G715 MC7Different GPU configurations, performance is comparable in games and graphics-intensive apps.
Battery
Capacity3687mAh4700mAhPixel 9 Pro has a larger capacity, likely offers longer battery life.
Charging20W fast charging27W fast chargingPixel 9 Pro charges faster, reduces downtime.
FeaturesMagSafe wireless 15W, Qi wireless 7.5WWireless charging 21W, Reverse chargingPixel 9 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly; iPhone has MagSafe.
Camera
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1.70 µm50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.20 µmPixel 9 Pro has a much higher resolution sensor, but the iPhone has a wider aperture.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.242MP, f/2.2Pixel 9 Pro has a much higher resolution sensor for sharper selfies.
Telephoto Lens12MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 1.00 µm48MP, f/2.8Pixel 9 Pro offers a higher resolution telephoto for detailed zoomed shots, the iPhone has a wider aperture.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.40 µmN/AiPhone has a dedicated wide-angle lens.
Wide Angle + Macro LensN/A48MP, f/1.7Pixel 9 Pro offers a combined wide angle/macro lens.
Video4K up to 60fps8K up to 30fps, 4K up to 60fpsPixel 9 Pro supports 8K video; both have stabilization.
DxOMark MobileMain 131/131/130N/AiPhone has a DxOMark score for camera performance
DxOMark SelfieMain 132/127/140N/AiPhone has a DxOMark score for selfie performance
Camera FeaturesVarious (see full spec)Various (see full spec)Pixel 9 Pro features: Flicker sensor, noise reduction, pro mode; both feature: OIS, HDR, night mode.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18)Android 14 (upgradable to 21)Different ecosystems, personal preference applies.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Pixel 9 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard for faster speeds.
Bluetooth5.1 LE5.3 LEPixel 9 Pro has a newer version with better audio codec support
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC, GNSSPixel 9 Pro offers more precise location tracking due to more systems.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMNano SIM + eSIMBoth support dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal128/256/512 GB128/256/512/1024 GBPixel 9 Pro offers a 1TB option for users needing more storage.
RAM6 GB16 GBPixel 9 Pro has significantly more RAM, enhancing multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusNoise cancellation microphone, 3 microphonesBoth phones feature stereo speakers; iPhone excels in audio codecs, the pixel in noise cancellation
Security
FeaturesBasic security featuresFingerprint sensorPixel 9 Pro provides biometric security with a fingerprint sensor
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Pixel 9 Pro offers superior screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, BarometerPixel 9 Pro offers a more comprehensive sensor suite.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Larger Display: The 6.7-inch screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
  • Wide Angle Camera Lens A dedicated wide angle lens for ultrawide photography
  • Established Ecosystem: Access to the Apple ecosystem and services is a preference for many users.
  • MagSafe: Convenient magnetic wireless charging and accessories.
  • DxOMark Scores: The iPhone has been tested by DxOMark for camera performance.

Practical Implications:

  • The larger screen enhances user experience for videos, gaming, and reading;
  • The Apple Ecosystem is preferable for existing users of Apple devices, due to ease of integration;
  • MagSafe allows a user to quickly use a variety of accessories and chargers.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Brighter Display: The 3000-nit display provides excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother.
  • Significantly Higher Battery Capacity: The 4700mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
  • Faster Charging: 27W fast charging reduces downtime.
  • Higher Camera Resolution: The 50MP main, 42MP selfie, and 48MP telephoto lenses capture more detail.
  • Wide Angle + Macro Camera Lens: Offers a combined lens for macro and wide angle photography
  • Latest WiFi and Bluetooth: Offers better WiFi speeds and improved Bluetooth audio support
  • More RAM: 16 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps and games.
  • More Storage: Up to 1 TB of storage for users who need maximum storage space
  • Reverse Wireless Charging: Enables the phone to charge other devices wirelessly.
  • Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for increased durability.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and reliable biometric security.
  • More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes additional sensors that support advanced features.

Practical Implications:

  • The brighter, faster display provides an improved viewing experience, especially outdoors;
  • The increased battery capacity means less worry about running out of power;
  • The camera offers enhanced image quality;
  • The latest wireless protocols improve connectivity;
  • The additional RAM facilitates smoother multitasking;
  • The superior screen protection prevents scratches and damage.
  • The fingerprint sensor adds an additional layer of security.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: Smaller battery, lower refresh rate display, less versatile charging, older chipset.
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro: Slightly smaller display, no dedicated wide angle camera, no MagSafe functionality.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:

  • Ideal Users: Apple ecosystem enthusiasts, users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption, users who prioritize established software and compatibility, users who want MagSafe capabilities.
  • Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing, gaming, content creation (with Apple ecosystem), using MagSafe accessories.
  • Price-to-Value: Good value for Apple loyalists, but may not offer the most cutting-edge features for the price point compared to Android alternatives.

Google Pixel 9 Pro:

  • Ideal Users: Android enthusiasts, photographers, users who prioritize performance and display quality, users who prefer flexibility in charging options, users who want a larger storage option, and prefer a lighter phone.
  • Use Cases: Photography, gaming, multitasking, heavy app usage, and taking photos in bright sunlight.
  • Price-to-Value: Good value for those wanting the latest features and capabilities, especially in the camera and display technology.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Ecosystem Preference: Are you deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem or prefer Android?
  2. Screen Size: Do you need a larger screen (iPhone) or prefer a more compact device (Pixel)?
  3. Photography Needs: Do you prefer Apple's established processing and ecosystem, or Google's higher resolution and additional camera features?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Existing Apple User: If you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer a larger screen, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good option despite its older hardware.
  • Scenario 2: Android Enthusiast: If you prioritize a brighter, smoother display, a high-resolution camera with more features, and longer battery life, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 3: Value-Conscious Buyer: The Google Pixel 9 Pro offers more cutting-edge technology for a similar price, making it the better value for those wanting the latest hardware.
  • Scenario 4: Content Creation: The Pixel's ability to shoot in 8K and its better video features, along with the larger storage option make it more suitable for high-quality content creation.

My Choice

If I were choosing, I would select the Google Pixel 9 Pro. The advantages in display technology (brighter screen and higher refresh rate), the superior battery capacity and charging speed, the significantly higher camera resolution, and the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor are key factors that align with my preferences for a modern smartphone. I also value the flexibility and openness of Android, and the added benefit of more RAM and storage. While the iPhone has its strengths, the Pixel 9 Pro's combination of modern hardware and better user experience aligns better with my needs as a tech enthusiast looking for the latest in smartphone technology. The superior sensor suite also allows a wider range of features to be implemented, giving the Pixel an edge in the future as well.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.