Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 4 XL
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 4 XL sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPhone 17 is the cheaper of the two at $799 versus $899, a difference of about $100. The Apple iPhone 17 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPhone 17 stands out for a19 chip with improved efficiency, while Google Pixel 4 XL is praised for astrophotography mode was groundbreaking. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 if…
- →A19 chip with improved efficiency
- →Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- →48MP main camera with improved processing
Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if…
- →Astrophotography mode was groundbreaking
- →90Hz smooth display
- →Soli radar for Motion Sense gestures
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 17
Pros
- A19 chip with improved efficiency
- Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- 48MP main camera with improved processing
- ProMotion 120Hz display
Cons
- Still only 27W wired charging
- No telephoto lens
- 8GB RAM vs 12GB on Pro models
Google Pixel 4 XL
Pros
- Astrophotography mode was groundbreaking
- 90Hz smooth display
- Soli radar for Motion Sense gestures
- Excellent telephoto camera for portraits
- Face unlock with 3D face recognition
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- Large forehead bezel for Soli radar
- No fingerprint scanner at all
- Motion Sense was gimmicky and limited
- Battery life was mediocre
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 | Google Pixel 4 XL |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 19 | Android 10 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 193 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield 2 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm | 160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 24 MP, f/1.9, Center Stage | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | — | 16 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3600 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 11W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | 6-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.78 GHz) |
| GPU | 5-core GPU | Adreno 640 |
| Chipset | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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