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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Google Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.6★ vs 4.8★
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
★4.8
(126)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
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Comparison: Google Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
★4.8(126)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8 | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy | ★4.8(126)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing) |
Graphics | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.2" | 6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum |
Main Camera | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop | 48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.78), 2nd-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for 24MP and 48MP super-high-resolution photos |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) | 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom | 48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent) |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) | Up to 40x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps | 18MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 4,575mAh (Typical) | 5088 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 39 hours video playback (35 hours streamed) |
Wired Charging | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber) |
Dimensions | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.34" (163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm) |
Weight | 6.60 oz (187 g) | 8.22 oz (233 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) | Face ID |
Extras | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Always-On display; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite |
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Rating:★4.8(126)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz)
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.78), 2nd-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for 24MP and 48MP super-high-resolution photos
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
Telephoto Camera:48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent)
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 40x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps
Front Camera:18MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:5088 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 39 hours video playback (35 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber)
Dimensions:6.43" x 3.07" x 0.34" (163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm)
Weight:8.22 oz (233 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Always-On display; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Brightest iPhone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
- • Triple 48MP camera system with 8x optical-quality zoom
- • A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM and vapor chamber cooling for sustained performance
- • Excellent battery life (up to 39 hours video playback)
- • Faster 40W wired charging and 25W wireless charging
✗ Cons:
- • Large and heavy form factor (233 g)
- • Fastest charging speeds require purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US)
- • Expensive starting price
- • Camera bump is significantly larger due to new tetraprism lens
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Overall, Google Pixel 8 delivers better satisfaction. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Google Pixel 8 suits buyers who need Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates, Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max suits buyers who want Brightest iPhone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor), Triple 48MP camera system with 8x optical-quality zoom
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8 excels if you value unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is better if you prioritize brightest iphone display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
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