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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 8a
You'd expect the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max to dominate, but the Google Pixel 8a's 64MP dual camera changes everything. In real-world use, the iPhone's 4323mAh battery supports up to 29 hours of video playback, great for long trips. If you're a photography enthusiast, the Pixel 8a's camera shines, capturing high-quality images with its advanced AI features, while the iPhone excels with its versatile camera setup and video recording capabilities.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.1"🔋 Battery: 4323 mAh vs 4492 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.47 oz vs 6.63 oz
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
★4.4
(250)•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 A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
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Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Google Pixel 8a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6 GB (LPDDR5)
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
8.47 oz (240 g)
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm)
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
iOS
Google Pixel 8a
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 8a
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
★4.4(250)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(250)Best Buy | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Google Tensor G3 |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range) | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 15x | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus |
Battery | 4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) | 4,492 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame |
Dimensions | 6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm) | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 8.47 oz (240 g) | 6.6 oz (188 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser |
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Rating:★4.4(250)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 A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR5)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 15x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
USB:Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s)
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back
Dimensions:6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm)
Weight:8.47 oz (240 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch
✓ Pros:
- • First iPhone to introduce the Dynamic Island interface
- • Excellent battery life (4323 mAh), still competitive with newer models
- • Bright 120Hz ProMotion display with Always-On functionality
- • Premium stainless steel build feels more substantial than aluminum models
- • Versatile camera system with 3x optical zoom and macro mode
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the obsolete Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Significantly heavier (240 g) than the newer Titanium 'Pro Max' models
- • Wi-Fi 6 is slower than the Wi-Fi 6E/7 found in newer iPhones
- • No support for newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to 7.5W on generic Qi)
- • Repair costs for the back glass are higher compared to iPhone 15/16 series
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Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 48MP. That said, grab the iPhone if you want premium build quality and video features - it's significantly heavier at 8.47oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max if: you want a premium build with a 6.7" display, need excellent video recording capabilities, or prefer Face ID for security.
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want a lightweight phone at 6.60oz, need a longer software support period, or take lots of photos with a 64MP camera.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max excels if you value first iphone to introduce the dynamic island interface. Google Pixel 8a is better if you prioritize unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. 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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