iPhone 15 Pro Series vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: A comprehensive comparison

Google has been imitating Apple's blueprints, and it's fairly obvious for all to see. The Pixel 8 Pro is a culmination of years of planning from Google on how to take on its bitter rival Apple. How will this device fare against the iPhone Pro models? This is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro series vs Google Pixel 8 Pro.

The iPhone 15 Pro series is a pair of smartphones that makes up Apple’s current flagship range. These are the iPhone 15 Pro and the 15 Pro Max. Both devices should serve as Apple’s flagships from now till September 2024.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the main flagship and boasts all of the best features. However, it's got a huge 6.7-inch display, which could be a turn-off for a section of their user base and that's why the iPhone 15 Pro exists. The 15 Pro takes all of the goodies of the Pro Max variant and offers them in a more portable 6.1-inch package.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s flagship as well and it should hold this position from now till October 2024. The Pixel 8 Pro is going to be the first phone from Google to enjoy up to seven years of software updates. It is a culmination of Google’s attempt to completely control their product more like Apple does.

With both companies competing in the same space, a lot of users would love to know which device is the best option for them as Pixel devices are becoming the standard in the Android smartphone industry. Let's explore the Apple iPhone 15 Pro series vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro.

iPhone 15 Pro Series vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

Body and Build

All three devices here adhere to the classic candy bar design, boasting IP68 water resistance. However, they diverge in building materials. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max features a lightweight titanium frame and ceramic shield glass protection. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro carries a slightly heavier aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Apple claims that the titanium in use is a grade 5 alloy which is nigh indestructible, whilst Google is silent on the grade of aluminum in use.

Performance and Software

In terms of raw performance, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max hold an edge with their A17 Pro chipset compared to the Pixel 8 Pro's Tensor G3. Apple's A17 Pro outpaces the Tensor G3, making the iPhone a superior choice for demanding tasks and gaming.

Both iPhones run on iOS 17 for software, while the Pixel utilizes Android 14. Android's maturity has prompted Apple to adopt several of its features. Thus the choice between Android and iOS is mostly a subjective one which is essentially up to the individual. To sweeten things, Google now offers up to seven years of software updates for the Pixel 8 Pro mirroring Apple's commitment to longevity.

Cameras

Both smartphones excel in photography with triple camera setups. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max both boast a 48MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide. With that being said, it's important to note that the 15 Pro Max has a (superior) 5x 12MP periscope camera whilst the 15 Pro is stuck with the 3x 12MP telephoto.

On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto, and a 48MP ultrawide. While both systems produce impressive results, the distinction lies in image processing. Apple and Google have become industry leaders in this regard, resulting in similar output quality. For this author, the Pixel 8 Pro shines for photos, while the iPhone 15 Pro series excels in videography.

Display

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Pixel 8 Pro both sport large 6.7-inch displays. The Pixel 8 Pro has a superior resolution of 2992x1344p and HDR10+ support, offering a brighter screen at 2400 nits. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly lower 2796x1290p resolution and 2000 nits of brightness, but it does boast a Dolby Vision certification.

The iPhone 15 Pro has the weakest display here. It sports a smaller 6.1-inch display with an even lower resolution but like its Max sibling, it boasts 2000 nits of brightness and a Dolby Vision certification.

In the end, the Pixel 8 Pro's display emerges as the winner due to its higher resolution and superior brightness.

Connectivity and Features

These trio all offer comprehensive connectivity options, supporting various 5G variants, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and NFC. Notable differences, however, include the Pixel 8 Pro's superior USB-C 3.2 and WiFi 7 support. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max features a display port.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro pulls ahead in the battery department with its larger 5020mAh battery. This outshines the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 4441mAh and the 15 Pro's 3274mAh. That being said, the iPhone 15 Pro, notwithstanding its smaller batteries, matches the Pixel 8 Pro when it comes to battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the best battery life of these three smartphones. This should let you know that battery size isn't everything.

Source: Tom’s Guide

To round up, the Pixel 8 Pro offers faster charging, both wired and wireless, than what's available on the 15 Pro series.

Pricing

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro start at $999. The iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1199 which is about $200 more expensive than the other two.

Conclusion

In the battle of these smartphone titans, the choice between the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Series and Google Pixel 8 Pro ultimately depends on individual preferences. While the iPhones lead in raw performance and battery life, the Pixel excels in display. All three devices showcase impressive camera capabilities, leaving users spoiled for choice.

The decision hinges on which features fit in with your priorities and which ecosystem you prefer. In this clash of titans, both Apple and Google continue to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, offering top-tier options for tech enthusiasts.