As we get closer to the iPhone 16 launch date, it’s only natural to wonder about comparing the Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9. Both flagship phones showcase the best AI capabilities and lean more on their software capabilities instead of hardware. Furthermore, iOS 18 also brings Apple Intelligence to the iPhone 16, which puts it head to head with the Google Pixel 9. So, without any further ado, let’s see how the best iOS flagship compares to the best Android one.
Also Read: Apple Watch Series 10: Price, Features, And Other Details
Apple iPhone 16 Vs Google Pixel 9: Specs Showdown!
Before we proceed to the detailed comparison of iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9, let’s take a quick look at their specifications:
| Aspects | Apple iPhone 16 | Google Pixel 9 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Full-HD+ Super Retina OLED with 60Hz refresh rate | 6.3-inch 1.5K OLED Super Actua with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Storage And RAM | 128GB+8GB, 256GB+8GB,512GB+8GB | 128GB+12GB,256GB+12GB |
| Operating System | iOS 18 with five years of updates | Android 14 with seven years of updates |
| Cameras | Rear: 48MP+12MP | Rear: 50MP+48MP Front: 10.5MP |
| Battery | 3,561mAh with 25W MagSafe Charging | 4,700mAh with 27W Fast Charging |
| Colors | Black, Green, Pink, Blue, White | Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony |
Both flagship phones offer top-of-the-line specifications, but it’s time to take a deep dive into each aspect. To find the best phone that suits your requirements, we will need to scrutinize each feature of both devices to find a winner in this comparison between Google Pixel 9 vs Apple iPhone 16.
iPhone 16 Waterproof Capabilities: How Durable is the New Model?
Design And Display
Score
Apple iPhone 16
Processor
9.3
Display
8.5
Camera
8.1
Battery
6.8
Starting with the design, both phones have slab-style designs with rounded corners. The Apple iPhone 16 has a redesigned vertical camera module, while the Pixel 9 has a new Search bar-inspired camera bar in the middle. Apple has changed the camera orientation to enable Spatial Video recording. The iPhone 16 is available in pink, yellow, green, black, and purple, while you can buy the Pixel 9 in Porcelain, Obsidian, Rose, and Green.
Also Read: Small But Significant Improvements in the iPhone 16 Lineup
Both phones are compact and easy to hold in one hand. Coming to the display comparison of iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. Despite many people hoping for a 120Hz refresh rate, Apple is sticking to 60Hz for now. You get Ceramic Shield glass for protection and a new power-efficient OLED with microlens technology.
Similarly, the Google Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch Actua OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in a smoother scrolling experience. The screen has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it perfect for outdoor usage. While the bezels are similarly slim on both models, the Pixel 9 has a center punch hole cutout, less intrusive than the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 16. In this comparison of iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, both phones are equally matched in sharpness and color output; the larger screen and faster refresh rate tilt the scales in favor of the Pixel 9.
Design And Display Winner: Pixel 9
Performance And Storage
Score
Google Pixel 9
Processor
9.3
Display
7.9
Camera
6.0
Battery
8.2
When it comes to the performance of the iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, the iPhone seems to have an edge. The new A18 Bionic is made using TSMC’s new 3nm process, giving it a clear advantage over the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9. Apple is offering 8GB of RAM on the iPhone 16, while Google gives you a generous 12GB of memory. Regarding storage, the iPhone 16 starts at 256GB instead of 128GB, giving you more space to store all your precious files and photos. Comparatively, the Pixel 9 is still stuck at 128GB, which is disappointing given its premium price tag.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 16 Battery Life: Is It Better Than The iPhone 15?
However, despite its fourth iteration of the Tensor chipset, Google hasn’t been able to catch up to the competition. Despite some noticeable improvements, when comparing the iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, the Tensor G4 falls behind the A18 Bionic in benchmarks and raw performance. However, if you want to play games at a high refresh rate, the Pixel 9 is the way to go, as the iPhone 16 is still stuck at 60Hz. Although both processors are equally capable of day-to-day tasks, if you are not into gaming, you will be fine with either. Overall, the iPhone 16 is a clear winner as you get better performance and bigger storage.
Performance & Storage Winner: iPhone 16
Software And AI Features
Software is where the similarities between the Google Pixel 9 vs Apple iPhone 16 end and they widely differ. The iPhone 16 runs on the latest iOS 18, while the Pixel 9 ships with the older Android 14 out of the box. Google promises seven years of updates on the device, while Apple usually provides five years of support, which is good enough for long-term users.Pixel owners also get Pixel Drops every few months with new features which is great.
