Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max / Google Pixel 8 Pro

ProMotion adjusts the refresh rate to the content, giving 120 Hz smoothness when scrolling and lowering it on still images to save battery. The Always-On display shows the time and notifications dimmed while locked.

An LTPO panel can drop the refresh rate as low as 1 Hz for static content, saving power with the always-on display and while reading, and rises to 120 Hz for motion. Google notes it is not available for all apps or content. Because the corners are rounded, the actual viewable area is less than 6.7 inches.

The 3,000-nit outdoor figure is a short peak in strong sunlight, not sustained full-screen white. The screen has an anti-reflective coating.

Apple notes that this resistance is not permanent and can decrease with normal wear.

The GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

It also gives a 12 MP 2× (48 mm) image by using the centre of the sensor.

This camera is also used for 48 MP macro shots.

Using the centre of the sensor gives a 12 MP 8× (200 mm) image; Apple quotes a 16× optical-quality range and up to 40× digital zoom.

4K 100/120 fps is limited to the main camera. ProRes 4K 120 fps requires recording to external storage. Genlock syncs several cameras to the same timing with compatible hardware.

Video Boost uploads video to Google’s servers to reprocess colour, lighting and stabilisation; it needs the Google Photos app and the result is not instant. Night Sight Video uses this processing in low light.

The Center Stage camera’s square sensor allows landscape or portrait selfies without rotating the phone.

The standard Pixel 8 has a fixed-focus front camera; the autofocus on the 8 Pro keeps close selfies sharp.

No adapter in the box; only a 1 m USB-C charge cable.

Apple quotes about 50% in 30 minutes with a 30 W or higher adapter and MagSafe Charger.

10 Gb/s needs a compatible USB 3 cable; the included cable does not guarantee that speed.

Ultra Wideband availability varies by region.

Wi-Fi 6E is listed in Japan and Wi-Fi 6 in Taiwan, Singapore and India. Ultra-Wideband measures direction and distance to compatible devices.

eSIM support depends on the operator.

Availability of satellite features varies by country.

Camera Control opens the camera and changes settings such as zoom and exposure with slide and light-press gestures.

Google measures the HDR figure at a 100% on-pixel ratio and the peak figure at a 5% on-pixel ratio; 2,400 nits is a ceiling for small bright areas.

The matte back shows fewer fingerprints; the standard Pixel 8 has a polished back and a matte frame.

Tensor G3 includes a TPU that accelerates on-device AI models. Titan M2 is a separate security chip that protects the lock screen and encryption keys.

Storage options vary by region and channel; there is no memory card slot.

Optical and electronic stabilisation work together on the wide and telephoto cameras. Zoom beyond 5x is digital. Pro controls allow manual shutter, ISO and focus and high-resolution (50 MP) shots. A multi-zone laser autofocus sensor helps focus in low light.

Google says the sensor can measure the temperature of an object, such as a pan or milk in a baby’s bottle. Google said it applied to the FDA for body-temperature use; that use depends on the country.

Google quotes beyond 24-hour battery life and up to 72 hours in Extreme Battery Saver (many features including 5G off). Figures use the separately sold Google 30 W USB-C charger (USB-PD 3.0 PPS). Battery Share significantly reduces the phone’s battery life.

The bundled cable runs at USB 2.0 speed. There is no headphone jack. A Quick Switch adapter is in the box.

The period counts from when the device first became available on the US Google Store (12 October 2023).

Resistance can diminish over time; liquid damage voids the warranty.

Colour availability varies by region.