We take a look at the Apple iPhone 16 and compare it to the Google Pixel 9. Both are great phones with lots to offer. For now, one bests the other.
Google and Apple unveiled their latest smartphone lineups in the past few weeks. If you’re interested in an entry-level phone option, you might want to consider the Google Pixel 9 and the Apple iPhone 16, which both include the latest and most powerful processors, fantastic cameras, and cutting-edge AI features. Both also include versions with various storage levels at different price points, and while they’re among the cheapest in their respective ranges, you’re unlikely to buy both. So which should you buy? Let’s compare these phones and see how they stack up.Apple iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9: specsApple iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9: design and display
The iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 have undergone design changes compared to their predecessors, the iPhone 15 and Pixel 8. These changes are not significant, but they are noticeable nonetheless.
The iPhone 16 features a new, smaller camera design on the back that generally changes its look compared to last year’s models. Unlike previous generations, the camera system is now pill-shaped rather than having a square cutout. It should remind many of the iconic iPhone X. It’s gorgeous. The Apple phone is available in classic white, black, vibrant pink, ultramarine, and teal. The chassis is made of aluminum, while the back is color-infused glass. At just 6 ounces, the iPhone 16 is one of the lightest smartphones to date.
The Pixel 9 and the rest of the Pixel 9 series feature a more polished design than the previous generation. Some say the phone lineup reminds them of Apple’s in terms of its cleaner look. This is evident in the stylish dual camera system on the back, which has evolved from a visor into a prominent flat-top island mountain. It’s simply gorgeous and something to appreciate. The phone’s satin-finish metal chassis has just the right amount of curvature to seamlessly blend in with the flat Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel, making it a pleasure to hold. Like the iPhone 16, you can purchase a Pixel 9 in white (Porcelain) or black (Obsidian). It’s also available in beautiful Peony and Wintergreen. Because Google’s phone has a larger display than Apple’s, it weighs an ounce more than its competitor.
The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED display. Both displays offer excellent resolution, though the iPhone 16 leads slightly in this aspect, with a higher pixels-per-inch count that means it’s a bit sharper and crisper.
In addition to screen size, the Pixel 9 outperforms the iPhone 16 in terms of its display’s peak brightness and refresh rate. The Pixel 9 boasts an impressive peak brightness of 2,700 nits, surpassing the iPhone 16’s still respectable 2,000 nits.
Furthermore, the Pixel 9’s refresh rate of 120Hz matches that of most high-end smartphones, while the iPhone 16 is limited to 60Hz. That’s similar to previous iPhone models, but it’s holding back the regular iPhone 16 series. As a result, the Pixel 9 delivers smoother screen refreshes, which is particularly noticeable during activities such as gaming.
Winner: Google Pixel 9Apple iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9: performance and software
Both phones feature new chipsets: the iPhone 16 has an A18, while the Google Pixel 9 has a Google Tensor G4.
The iPhone 16 has significantly improved performance this year, thanks to the chipset and 8GB of RAM. Although Apple claims a 30% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU, you might notice little difference in everyday use since the iPhone 15 was already relatively fast.
However, that A18 chip has other benefits that are (or will be) noticeable. Specifically, it enables the updated Photographic Styles on the phone and the upcoming Apple Intelligence package.
