Apple iPhone 16 Pro & Google Pixel 9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple iPhone 16 Pro rather than the Google Pixel 9.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple iPhone 16 Pro?
- The Apple iPhone 16 Pro has a powerful A18 Pro chip for faster performance, smoother multitasking, and more efficient power management, compared to the Pixel 9’s AI-focused Tensor G4 processor.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 5x optical telephoto lens for clearer zoomed-in shots without quality loss, compared to the Pixel 9’s dual-lens setup with only digital zoom.
- It supports ProRes and Log video recording for high-quality footage editing and cinematic production workflows, while the Pixel 9 lacks professional video formats.
- The Apple iPhone 16 Pro includes a Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion and up to 2500 nits brightness that enhances outdoor visibility and provides ultra-smooth scrolling, compared to the Pixel 9’s standard 120Hz AMOLED with lower brightness.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro has 3D Face ID that enables secure biometric authentication for payments and app access even in the dark, while the Pixel 9 relies on 2D facial recognition.
- It features a titanium body that provides higher durability and a more premium lightweight design, compared to the recycled aluminum frame of the Pixel 9.
- The Apple iPhone 16 Pro includes a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port that supports 10Gbps data transfer speeds for faster file movement and professional workflows, while the Pixel 9 uses slower USB 2.0.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro comes with MagSafe compatibility for magnetic wireless charging and precise alignment with accessories, which the Pixel 9 lacks entirely.
Maybe the Google Pixel 9 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple iPhone 16 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Google Pixel 9 |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G4 |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 15 |
| Chipset AI Engine | Apple Neural Engine | Google TPU with Gemini Nano |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz LTPO adaptive (ProMotion) | 120Hz fixed |
| Peak Brightness | 2500 nits | ~1600 nits |
| Rear Cameras | Triple | Dual |
| Telephoto Zoom | 5x Optical, 25x Digital | No telephoto, up to 8x digital |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 13MP punch-hole |
| Biometric Security | Face ID | Face Unlock (2D) + Fingerprint |
| Build Material | Grade 5 Titanium | Recycled Aluminum |
| USB Port | USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Video Recording | 4K60 | 4K60 |
| Pro Features | ProRAW, ProRes, Log video, Spatial Video | Not available |
| MagSafe | Yes | No |
| Satellite Connectivity | Emergency SOS via Satellite | Not supported |
| Weight | ~194 grams | ~187 grams |
| Dimensions (mm) | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 | 148.7 x 70.1 x 8.8 |
| Colors | Natural, Black, White, Blue Titanium | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe + Qi2 | Qi wireless charging |
| Reverse Charging | Not available | Battery Share supported |
| Battery Life (Est.) | Up to 23 hours video playback | Up to 31 hours |
| Ecosystem Integration | Apple ecosystem | Google ecosystem |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Pro Price | Check Pixel 9 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- 120Hz Display Refresh Rate: Both phones feature smooth 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring fluid animations, scrolling, and gaming responsiveness, making the UI experience equally modern on both devices.
- OLED Display Technology: The iPhone 16 Pro uses Super Retina XDR OLED while the Pixel 9 uses AMOLED OLED; both panels deliver deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios for immersive viewing.
- 5G Connectivity: Both models support full-spectrum 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave), offering fast wireless speeds and lower latency on supported networks.
- Wi-Fi 6E Support: Both phones support Wi-Fi 6E for faster data rates and better performance on the 6GHz band, especially in crowded environments like airports or offices.
- Bluetooth 5.3: With Bluetooth 5.3, both devices benefit from improved audio stability, energy efficiency, and multi-device pairing support.
- NFC for Mobile Payments: iPhone 16 Pro supports Apple Pay, while Pixel 9 supports Google Pay—both enabling fast, secure, and contactless payments using NFC technology.
- Wireless Charging: Each device allows wireless charging for cable-free power-ups, with the iPhone using MagSafe (and Qi2) and Pixel using standard Qi wireless charging.
- IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Both phones are IP68 certified, meaning they can withstand submersion in water and are protected from dust ingress—enhancing durability for outdoor use.
- Durable Front Glass Protection: While the iPhone uses Apple’s Ceramic Shield and the Pixel uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, both offer high resistance to drops and scratches.
- Ultra Wideband (UWB): iPhone’s U1 chip and Pixel’s UWB support enable precise location tracking for nearby devices, useful in features like AirDrop or Find My Device.
- AI Features (On-device): iPhone 16 Pro uses Apple Intelligence, and Pixel 9 uses Gemini Nano, both enabling AI-driven tasks like summarization, transcription, image generation, and voice assistance on-device.
- Face Unlock (Biometric Login): Both support facial recognition for unlocking the phone, though the iPhone’s Face ID uses 3D mapping and Pixel’s version uses 2D imaging.
- Long Software Support: Apple traditionally supports iPhones for up to 7 years, and Google now guarantees 7 years of updates for the Pixel 9, keeping both phones secure and up to date for a long time.
- USB-C Port: Both feature a USB-C port, simplifying connectivity with modern accessories, charging bricks, and data transfer cables.
- Stereo Speakers: Each device is equipped with stereo speakers—one front-facing and one bottom-firing—delivering immersive audio for games, videos, and music.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Google Pixel 9 |
| Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| OLED Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | AMOLED OLED |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| UWB (Ultra Wideband) | Yes | Yes |
| AI Features | Apple Intelligence | Google Gemini Nano |
| Face Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Software Update Years | 7 years | 7 years |
| USB-C Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Pro Price | Check Pixel 9 Price |
FAQ
Does the iPhone 16 Pro support USB-C? Does the Google Pixel 9 have a telephoto camera? How many years of software support do both phones receive? Do both phones support wireless charging? What is the main difference between their chipsets? Which phone is better for professional video recording? Does the iPhone 16 Pro have a higher brightness display than the Pixel 9? Do both phones include facial recognition? Can I use a fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 16 Pro? Which phone has a more premium build material? Do both devices support Ultra Wideband (UWB)? Are both phones water and dust resistant? What are the storage options available for each phone? Which device provides better integration with other devices? |