Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9
The Verdict
Both phones deliver flagship experiences at $799, but they serve different priorities. iPhone 16 impresses with its Super Retina XDR OLED display and efficient A18 processor, though it's hampered by 60Hz refresh rate and modest 3561 mAh battery. Pixel 9 counters with a larger 6.3-inch Actua OLED screen supporting 120Hz refresh rates, superior 4700 mAh battery capacity, and more practical 12GB RAM. Camera systems differ philosophically: iPhone's 48MP main sensor with Dolby Vision video excels in controlled environments, while Pixel's 50MP with f/1.68 OIS and 48MP ultrawide showcase computational photography's real-world advantages. Pixel's faster 27W charging and optical image stabilization provide tangible daily benefits. Performance remains competitive between A18 and Tensor G4, though the A18 edges out slightly in raw speed. For users prioritizing longevity and charging speed, Pixel 9 edges ahead despite iPhone's marginally superior display peak brightness. Pixel 9 wins overall.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- →New Camera Control button
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Google Pixel 9 if…
- →Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- →Seven years of OS updates
- →Premium flat-edge design
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved 48 MP main camera
- Strong battery life for its size
Cons
- Still 60Hz display in 2024
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto lens
- No always-on display
Google Pixel 9
Pros
- Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- Seven years of OS updates
- Premium flat-edge design
- 12 GB RAM is generous for the price
- Bright 2700-nit display
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Slower charging than competitors
- Tensor G4 not a benchmark leader
- Only two storage options
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 | Google Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 170 g | 198 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 48 MP, f/1.7, 123-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3561 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 27W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 15W (Qi) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2424 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G715 MC7 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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