The main differences in camera design between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 9 Pro are primarily related to the layout and arrangement of the camera components.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera Design
- Camera Bar Design: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a significantly larger camera bar compared to many Google Pixel models. This bar will house a triple-camera setup, similar to previous models, but with a new design where the lenses are arranged in a triangular layout within a rectangular bar. The camera lenses are positioned on one side, while the LED flash, rear microphone, and LiDAR sensor are aligned vertically on the other side[2][5].
- Two-Tone Finish: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a two-tone finish, with the camera bar appearing darker than the rest of the rear shell[2].
- Camera Island Size: The camera island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be larger to accommodate the advanced camera hardware, including the flash and sensors in a separate area[5].
Google Pixel 9 Pro Camera Design
- Horizontal Lens Arrangement: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a horizontal arrangement of its triple-lens camera setup, which includes a primary 50MP camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom[3][6].
- Camera Bar: The Pixel 9 Pro also has a rear camera bar, but it is generally smaller and more minimalist compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The lenses are aligned in a horizontal line rather than the triangular setup seen on the iPhone[2][6].
- AI-Enhanced Zoom: Google emphasizes the use of AI technologies to enhance zoom capabilities, offering digital zoom options that are claimed to be as effective as having additional physical lenses[6].
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a larger camera bar with a triangular lens arrangement and a two-tone finish, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a smaller, more minimalist camera bar with a horizontal lens arrangement and AI-enhanced zoom capabilities.
Citations:
[1] https://www.phonearena.com/news/this-is-what-iphone-17-air-iphone-17-pro-max-will-look-like_id168330
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/13/iphone-17-pro-camera-design-leak/
[3] https://www.dxomark.com/google-pixel-9-pro-xl-camera-test/
[4] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-16-pro-vs-google-pixel-9-pro-camera-comparison/
[5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/02/23/apple-iphone-17-pro-max-leak-camera-case-design-new-iphone-17/
[6] https://amateurphotographer.com/review/google-pixel-9-pro-review/
[7] https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_16_pro_max_vs_pixel_9_pro_xl_review_battery_camera_price_compared-news-64952.php
[8] https://blog.google/products/pixel/google-pixel-9-ai-camera-features/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p38x9Hro_qA
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ng32v-WxeI