Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Google Pixel 8a
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's iPhone 16 Plus commands a premium at $899 with its larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, Apple A18 chip, and superior 25W MagSafe charging. Google's Pixel 8a delivers exceptional value at $499, featuring a brighter 120Hz Actua OLED screen, superior 64MP camera with OIS, and Google's computational photography prowess. While the iPhone 16 Plus excels in processing power and build quality with its hexa-core A18 and premium materials, the Pixel 8a punches above its weight with a sharper 2400x1080 resolution, faster refresh rates, and arguably better real-world camera performance through AI processing. Battery life favors the iPhone's larger capacity, though both devices offer solid all-day endurance. For budget-conscious buyers seeking capable photography and smooth performance, the Pixel 8a is the smarter choice. Conversely, iOS users wanting a larger screen and ecosystem integration should choose the iPhone 16 Plus.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 199 g | 188 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4674 mAh | 4492 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 7.5W (Qi) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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 8a
Pros
- Flagship-grade Tensor G3 chip at mid-range price
- Seven years of software updates (rare at this price)
- Excellent main camera for the class
- Bright 120Hz OLED display
- Wireless charging support
Cons
- Slow 18W wired charging
- Smaller battery than competitors
- Plastic back instead of glass
- No telephoto camera
- Bezels are thicker than the flagship Pixels
Related Comparisons
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