Apple iPhone 14 ProvsGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro offers several notable upgrades over its predecessor. The most significant change is the new A16 Bionic chip, which provides improved performance and efficiency. The camera system has also been enhanced, with a higher-resolution main sensor that enables two times lossless zoom. The display on the 14 Pro is brighter and more vibrant than before, and the always-on feature adds a touch of convenience to the user experience. The front-facing camera now features optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus, making selfies look sharper and more detailed. The camera's performance in low-light conditions has also improved significantly, with reduced noise and better exposure. The ultra-wide-angle lens produces excellent results, with a wide field of view and minimal distortion. Night mode is also available on all three rear cameras, producing impressive photos with plenty of resolved detail and natural rendition. Video recording capabilities have been enhanced as well, with 4K resolution and up to 60fps supported by all three rear cameras. Smart HDR is also used to expand dynamic range, resulting in videos with more vivid colors and contrast. The phone's electronic stabilization system remains top-notch, providing smooth footage even in challenging conditions. Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro delivers on its promise of improved performance, camera capabilities, and user experience. While it may not look dramatically different from its predecessor, the upgrades are certainly welcome. If you're due for an upgrade or simply want one of the best smartphones available, the 14 Pro is a solid choice.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a classy flagship device that boasts a clean and great-looking design. Its display is the brightest around, making it perfect for still photos. The camera system, although not revolutionary, delivers excellent results during the day with crisp detail and well-balanced color rendition. The rear main camera captures high-contrast images with hints of pixelation in certain situations, but textures don't look overprocessed. The telephoto cam provides solid five-time zoom photos with good dynamic range and colors, but some competitors are sharper. The ultra-wide camera delivers bright exposures at night, although the detail level leaves more to be desired. The selfie camera has seen a significant upgrade this year, capturing nicely detailed selfies with vivid colors, lifelike skin tones, and excellent dynamic range. Video recording is where the Pixel 9 Pro XL falls short, particularly in low light conditions where the main cam's 4K videos are softer than the competition. Battery life has improved slightly from last year's model, but it still lags behind some competitors. Charging speed has been increased to 37 watts, and wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are supported. The device runs smoothly with hiccup-free performance in our testing. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid flagship device that excels in still photography and AI features. Its display and design are top-notch, and software support will be available for an extended period. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking the most powerful chipset or video recording capabilities. If you're looking for alternatives, consider last year's Pixel 8 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.