Iphone Xs Vs Pixel 3 Did Google Ever Catch Up Or Is Apple Still King

In 2018, two flagship smartphones stood at the forefront of mobile innovation: Apple’s iPhone XS and Google’s Pixel 3. The battle wasn’t just about specs—it was a clash of philosophies. Apple leaned on ecosystem integration, consistent performance, and premium build quality. Google countered with AI-driven photography, clean Android, and intelligent software features. Nearly half a decade later, it's worth asking: Did Google finally close the gap with its Pixel 3, or did the iPhone XS reaffirm Apple’s dominance?

This isn’t just a retrospective comparison. For users still holding onto these devices or considering secondhand buys, understanding their strengths and weaknesses remains relevant. Let’s break down the key areas—performance, camera, software, battery life, and longevity—to see where each brand truly excelled.

Performance and Hardware: Silicon vs Software Optimization

The iPhone XS ran on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—the first 7nm processor in a smartphone at the time. It delivered exceptional CPU and GPU performance, outpacing nearly every Android device in benchmarks. Paired with iOS’s tight hardware-software integration, the XS offered buttery-smooth animations, fast app launches, and reliable multitasking even years after release.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 3 used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845, a capable chip for its era but not in the same league as the A12 in raw power. However, Google optimized Android Pie (Android 9) specifically for the Pixel line, minimizing bloat and maximizing responsiveness. While day-to-day tasks felt snappy, heavier workloads like gaming or photo editing revealed the hardware limitations compared to the XS.

Tip: If you prioritize long-term app compatibility and smooth performance over five years, Apple’s silicon advantage often translates to longer usability.

Apple also maintained superior thermal management. The iPhone XS rarely throttled under load, whereas the Pixel 3 could heat up during extended use, leading to minor performance dips. Build quality further favored Apple: the XS featured surgical-grade stainless steel and IP68 water resistance, while the Pixel 3 used aluminum and had similar dust/water protection but a more polarizing design with its prominent top bezel.

Camera: Computational Photography vs Consistency

The camera debate was—and still is—one of the most nuanced aspects of this rivalry. On paper, the Pixel 3 had a single 12.2MP rear sensor, while the iPhone XS sported a dual 12MP setup (wide and telephoto). Yet, Google’s computational photography magic often produced more vibrant, detailed, and dynamically balanced photos, especially in low light.

Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight features, introduced with the Pixel 3, were game-changers. Night Sight allowed users to capture remarkably clear low-light images without a flash—something no other phone, including the XS, could match at launch. Apple didn’t introduce a comparable Night mode until the iPhone 11, a full year later.

However, the iPhone XS excelled in video recording. With support for extended dynamic range up to 60fps, stereo audio, and superior stabilization, it remained the go-to device for vloggers and casual videographers. Its color science also delivered more natural skin tones and consistent exposure across environments.

“Google proved that hardware doesn’t always win—smart algorithms can punch above their weight.” — David Imel, Mobile Photographer & Tech Journalist

Software and Updates: Longevity Matters

One area where Apple has historically dominated is software support. The iPhone XS received five major iOS updates—from iOS 12 to iOS 17—making it usable well into 2023. Even now, many XS units run efficiently for basic tasks.

In contrast, the Pixel 3 launched with Android 9 and was officially supported through Android 13—four major OS updates. Security patches ended in late 2021, just three years after release. This shorter lifespan meant Pixel 3 owners faced growing app incompatibility and security risks sooner than XS users.

While stock Android offered a cleaner, faster experience with timely feature drops, the limited update window undermined long-term value. Apple’s ability to maintain older devices with new features gave the XS a significant edge for users who keep phones beyond two years.

Real-World Example: A Travel Photographer’s Choice

Consider Sarah, a freelance travel photographer who bought both phones in 2018 for different purposes. She used the Pixel 3 for street photography in dimly lit European alleys, relying on Night Sight to capture atmospheric shots without carrying extra gear. The results were stunning—rich shadows, minimal noise, and vivid colors straight out of the camera.

But when filming short documentaries on her trips, she switched to the iPhone XS. The smoother video transitions, better wind noise reduction, and seamless iMovie integration on her MacBook made post-production significantly easier. By 2021, however, her Pixel 3 began lagging—apps crashed more often, and the lack of updates made her uneasy about using banking apps. Her XS, though aging, still handled essentials reliably thanks to iOS 15.

Sarah eventually sold the Pixel 3 and kept the XS as a backup—a testament to Apple’s staying power, even if Google briefly led in photographic innovation.

Comparison Table: iPhone XS vs Pixel 3 at a Glance

Feature	iPhone XS	Pixel 3
Processor	A12 Bionic	Snapdragon 845
Rear Camera	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12.2MP (Wide)
Low-Light Photo	Good (Night mode added later)	Excellent (Night Sight)
Video Recording	Outstanding (4K/60fps, EIS)	Very Good (4K/30fps, basic stabilization)
Software Support	5 years (iOS 12–17)	4 years (Android 9–13), security until 2021
Battery Life	Moderate (2,658 mAh)	Moderate (2,915 mAh, better optimization)
Charging	Fast charging (adapter sold separately)	Fast charging (included adapter)
Ecosystem Integration	iCloud, AirPods, Mac, Apple Watch	Google Assistant, Photos, Home, Wear OS

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Pixel 3 better than the iPhone XS in photography?

In still photography, particularly in low light and automatic modes, many reviewers preferred the Pixel 3’s output due to HDR+ and Night Sight. However, the iPhone XS offered more versatility with its telephoto lens and far superior video capabilities. The answer depends on whether you prioritize photos or videos.

Which phone lasted longer with updates?

The iPhone XS clearly won in longevity. It received five major iOS updates and continued functioning smoothly for years. The Pixel 3 stopped receiving security updates in 2021, limiting its safe usability beyond three years.

Is either phone worth buying today?

As daily drivers in 2024, neither is ideal. App performance, battery degradation, and lack of modern security make them risky for primary use. However, they can serve as budget-friendly secondary phones or emergency devices if in good condition.

Final Verdict: Did Google Catch Up?

Yes—but only partially, and only in specific areas. Google’s Pixel 3 demonstrated that cutting-edge software could rival Apple’s hardware-centric approach, especially in computational photography. For a brief moment, the Pixel series was seen as the innovator, pushing the entire industry toward smarter cameras and AI-enhanced experiences.

Yet Apple retained its crown in overall user experience. The iPhone XS delivered unmatched consistency, longer software support, better video quality, and tighter ecosystem integration. These factors matter deeply to mainstream consumers who value reliability over novelty.

Google succeeded in proving it could compete at the highest level, but “catching up” isn’t just about one breakthrough. It’s about sustained excellence across design, performance, support, and ecosystem. In 2018, Apple remained king—not because it did everything best, but because it did enough exceptionally well to justify its premium.

🚀 Still using an iPhone XS or Pixel 3? Share your experience! How has it held up over the years? Join the conversation and help others decide what really lasts in the fast-moving world of smartphones.