Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max / Google Pixel 8a

ProMotion varies the refresh rate with content: 120 Hz for smooth scrolling, lower rates on static screens to save battery. Because of the rounded corners, the screen measures 6.86 inches as a rectangle.

The always-on display shows the time, notifications and the song playing nearby (Now Playing) at low power while the phone is locked.

The outdoor peak is used briefly in strong sunlight; the 1-nit minimum is meant to reduce eye strain in a dark room.

It is the same chip as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Storage cannot be expanded later; ProRes uses a lot of space, so 4K 120 fps ProRes recording requires external storage.

The 12 MP 2x view (48 mm) is cropped from the main sensor rather than a separate lens. The total optical zoom range is 10x (5x in, 2x out); digital zoom goes up to 25x.

100 and 120 fps are available only on the Fusion main camera. Log recording leaves more dynamic range for colour grading.

Camera Control is a surface that detects presses and swipes; it opens the camera and changes settings with a slide. The Action button can be assigned to silent mode, flashlight, shortcuts and more.

mmWave support and Ultra Wideband availability vary by region. Thread is a low-power mesh network for smart-home accessories.

Satellite features work only in supported countries and where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

A USB 3 cable is required for 10 Gbit/s; the charge cable in the box does not provide that speed.

No power adapter is included. The 25 W MagSafe rate needs the newer MagSafe Charger and an adapter of at least 30 W.

IP68 is tested in fresh water under lab conditions and can decrease over time; liquid damage is not covered by warranty.

The upper limit, 90 Hz on earlier A-series phones, rises to 120 Hz on this model; Google notes it is not available in every app.

HDR brightness is measured with the whole screen lit and peak brightness with only 5% lit.

The aluminium in the housing and camera bar is 100% recycled; the back cover uses 76% recycled plastic.

IP67 means full dust protection and resistance to brief immersion; it is one step below IP68. Protection can diminish over time.

There is no card slot; the 256 GB option is not offered in every country.

Super Res Zoom up to 8x is software magnification; there is no telephoto camera.

According to Google, average battery life in testing was at least 31 hours; figures are based on a median user profile.

No charger is included; the box contains a USB-C cable and a Quick Switch adapter for transferring data from an old phone.

The seven years count from the first sale date on the US Google Store; this was the first A-series phone with the promise.