IPhone XS Max from Apple vs. Google Pixel 3 XL

In this article from AppleInsider's iPhone XS Max comparison series and Google Pixel 3 XL, we look in detail at video recording capabilities, from overall image quality to value-added features such as stabilization and auto focus.

The iPhone XS Max and the Pixel 3 XL both have an optical image stabilization on their rear camera, but we noticed something interesting with the Pixel 3. When digital video stabilization is enabled, the output is about 25%, which means that a good part of the sensor will not be used.

The 16: 9 video capture on a 12.2MP sensor in a 4: 3 pixel arrangement should use just over 8.3 MP, which basically corresponds perfectly to the 4K resolution. If the same sensor is cropped at 25%, the camera could record a resolution as low as 2.8K and increase it to 4K; it does not shoot at true 4K like the iPhone XS Max.

Even though the Pixel 3 XL has the same Snapdragon 845 processor as the Galaxy Note 9, the OnePlus 6 and other phones, it can not shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second like these handsets. We do not know why Google chose to exclude this feature, but our performance comparison showed that the Pixel 3 processor is running slower than competing Snapdragon smartphones.

If you compare 4K 30p on the pixel 3 to 4K 60p on the XS Max, the contrast is missing on the pixel, which makes the XS Max more detailed. If you look at the waterfall below, you will find that the white balance is too blue, as we saw in our comparison of photos.

We tested the audio quality with the help of the front camera and found that the XS Max was loud, clear and that the device was able to reduce the noise of the cascade. The Pixel 3 XL seemed whistling, silent and submerged by the sound of the waterfall. The iPhone XS Max is also capable of recording a 1080p selfie video at 60 frames per second, against only 30 frames per second on the Pixel 3.

Then we tested the autofocus by panning the camera between the waterfall and a face. One thing we immediately noticed is that the Pixel 3 XL sequence produced a very visible jello effect when changing direction. Many digital cameras use what is known as a rolling shutter to capture images, a process that dramatically reduces material and processing requirements. The byproduct, however, is the introduction of image artifacts, such as asymmetry and the aforementioned jello effect.

While reviewing frame-by-frame footage, the Pixel 3 XL was the first to focus on the face three times, while the XS Max was also three times. In each case, both phones detected the focus in a few frames, which makes them basically identical in terms of autofocus speed.

We then tested rear-facing stabilization in 4K at 30 frames per second. Even with a 25% harvest on the Pixel 3 XL, the stabilization of the iPhone XS Max is significantly better, representing a double win for the iPhone.

The Pixel 3 XL allows users to turn on or off front stabilization. The XS Max does not have a rocker to disable stabilization, it works all the time. When video stabilization is enabled on both devices, we found an outperformance of the XS Max, with the background moving significantly less than that of Pixel 3.

Not only that, but the Pixel 3 XL is focused on the background shortly after the start of the clip and it has never found the focus on the face. The XS Max was perfectly clean and focused all the time.

We then tested the details and the HDR while remaining motionless. With the Pixel 3 XL now in focus, we could see more details about the iPhone XS Max. In terms of HDR, both did the same except that a little more trees in the background were blown on the iPhone.

By testing HDR on rear-facing cameras, the XS Max has been able to bring out the shadows in the trees and bring out more colors than the Pixel 3 XL. Moving from the sky to the waterfall, the XS Max made the transition from exposure better than the Pixel, which helped keep the scene a little underexposed.

We also tested the macro video quality on a sheet and the pixel lacked contrast, which made it much less detailed than the XS Max.

Test the details with wide lenses – with the stabilization turned off on the Pixel 3 – the contrast is very low with the Google phone, giving the impression that it is less detailed. However, if we go on the panel, we find that the pixel is slightly sharper than the XS Max.

The XS Max also comes with a telephoto lens, which allows it to zoom much closer than the Pixel 3 XL with its unique wide-angle lens. For scenarios in which you try to record something farther away, a telephoto lens is priceless.

Drawing on the sun with a foreground face, the iPhone XS Max automatically detects the face and exposes it properly. The Pixel 3 XL failed to detect the face or expose it to the sky, making it look extremely underexposed. We had to actually press the face of the Pixel 3 XL to expose it, but a few seconds later, the camera was automatically exposed to the sky.

We also tested the slow motion on both cameras, recording at 240 frames per second. The only difference is that the iPhone XS Max is capable of recording in 1080p resolution, while the Pixel 3 XL can only record in 720p. The difference in detail was huge, especially with the lack of contrast on the pixel, making it even less detailed. The XS Max is the big winner of slow motion video.

During testing, we spotted a rabbit and decided to zoom in as close as possible to both devices. With the telephoto lens of the iPhone XS Max, we were able to zoom much closer, but we noticed a lot of noise in the images. Combined with a seemingly too much contrast, the video had a very poor performance compared to the Pixel 3 XL footage.

To end with a low light scene, the Pixel 3 XL is much better exposed for the face, while the XS Max is automatically exposed for the bulb in the background, which gives the face a distinctly subtle appearance. exposed. We also noticed more noise on the image of the iPhone, but if you take a closer look, the iPhone XS Max was significantly more detailed.

We have seen the same results from shooters facing the front. The XS Max again exposed too dark and you can easily notice more noise in the picture. This time, the pixel seemed more detailed because of the lack of noise, so we will definitely give the victory to the Pixel 3 XL for low light.

Overall, the iPhone XS Max is the big winner. First of all, it has better video recording features, such as the ability to record 4K at 60 frames per second, 1080p slow motion at 240 frames per second and 1080p video selfie at 60 frames per second. There is also no cropping at all on the iPhone, unlike the 25% cropping on the Pixel 3 XL after enabling video stabilization.

The white balance is more accurate on the iPhone and the microphone also sounds a lot better. The autofocus speed was basically the same on both phones, but the Pixel 3 XL was suffering from shutter when panning, adding a distracting jello effect to the footage.

Front and rear stabilization was better on the XS Max. The sequence of the Pixel 3 XL was generally low contrast, which made it less detailed, although it was sometimes a little more detailed. The Pixel also had trouble detecting a face and adjusting the exposure accordingly when the sky was behind the subject.

Even though the Pixel 3 XL has worked better in low light conditions and has done a great job in dynamics, the iPhone XS Max is by far the best phone for video recording, knowing that it 's the best. It also takes better pictures than the Pixel 60% of the time, we can officially say that the camera of the iPhone XS Max is definitely better than that of the Pixel 3 XL.

Deals on iPhone XS Max and Google Pixel 3 XL

If you have not yet ordered the iPhone XS Max from Apple, mobile operators are encouraging it to buy. Want to get your hands on a new device as soon as possible? EBay sellers are also shipping units now.

Carrier offers:

People interested in purchasing the Google Pixel 3 XL can enjoy a purchase of a Pixel 3 XL and enjoy a free offer of 64 GB for the Pixel 3 at Verizon Wireless.