Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is proving once again why it continues to dominate smartphone videography, as one YouTuber recently compared it against Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL. The company is also scheduled to launch the iPhone 17 Pro models on September 9, which only goes on to show how far the Pixel still feels when it comes to consistent video performance.
YouTuber Dave2D’s tests reveal Pixel 10 Pro XL’s video shortcomings as iPhone 16 Pro Max excels again
YouTuber Dave2D conducted a short series of tests with Google’s latest Pixel 10 Pro XL stacked against the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It can be seen that the iPhone 16 Pro Max handled the challenging conditions with ease, as it produced more detailed footage, even after the sun went down. While Google’s Night Sight has long been praised for still photography, the magic failed to impress in the video department, where low-light performance was underwhelming. The YouTuber noted that the results produced by the iPhone looked “so much better” in certain shots, and even compared the Pixel 10 Pro XL to its predecessor.
Another issue carried over from the previous Pixel generations was motion handling, which distorted the video compared to the iPhone. When the camera was moved quickly, the Pixel introduced a jarring judder effect that instantly stood out in the side-by-side comparisons. It is slightly improved compared to last year’s Pixel 9 series, but the problem still persists, despite the fact that the company’s Tensor G5 is utilizing TSMC’s 3nm architecture for better computational processing.
However, Dave did mention that the Pixel 10 Pro XL beat the iPhone 16 Pro Max in a macro video test, with the phone delivering some vibrant results. The shallow depth of field created a cinematic effect with fixed focus on the subject. The macro mode was equally compelling in the photo department, as images looked more artistic, provided users took extra care with the focus.
Google has added a plethora of software-based features in the Pixel 10 Pro models, which would guide users to take better photos. The Camera Coach feature does exactly that after analyzing a frame, and suggests various cues to improve the shot. However, the YouTuber found the feature quite unnecessary, suggesting that anyone serious about photography already knows the basics. The new 100x ProRes Zoom was also part of the testing, and while it is impressive on paper, the images were often grainy in real-world use.
The Video Boost feature took 20 hours for the YouTuber’s video to be processed, and while the results were impressive, the wait time is not ideal and a bit impractical compared to Apple’s seamless real-time processing. However, we have to note that the Pixels remain strong for still photos, but when it comes to video, the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to set the benchmark. With the iPhone 17 Pro launch nearing, Google would have to pick up its game. Do you think Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro will beat the Pixel 9 Pro XL in still shots?
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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