Pixel 3 Vs Iphone Xs Max Three Years Later Is The Camera Still Better 4

It’s been over three years since Google launched the Pixel 3 and Apple released the iPhone XS Max—two flagships that defined mobile photography in 2018. Back then, the Pixel 3 was widely praised for its computational photography magic, while the iPhone XS Max offered balanced performance, excellent dynamic range, and seamless integration with iOS. But what happens when you use these devices today? With software updates slowing or ending and hardware aging, do their cameras still hold up? More importantly, is the Pixel 3’s camera still better than the iPhone XS Max in 2024?

This isn’t just a nostalgic comparison. For users holding onto older devices or considering secondhand purchases, understanding real-world camera performance years later is crucial. We’ll look beyond specs and marketing claims, focusing on image quality, consistency, low-light behavior, software support, and long-term usability.

Camera Hardware: Then vs. Now

In 2018, both phones had distinct hardware philosophies. The Pixel 3 featured a single 12.2 MP rear sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). No telephoto lens, no ultra-wide—just one well-tuned sensor paired with Google’s advanced HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms. The iPhone XS Max, meanwhile, had a dual-camera setup: a 12 MP main sensor (f/1.8) and a 12 MP telephoto (f/2.4), both with OIS. It also supported 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control.

At launch, hardware favored Apple’s versatility. But Google compensated with computational photography. Fast forward to 2024, and neither device receives major OS updates—Android 13 was the last for the Pixel 3, and iOS 16 ended support for the XS Max. This means no new camera features, limited security patches, and potential app compatibility issues. Yet, many users still rely on them daily.

“Hardware degrades subtly over time, but software stagnation hits camera performance hardest. Without algorithm updates, even great sensors fall behind.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2023 Interview)

Image Quality in Real-World Use

Today, both phones produce usable images in daylight, but their approaches yield different results:

• Pixel 3: Photos often appear more vibrant and contrast-rich due to aggressive HDR+ processing. Skin tones can lean warm, and skies are sometimes oversaturated. However, detail retention in shadows remains impressive for a single-lens system.
• iPhone XS Max: Images are more natural and consistent. Dynamic range is slightly narrower than modern phones but still solid. Colors are accurate, and white balance is reliable across environments.

In low light, the gap widens. The Pixel 3’s Night Sight, introduced post-launch, still outperforms the iPhone XS Max’s default night mode—which wasn’t added until iOS 11. Later firmware improved low-light performance, but without a dedicated Night mode during its prime, the XS Max struggles with noise and exposure balance after dark.

Tip: In dim conditions, keep the Pixel 3 steady for 3–5 seconds when using Night Sight. Even today, it captures more usable detail than the XS Max in challenging lighting.

Side-by-Side Performance Comparison

Feature	Pixel 3	iPhone XS Max
Daylight Photo Quality	Excellent dynamic range, vivid colors	Natural tone, slightly flatter images
Low-Light (Night Sight / Night Mode)	Superior brightness and clarity	Moderate noise, underexposed shadows
Zoom Capability	Digital only (up to 2x acceptable)	2x optical zoom, cleaner mid-range shots
Portrait Mode	Solid edge detection, synthetic bokeh	Better depth mapping, more natural blur
Video Recording	4K at 30fps, good stabilization	4K at 60fps, superior audio and smoothness
Software Updates (2024)	No further updates beyond Android 13	iOS 16 final update; no new camera features

A Mini Case Study: One Photographer’s Experience

Jamal Reyes, a freelance travel blogger based in Portland, used his Pixel 3 exclusively for two years before switching to newer models. In 2023, he borrowed an iPhone XS Max to test side-by-side performance during a weekend trip to Crater Lake.

His findings were nuanced. During daytime hikes, he preferred the iPhone’s color accuracy, especially in capturing the deep blues of the lake. “The Pixel made the water look almost neon,” he said. “Nice for Instagram, less true to life.”

But at dusk, the Pixel pulled ahead. A shot of Wizard Island taken at 7:45 PM showed clear rock texture and minimal noise, while the XS Max image appeared grainy and required manual brightness adjustment in editing. “I was surprised,” Jamal admitted. “The Pixel’s Night Sight still feels like a cheat code.”

He noted one limitation: the lack of a wide-angle lens on the Pixel 3 forced him to step back or stitch panoramas manually. The XS Max handled group shots and landscapes more easily thanks to digital zoom and tighter portrait framing.

Longevity Challenges and Practical Tips

After three years, both devices face similar issues: battery degradation, slower processing, and occasional shutter lag. The Pixel 3’s smaller battery (2,915 mAh) drains faster under camera use, especially with Night Sight. The XS Max lasts longer but may throttle performance if overheated.

Here’s how to maximize camera performance on either device in 2024:

1. Clear cached data regularly. Camera apps accumulate temporary files that slow response times.
2. Use Pro mode (if available). Manual control over ISO and shutter speed improves consistency.
3. Avoid third-party camera apps. Many are not optimized for outdated APIs and reduce image quality.
4. Shoot in good light when possible. Both phones perform best with ample illumination.
5. Keep storage free. Less than 1 GB of free space can delay photo saving and processing.

Tip: Disable automatic cloud uploads if your phone is sluggish—they consume RAM and battery during photo sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3 still beat newer iPhones in photography?

In specific scenarios—especially low-light handheld shots—the Pixel 3’s Night Sight can rival early-generation Night Mode on iPhone 11 or 12. However, newer iPhones offer better consistency, faster processing, and wider lenses. Overall, no current iPhone is worse than the Pixel 3, but the gap isn’t as wide as one might expect.

Is the iPhone XS Max camera obsolete in 2024?

Not entirely. For casual snapshots, social media posts, and well-lit videos, it remains functional. Its color science and video stabilization are still respected. However, lack of updates means no improvements to Smart HDR or Deep Fusion, putting it behind even mid-tier 2024 smartphones in dynamic scenes.

Which phone should I buy used for photography today?

If budget allows, consider a Pixel 4a or iPhone 11 instead—they launched shortly after and received longer support. But between the Pixel 3 and XS Max, go for the Pixel 3 if you prioritize still photos, especially in mixed lighting. Choose the XS Max if you value video quality, zoom, and ecosystem integration.

Final Verdict: Is the Pixel 3 Camera Still Better?

Yes—but with caveats. Three years later, the Pixel 3 continues to deliver stronger still photography in most conditions, particularly where lighting is uneven or dim. Its software-driven enhancements remain effective, and Google’s early lead in computational imaging has aged better than Apple’s more conservative approach at the time.

The iPhone XS Max counters with better build quality, smoother performance, and superior video capabilities. Its dual-lens flexibility gives it an edge in composition, and its images require less post-processing for professional use.

Ultimately, “better” depends on your needs. For a photographer who values vibrant, detailed stills and doesn’t mind limited zoom, the Pixel 3 holds up remarkably well. For someone who shoots varied content—including video and portraits—the XS Max offers more versatility, even if its low-light results feel dated.

“The real winner isn’t the hardware—it’s the user who knows their tool. A skilled photographer with a Pixel 3 will always outshoot an amateur with a latest-gen phone.” — Lena Torres, Mobile Photography Instructor

Take Action: Get the Most From Your Older Smartphone Camera

Don’t underestimate what your Pixel 3 or iPhone XS Max can still do. Clean the lens regularly, master manual settings, and shoot with intention. Revisit old favorites from your gallery—you might find gems captured through now-outdated tech that still resonate emotionally and artistically.

💬 Still using a Pixel 3 or iPhone XS Max? Share your best photo and why you love (or regret) keeping it! Join the conversation below.