Apple introduced its successor to the iPhone X this September–the iPhone XS. But the real star of the show was the other new iPhone Apple introduced–the iPhone XR. The XR is Apple’s fullscreen display iPhone aimed at the masses. It is significantly cheaper than the iPhone XR yet still has many of the same benefits, like the beautiful display, Face ID, and the insanely powerful A12 Bionic chip.

Google, in turn, also introduced new its new flagships, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Both are improvements over the previous generation Pixel and both feature new screen sizes. But just how does Apple’s new iPhone XR compare against the Pixel 3? Let’s find out.

iPhone XR vs Google Pixel 3: Specs

Here are the specs for the iPhone XR:

• Display: 6.1in LCD Liquid Retina display with a 2436x1125-pixel resolution at 458ppi
• Dimensions: 150.9mm x 75.7mm x 8.3mm
• Storage: 64, 128, or 256GB
• Memory: 3GB LPDDR4x RAM
• Processors: A12 Bionic
• Front camera: 7 MP photos and 1080p HD video. 
• Rear camera: Single lens 12MP wide-angle camera, optical image stabilisation. 4K video.
• Battery: 2942 mAh Up to 13.5 hours battery life mixed usage.
• Other: Face ID, NFC, Wireless charging, IP67 waterproof

And here are the specs for the Google Pixel 3:

• Display: 5.5in FHD+ flexible OLED display with a 2160x1080-pixel resolution at 443ppi
• Dimensions: 145.6mm x 68.2 mm x 7.9 mm
• Storage: 64GB or 128GB
• Memory: 4GB LPDDR4x RAM
• Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 
• Front camera: Dual lens 8 MP cameras, 1080p video
• Rear camera: 12.2 MP, Optical + electronic image stabilization, 4K video
• Battery: 2915 mAh
• Other: Fingerprint reader, NFC, Wireless charging, IP68 waterproof

Let’s start with storage. Each phone comes in a 64GB and 128GB model, but the iPhone XR also comes in a 256GB storage option as well. As for RAM, the Pixel 3 comes with 25% more at 4GB versus the iPhone XR’s 3GB. However, the usual caveat here applies: more RAM does not necessarily equal a faster phone. There are many things that determine the speed of a phone. Including how well the OS is optimized to run more efficiently and speedily on less hardware. Apple is a master at this.

Speaking of speeds, when we look at the CPU’s in each phone there is simply no comparison. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 found in the Pixel 3 is a great processor–for an Android device. However, the A12 Bionic chip found in the iPhone XR absolutely SMOKES the Snapdragon 845. We’re talking speeds which are up to twice as fast. What this means is games will load faster and play more smoothly, AR experiences will be more fluid, and overall the XR will just be speedier.

iPhone XR vs Google Pixel 3: Display & Design

Only the iPhone XR features true edge-to-edge displays. The Pixel 3 has shrunk its bezels from the previous generation, but it’s still got more of a forehead and chin than the XR. The Pixel 3’s display is also smaller by 0.6in at 5.5in and it also has a lower resolution at 2160x1080 at 443ppi. Compare that to the iPhone XR’s massive 6.1in display with a 2436x1125 resolution at 458ppi.

The iPhone XR’s display also features a true tone panel, which means it adjusts to match the warmth of the color temperature in the room, making it easier on the eyes. That’s something the Pixel 3’s display does not do. However, the iPhone XR does have that notch cutout at the top, while the Pixel 3 does not. If notches bother you, then you know who the winner is in the design department.

Speaking of that notch, it’s there to incorporate the Face ID components of the iPhone XR. Yes, that’s another huge difference between the two phones. The iPhone XR does away with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner in favor of a facial recognition security system. The Pixel 3, on the other hand, still uses the trust fingerprint sensor (though it is placed awkwardly on the rear of the device).

iPhone XR vs Google Pixel 3: Battery

The iPhone XR has an ever so slightly larger battery (2942 mAh) than the Google Pixel 3 (2915 mAh). Will you see any difference because of it? Eh, probably not. Both phones should give you about 12-14 hours worth of life under mixed usage. Both phones also feature wireless charging–a nice touch.

iPhone XR vs Google Pixel 3: Camera

Where cameras are concerned, the rear lens system is also almost identical on each phone. Both feature a single-lens 12MP wide angle camera. Both also feature optical image stabilisation and 4K video recording. They also both feature some extra software tools, however, like Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control and Portrait Lighting, adding to their abilities.

It should be said, of course, that the Pixel 3 does have the superior front sensor-a dual-lens 8MP camera. That’s one lens more and one MP larger than the 7MP single lens front sensor found in the iPhone XR. Both front cameras also record 1080p video.

iPhone XR vs Google Pixel 3: Cost & Verdict

Unlocked the Google Pixel 3 will cost £739 (64GB) and £839 (128GB). The iPhone XR will cost £749 (64GB) and £799 (128GB) and £899 (256GB).

Which should you get? I think the iPhone XR is the clear winner. First, its display is much better, as is its processor. And you get all that for just £10 then the Pixel 3 on the 64GB model. And the 128GB iPhone XR model is actually £40 cheaper than the 128GB Pixel 3 model.