Google Pixel 3 vs Apple iPhone XS: Camera Comparison

Google’s Pixel 2 lineup from last yearturned outto be the best camera smartphone and continues to be the leading option for smartphone photography, trumping the likes of iPhone XS andGalaxy S9+. This is the sole reason we were super excited to test out the GooglePixel 3 XL.

We’ve been testing out the Pixel 3 XL for the past week and I’m not mincing words here when I say Google has surpassed our expectations. While you can check ourPixel 3 XL review to know everything about the phonein general (hint: it’s bloody brilliant), we also decided to pit the dual rear cameras on theiPhone XSagainst the single camera on the Google Pixel 3 XL. Here are our results:

Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max: Camera Comparison

Before we jump in and take a look at comparison shots, let’s talk about the hardware. The Pixel 3 XL packs just a single 12.2MP (f/1.8) camera lens on the rear, with OIS and dual-pixel PDAF, whereasiPhone XS(as well as iPhone XS Max) sports a dual rear-camera setup. It has a 12MP (f/1.8) primary lens and a 12MP (f/2.4) telephoto lens, both with OIS and PDAF.

Now, here are the camera samples from both phones:

Daylight

In broad daylight, Pixel 3 XL and iPhone XS Max both capture some great and crisp shots. Theformer packs more detail and has better color accuracywhereas the latter, as you can see below, seems to capture more light and punch up the color at times – making the shot look a bit saturated.

While there are a few shots where the iPhone XS Max catches the eye and has better overall quality, I’d have to pick the Pixel 3 XL for its natural hues and warmer tone, which seems to be better than the sometimes cold looking iPhone shots.

Low-Light

The photos captured using thePixel 3 XL and iPhone XS Max are quite comparable under low-light conditionsand I found no reasons to complain in both.

The Pixel 3 XL manages to capture enough and continues to maintain a more natural tone, which is something Pixel has come to be known for. The night time photos from the iPhone XS Max also looked good and the clarity is, at times, better than the Pixel 3 XL.

Selfies/ Portrait

Right out the gate, let me say that the Pixel 3 XL is the master of portrait shots. The iPhone XS Max had recently been embroiled in theBeautyGate controversywhereas Pixel 3 XL doesn’t seem to be doing any form of softening or retouching.

And here are some more selfies from including a wide-angle selfie:

The dual front cameras on the Pixel 3 XL include a number of new features too and it’s without a doubt the better among the two flagships here.

Pixel 3 XL vs iPhone XS Max: Camera Comparison Result

Ultimately, you can obviously see that Google has still managed to do wonders with its single rear camera, coupled with its computational photography algorithms. It has overcome the hardware prowess of the Apple iPhone XS Max and emerged on top yet again. It’s a seriously good camera and your will see more in our full camera review of the Pixel 3 XL, which is coming soon.

What do you think of the shots from the Pixel 3 XL? Like them? Love them? Let us know right below in the comments.

Anmol

Getting my start with technology journalism back in 2016, I have been working in the industry for over 7 years. Currently, as the Editor of Beebom, I’m leading the coverage on the website. While my expertise lies in Android, Windows, and the apps world, find me reading manga, watching anime, and playing Apex in my free time.

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