Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9a
Critics score the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 91 and the Google Pixel 9a 89 out of 100, from 6 and 7 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max higher and 4 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 3 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Praised for: performance (5 of 6), battery life (5 of 6)
Criticised for: size and weight (2 of 6)
The catch: It is big, heavy and pricier than last year.
All 6 reviews of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max →
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Image: GoogleGoogle Pixel 9a
Praised for: battery life (4 of 7), picture quality (2 of 7), value for money (2 of 7)
The catch: It has no telephoto lens and charges slowly.
All 7 reviews of the Google Pixel 9a →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Google Pixel 9a | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechRadar | 95 | 80 | +15 |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | same |
| Tom's Guide | 90 | 90 | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 90 | 90 | same |
| WIRED | 90 | 90 | same |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max minus the Google Pixel 9a. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another smartphone → · All smartphones ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Google Pixel 9a?
Critics rate the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max higher: 91 against 89. 5 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max higher and 4 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max 3 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: critics agree, scores from 83 to 95. The Google Pixel 9a: broad agreement, scores from 80 to 95.