Pixel 9 Pro XL puts up a fight, but iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the crown in real-life camera test
The iPhone 16 Pro series was unveiled last month to a cacophony of mixed reviews from critics and consumers alike. Although a good chunk of Apple's fanbase was not particularly impressed with the improvements that the 16 series offered, it is hard to argue that the latest lineup of iPhones does boast sizeable, albeit not earth-shattering improvements, including in the camera department.
According to DxOMark's analysis, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the best videography capabilities that can be found on any smartphone at the moment. Photography, however, is a different story and the iPhone 16 Pro Max only managed to secure the 4th position, losing to Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL by a single point. CNET's Andrew Lanxon recently pit both flagships against one another in a real-life comparison test, and the results are interesting.
In the initial stages, the Pixel 9 Pro XL (currently $1,099 on Amazon) captured images that boasted more vibrant tones, especially in outdoor shots like the one below. It's easy to tell that the Pixel's image pops with golden hues, while the iPhone's rendition, on the other hand, appears a tad muted and arguably on the cooler side.
The story is much the same when we move on to landscape shots, where the Pixel 9 Pro XL produced shots that were more pleasing to the eye than the ones rendered by the iPhone.
Interestingly, the tables turned when the cameras were put to the test in architectural photography, where the iPhone emerged as the better choice in most, if not all of the scenarios, having managed more detailed, brighter captures.
In comparison, the Pixel's performance appeared relatively dim and flat. This trend continues even after switching to ultra-wide lenses, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max consistently producing better images than Google's latest and greatest.
When it comes to photography at night, the iPhone 16 Pro Max edges out the Pixel 9 Pro XL yet again, according to Andrew. It is rather hard to pin down, but the iPhone maintains a more realistic representation of light and shadows, while the Pixel brightens shadows rather aggressively, according to Andrew.
When indoors, the iPhone continues to shine, both literally and figuratively. It delivered better color separation as well as contrast, allowing certain details to stand out. Panorama mode was also a clear win for the iPhone, with the Pixel being held back by some noticeable stitching issues and inconsistencies, making iPhone 16 Pro Max the more reliable choice in this regard.
Undoubtedly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are titans fighting for smartphone camera supremacy. To be fair, it's most certainly a subjective battle -- one of aesthetic preference and personal taste, that may vary from one person to another.
However, it is hard to ignore the iPhone's superiority in many of the scenarios detailed above, even though DxOMark's analysis suggested otherwise. For those who prefer a natural look and reliability, the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to reign supreme.
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