Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Google Pixel 6 Pro
Both flagships share a $899 price point and 6.7-inch displays, but diverge significantly in execution. iPhone 16 Plus leverages the A18 chipset with iOS 18's optimization for raw performance and thermal efficiency, while Pixel 6 Pro delivers the Tensor chip with superior computational photography and a higher 3120x1440 QHD+ LTPO display (10-120Hz) versus iPhone's 60Hz panel. Pixel 6 Pro's camera system excels with a dedicated 48MP telephoto offering 4x optical zoom and superior zoom quality; iPhone 16 Plus focuses on video prowess with Dolby Vision 4K@60fps and computational refinement. Battery capacity favors Pixel 6 Pro (5003 mAh vs 4674 mAh), though iPhone compensates with MagSafe's faster wireless charging (25W vs 23W). Performance-wise, both handle demanding tasks flawlessly, but iPhone's vertical integration gives slight real-world advantages. Consider Pixel 6 Pro for photography enthusiasts and refresh-rate enthusiasts; iPhone 16 Plus for ecosystem loyalty and video creation. Pixel 6 Pro edges ahead due to superior display tech and zoom capabilities.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Google Pixel 6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 199 g | 210 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.85, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 11.1 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree |
| Telephoto | — | 48 MP, f/3.5, 4x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4674 mAh | 5003 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd gen) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 10-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Google Tensor |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Excellent battery life from large 4674 mAh cell
- A18 chip supports Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Bright 2000-nit display
- More affordable than Pro Max
Cons
- Still locked to 60Hz refresh rate
- No telephoto camera
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No always-on display
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Pros
- First-generation Tensor chip brings impressive AI photography
- LTPO display with variable refresh rate
- 4x telephoto for versatile zoom range
- Large battery with wireless charging
- Distinctive two-tone design
Cons
- First-gen Tensor has thermal management issues
- Software bugs at launch damaged reputation
- Heavy and slippery curved glass back
- Aging chip limits longevity
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