Apple finally gave the base iPhone the upgrades fans begged for — just as Google went all-in on cameras and AI.
The iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 are now both official, and at the same $799 starting price, they’re direct rivals to each other. But which one offers more for that approachable flagship price tag?
Apple has finally modernized its base iPhone with a 120Hz ProMotion display, a new 48 MP ultrawide camera, a sharper 18 MP selfie camera with new quirks, as well as longer battery life and faster charging.
Google, meanwhile, has made its boldest standard Pixel yet, with a triple-camera system including a 5x telephoto, a larger battery, and deep Gemini AI integration through Android 16.
Both phones make 2025 a great year for base flagships, packing nearly everything most people would need from a phone at this price point. But the there are a few important differences you need to know when comparing the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10.
iPhone 17 vs Pixel 10 differences:
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The iPhone 17 keeps an aluminum frame with a glass back, but upgrades the front protection to Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is three times more scratch-resistant. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 16, but still compact at 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm and 177 g.
The Pixel 10 doesn’t try to be thin either. At 152.8 × 72 × 8.6 mm and 204 g, it’s taller, thicker, and heavier — but with the benefit of a much larger battery and support for Pixelsnap, Google’s new magnetic Qi2 system for accessories like chargers, stands, and grips (which also works with MagSafe accessories).
Both phones are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, use durable front glass (Ceramic Shield 2 for iPhone, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for Pixel), and feature USB-C. That said, Google also uses the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the back of the Pixel 10, which might mean it is more durable.
Neither ships with a charger in the box.
Both should have IP68 water and dust resistance, aluminum frames, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (or Apple’s Ceramic Shield equivalent), and USB-C ports. Neither is expected to ship with a charger.
Pixel 10 colors include Obsidian, Indigo, Frost, and Lemongrass, while iPhone 17 colors are Black, Lavender, Mist Blue, and Sage, and White.
Display Differences
The iPhone 17 finally brings 120Hz ProMotion to the base model. It has a 6.3-inch OLED with slimmer bezels and peaks at 3000 nits outdoors, 1600 nits HDR, and 1000 nits typical.
