The tech world is buzzing with the arrival of the latest smartphone lineups from Google and Apple. If you’re on the hunt for an entry-level device that packs a punch, the Google Pixel 9 and Apple iPhone 16 are definitely worth considering. Both boast powerful processors, impressive camera systems, and cutting-edge AI capabilities. While they are among the most affordable in their respective ranges, choosing between them can be a tough decision. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which phone emerges as the champion.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two Styles
Both the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 have received design updates compared to their predecessors, the iPhone 15 and Pixel 8. While the changes are subtle, they are noticeable. The iPhone 16 features a new, smaller camera design on the back that sets it apart from its previous iterations. The camera system now adopts a pill-shaped design, reminiscent of the iconic iPhone X. The phone comes in a range of classic and vibrant colors, including white, black, pink, ultramarine, and teal, and is crafted from aluminum and color-infused glass. With a weight of just 6 ounces, the iPhone 16 is among the lightest smartphones on the market.
The Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, flaunts a more refined design, drawing comparisons to Apple’s aesthetic in its clean lines. The stylish dual camera system on the back has transitioned from a visor-like appearance to a prominent flat-top island design, making a bold statement. The phone’s satin-finish metal chassis complements the flat Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel, resulting in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing grip. Available in Porcelain (white), Obsidian (black), Peony (pink), and Wintergreen (green), the Pixel 9 offers a variety of color options to suit individual tastes.
In terms of display, the iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 9 features a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED display. Both deliver exceptional resolution, with the iPhone 16 edging out slightly with a higher pixels-per-inch count, resulting in a sharper and crisper picture. However, the Pixel 9 takes the lead in peak brightness and refresh rate. Its peak brightness of 2,700 nits surpasses the iPhone 16’s 2,000 nits, and its 120Hz refresh rate matches that of most high-end smartphones, while the iPhone 16 is limited to 60Hz. This translates to smoother screen refreshes on the Pixel 9, particularly noticeable during gaming.
Winner: Google Pixel 9
Performance and Software: A Battle of Chipsets and Operating Systems
Both phones are powered by new chipsets: the iPhone 16 features the A18, while the Google Pixel 9 boasts the Google Tensor G4. The iPhone 16 has seen significant performance improvements this year, thanks to its chipset and 8GB of RAM. While Apple claims a 30% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU, the everyday user may not notice a huge difference since the iPhone 15 was already incredibly fast. However, the A18 chip offers other benefits that will be more noticeable in the long run. It enables the updated Photographic Styles on the phone and the upcoming Apple Intelligence package. Photographic Styles, while present since the iPhone 13, have been significantly enhanced in this generation. With more styles to choose from and the ability to customize tone and color with an improved slider, users have more control over their images. Apple Intelligence, not yet released, promises to bring artificial intelligence to the iPhone for the first time. Once it launches, we’ll gain a clearer picture of the A18 chip’s true potential.
The iPhone 16 ships with iOS 18, and based on past iPhone releases, you can expect six to seven software updates. Turning to the Pixel 9, previous Tensor G chips have faced criticism for performance issues. Some Pixel users reported overheating problems and occasional stutters. However, the Tensor G4, paired with 12GB of RAM in the Pixel 9, delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Pixel 9 comes with Android 14 software and boasts a generous seven years of software updates, ensuring longevity for those who want to hold onto their device for the long haul. The Pixel 9 also includes Google’s built-in AI assistant, Gemini, with a free year of Gemini Advanced, which offers enhanced AI capabilities, saving users around $240 per year.
When considering performance and software updates, both phones offer top-tier capabilities and long-term support. This makes it a close call.
Winner: Tie
Cameras: A Showdown of Image Quality and Features
Cameras have always been a key feature of smartphones, and the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 are no exception. The iPhone 16 features a 48-megapixel Fusion primary rear camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP selfie camera. The camera setup is similar to that of the iPhone 15, but with some notable improvements. The ultrawide camera now offers autofocus, enabling macro photography, and users can capture Spatial photos for viewing on an Apple Vision Pro. The primary camera also features a new anti-reflective lens coating and captures pictures with zero shutter lag, similar to the iPhone Pro models.
