Now that Pixel and iPhone fans are mad at me, I’ll say it again. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is — by far — the best iPhone ever made. Yes, that means it looks and feels more like an iPhone than ever, but I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. Instead of trying to take on a multitude of Android rivals, Google went after the most recognizable phone on the market, and I think it’s beaten Apple at its own game in both hardware and software. Here’s why.
Familiar, but better
If there’s one thing Apple gets right year after year, it’s hardware. No, the iPhone might not change a lot from one generation to the next — maybe just a new glass finish or frame polish — but it always feels sturdy and reliable. You could pick up an iPhone from five years ago or the top-end iPhone 15 Pro Max and immediately know where everything is with your eyes closed.