Also Read: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Key Differences Explained
Apart from the usual software features, comparing iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, both phones offer AI capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini. You can summarize, proofread, and rewrite things. Both phones have plenty of cool features, including removing objects from pictures or creating your own AI-generated ones. Siri has received a significant overhaul and is now contextually aware, while Gemini Live lets you converse naturally. Both are pretty neck-to-neck in comparison, so it isn’t easy to declare a clear winner in this segment.
Software and AI Features: Tie
Camera
The major changes in this iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9 comparison are in the camera. The Apple iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel primary camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide-angle sensor. Apple has increased the aperture of the ultrawide-angle sensor to f/2.2 from f/2.4, improving low-light photography. Another change is the ability to take macro shots using the ultrawide-angle sensor for the first time, apart from the dedicated Capture Button.
Also Read: 10 Ways How iOS 18 Changes The Way You Interact With Your iPhone
On the other hand, the Google Pixel 9 boasts a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide-angle sensor. In addition to Pixel’s natural processing and better imaging quality, you get cool features like Add Me, Best Take, and Magic Eraser. Both phones can shoot videos in 4K at 60 FPS, while Pixel upscales 4K videos to 8K using software magic, so you get an added advantage there. These added features give the Pixel a clear advantage over the iPhone when comparing the camera features of the iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9.
Camera Winner: Google Pixel 9
Battery And Charging
In this comparison of iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, a good flagship is one that can easily last an entire day and offers quick top-up when required. The Apple iPhone 16 packs a 3,561mAh battery with 25W charging. You also get MagSafe charging support, which is excellent if you are in the Apple device ecosystem.
Also Read: iPhone 14 vs iPhone 16: Should You Wait Or Upgrade?
Similarly, the Google Pixel 9 boasts a larger 4,700mAh battery with 27W fast charging. Not only is the battery significantly larger on the Pixel, but it also charges faster. Furthermore, you also get wireless charging support on the Pixel 9, which is a great addition. iPhones are notorious for their average battery backup, and the iPhone 16 continues this trend.
Battery & Charging Winner: Pixel 9
Price And Availability-iPhone 16 Vs Pixel 9:
Price is one area where none of the phones in the comparison have a clear advantage. This is a crucial aspect that could be a deal breaker for many, especially in a price-sensitive market such as India, where the iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9 are priced similarly.
Also Read: Is iPhone 16 Worth Buying? Should You Buy Now Or Wait For A Sale?
The Google Pixel 9 starts at Rs.79,999 for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. While the iPhone 16 price also starts at Rs.79,990.The Google Pixel 9 is available on Flipkart, Amazon, and other retail outlets, while the iPhone 16 will be available for pre-order after the Glowtime event on these platforms.
Price & Availability Winner: Tie
Conclusion– iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9
When comparing both phones, choosing one phone over the other is hard as both offer the best Android and iOS. However, if I had to pick one, I would choose the Google Pixel 9. Not only do you get a brighter and smoother display, but the Pixel 9 also has more intelligent AI features and unique camera options like Best Take and Add Me, which give it a clear advantage. Furthermore, you get a larger battery and faster charging on the Pixel, which will help it last longer.
Also Read: iPhone 16 vs S24 vs Pixel 9: Which Flagship Deserves Your Money?
However, if you have deeply invested in the iOS ecosystem and want the latest iPhone without spending a lot of money, then the iPhone 16 is the way to go. In this comparison of iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9, the iPhone has the edge in terms of performance and unique features like the Capture Button, MagSafe charging, and more. So, which phone are you interested in buying and why? Do let us know in the comment section below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone better or the Google Pixel?
The Google Pixel 9 is a better phone than the iPhone 16 as it offers a smoother 120Hz display, unique camera features, and a larger battery.
Which has a better camera, iPhone 16 or Pixel 9?
The Pixel 9 has a better camera overall due to its natural color processing and cool AI camera tricks like Best Take and Add Me.
Which phone is faster, iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9?
The iPhone 16 is undoubtedly faster as it is powered by the latest A18 chipset, which performs miles better in benchmarks and games. It can also perform AI tasks and can handle AAA gaming titles.
What phone is best for battery, iPhone 16 or Pixel 9?
The Pixel 9 is a better pick for battery endurance as you get a larger 4,700mAh battery apart from faster 27W charging compared to the iPhone 16.
How many years will Pixel last?
The Google Pixel 9 can easily last seven years thanks to the company’s promise of providing seven years of updates, including OS and security patches.
Which phone has a better display, the Pixel 9 or the iPhone 16?
The Pixel 9 has a better display overall. It has a smaller notch, a brighter screen with 3000 nits of peak brightness, and a smoother experience with 120Hz.
Which is better for gaming, iPhone 16 or Pixel 9?
For gamers, it is best to opt for the iPhone 16 as you get more stable frame rates, better cooling, and faster performance on the latest iPhone.
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