The iPhone 16’s cameras deliver excellent results. The primary camera excels in capturing detailed photos with pleasing colors. It focuses quickly, handles moving subjects well, and performs exceptionally in low-light environments. The ultrawide camera makes macro photography a joy, and the selfie camera remains reliable, as expected from an iPhone. A new addition to the iPhone 16’s camera arsenal is the physical Camera Control button. This button, present on every iPhone 16 series phone, functions like a traditional camera shutter button, but offers enhanced functionality through its built-in capacitive sensor. The sensor grants access to a new camera menu with options for exposure, depth, zoom, cameras, styles, and tone. You can navigate these options by sliding your finger across the Camera Control, lightly pressing to select, and then adjusting the chosen setting by sliding your finger again. While it might take some time to get used to, the Camera Control offers a unique and potentially enjoyable way to interact with your iPhone’s camera.
The Pixel 9 also sports a dual-camera system on the back: a 50MP primary camera and a 48MP wide-angle camera that enables macro mode. The 10.5MP selfie camera also features autofocus. The Pixel 9’s cameras consistently produce sharp, colorful, and engaging images. The phone’s Action Pan feature adds motion blur to moving objects, and the new Reimagine feature in Magic Editor allows users to modify scenes based on their imagination. Casual photographers will appreciate the features and capabilities of both phones, as they offer a wealth of options for capturing memorable moments.
Winner: Tie
Battery and Charging: Powering Your Day and Beyond
The battery life of both phones is decent, although not exceptional compared to more expensive models from their respective brands. The iPhone 16 has a 3,561mAh battery, providing enough power for a full day of use. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 boasts a larger 4,700mAh battery, potentially allowing users to stretch their usage into a second day.
The iPhone 16 theoretically supports 45-watt wired charging, but in practice, it seems to be limited to around 20W. Tests with an Anker 747 charger showed that the iPhone 16 charged from 5% to over 60% in 30 minutes but took over an hour and a half to reach 100%. While charging from a low battery to around 70% is relatively fast, the final 30% takes significantly longer. MagSafe charging speeds have increased from 15W to 30W on the iPhone 16, which also supports MagSafe, Qi2, and Qi wireless charging. The Pixel 9 charges at a maximum of 27W, similar to the iPhone, and can go from 0% to 53% in 30 minutes and achieve a full charge in 92 minutes. The Pixel 9 supports Qi wireless charging but not Qi2.
While both phones deliver decent battery life, the Pixel 9 edges out the iPhone 16 due to its larger battery capacity and longer-lasting power.
Winner: Google Pixel 9
AI: The Future of Smartphone Intelligence
Apple plans to release the initial components of Apple Intelligence to the public within a few weeks, with all features expected to be fully available within six months. Apple Intelligence aims to provide a secure, helpful, and intuitive AI experience, offering personalized writing assistance, new creative tools, improved Siri, and more. Google Gemini, accessible on iPhone through the Google App, is designed to simplify everyday tasks and enhance the Google Search experience. Like Apple Intelligence, it will help users write better, improve their images, and much more. Since Apple Intelligence is not yet available, the Pixel 9 wins this category by default.
Winner: Google Pixel 9
Price and Availability: Finding the Sweet Spot
The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, $899 for the 256GB model, and $1,099 for the 512GB model. The Google Pixel 9’s base 128GB model also costs $799, while the 256GB version is available for $859. The Pixel gains points for its more affordable 256GB model, which is $40 less than the similarly equipped iPhone 16 model. However, it loses points for not offering a 512GB option, which is available with the iPhone 16.
Verdict: Pixel 9 Reigns Supreme (For Now)
While this verdict could change in six months with the full release of Apple Intelligence, for now, the Google Pixel 9 emerges as the overall winner. The Pixel 9 boasts several advantages, including a larger display, longer-lasting battery, and readily available AI capabilities. The iPhone 16 is a fantastic phone but currently lacks some of the promised features, making it a less complete package at this stage. Ultimately, the decision likely hinges on your preference for operating systems. Android enthusiasts will gravitate towards the Pixel 9 and Android 14, while iOS loyalists will opt for the iPhone 16 with iOS 18.
