SpecPair

Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Google Pixel 8

Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.

Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
$899
Score 8.4/10
VS
Google Pixel 8
Google
Google Pixel 8
$699
Score 8.6/10
Winner

Quick Verdict

Both phones deliver premium experiences at different price points, with the iPhone 16 Plus commanding a $200 premium. Apple's larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals but remains locked at 60Hz, while Pixel 8's 6.2-inch Actua OLED screen refreshes at 120Hz for noticeably smoother scrolling. Performance-wise, the A18 chip and Pixel's Tensor G3 both excel, though Apple typically edges ahead in raw speed. Camera systems differ philosophically: iPhone emphasizes Dolby Vision video and computational photography, while Pixel's 50MP main sensor with OIS and advanced AI processing produces exceptional photos in any condition. Battery capacity favors iPhone slightly (4674 vs 4575 mAh), but Pixel charges faster at 27W versus 20W wired. For $200 less, Pixel 8 offers superior value with 120Hz display refresh and practical AI features like Magic Eraser. iPhone 16 Plus justifies its price through ecosystem integration and longevity. Choose Pixel 8 for budget-conscious buyers seeking flagship performance; opt for iPhone 16 Plus if you're invested in Apple's ecosystem.

Full Specifications

SpecificationApple iPhone 16 PlusGoogle Pixel 8
SoftwareiOS 18Android 14
Body
Weight199 g187 g
MaterialAluminum frameAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus
IP ratingIP68IP68
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm
Camera
Main camera48 MP50 MP, f/1.68, OIS
Front camera12 MP10.5 MP, f/2.2
Video4K@60fps Dolby Vision4K@60fps
Ultrawide12 MP12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree
Memory
RAM8 GB8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
Capacity4674 mAh4575 mAh
Charging20W wired27W wired
Wireless charging25W MagSafe18W (Pixel Stand)
Display
Size6.7 inches6.2 inches
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDActua OLED
Resolution2796 x 12902400 x 1080
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)20002000
Processor
CPUHexa-coreNona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Immortalis-G715s MC10
ChipsetApple A18Google Tensor G3
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 2.0USB-C 3.2
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth5.35.3

Category Scores

Value
Apple iPhone 16 Plus7.8
Google Pixel 88.9
Camera
Apple iPhone 16 Plus8.6
Google Pixel 88.8
Battery
Apple iPhone 16 Plus8.2
Google Pixel 88.1
Display
Apple iPhone 16 Plus8.5
Google Pixel 88.9
Performance
Apple iPhone 16 Plus8.7
Google Pixel 88.5

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 8

Pros

  • Compact and comfortable design
  • Seven years of updates
  • Excellent main camera
  • Bright Actua OLED display
  • On-device AI features

Cons

  • No telephoto lens
  • Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
  • Only 8 GB RAM
  • Slow charging vs rivals

Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Google products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or the Google Pixel 8.