Pixel 9 vs iPhone 16 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureApple iPhone 16 ProGoogle Pixel 9
ProcessorApple A18 ProGoogle Tensor G4
Operating SystemiOS 18Android 15
Chipset AI EngineApple Neural EngineGoogle TPU with Gemini Nano
RAM8GB LPDDR5X12GB LPDDR5X
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Display Size6.1 inches6.2 inches
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDAMOLED
Refresh Rate120Hz LTPO adaptive (ProMotion)120Hz fixed
Peak Brightness2500 nits~1600 nits
Rear CamerasTripleDual
Telephoto Zoom5x Optical, 25x DigitalNo telephoto, up to 8x digital
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth13MP punch-hole
Biometric SecurityFace IDFace Unlock (2D) + Fingerprint
Build MaterialGrade 5 TitaniumRecycled Aluminum
USB PortUSB-C 3.1 Gen 2USB-C 2.0
Video Recording4K604K60
Pro FeaturesProRAW, ProRes, Log video, Spatial VideoNot available
MagSafeYesNo
Satellite ConnectivityEmergency SOS via SatelliteNot supported
Weight~194 grams~187 grams
Dimensions (mm)146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3148.7 x 70.1 x 8.8
ColorsNatural, Black, White, Blue TitaniumObsidian, Porcelain, Bay
Wireless ChargingMagSafe + Qi2Qi wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot availableBattery Share supported
Battery Life (Est.)Up to 23 hours video playbackUp to 31 hours
Ecosystem IntegrationApple ecosystemGoogle ecosystem
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Pro PriceCheck 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

FeatureApple iPhone 16 ProGoogle Pixel 9
Display Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz
OLED DisplaySuper Retina XDR OLEDAMOLED OLED
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi VersionWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
NFC SupportYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
IP RatingIP68IP68
UWB (Ultra Wideband)YesYes
AI FeaturesApple IntelligenceGoogle Gemini Nano
Face UnlockYesYes
Software Update Years7 years7 years
USB-C PortUSB-CUSB-C
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Price Check iPhone 16 Pro Price Check Pixel 9 Price

FAQ

Does the iPhone 16 Pro support USB-C?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro uses a USB-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds, allowing faster data transfer and broader accessory compatibility compared to Lightning.

Does the Google Pixel 9 have a telephoto camera?
No, the Pixel 9 features a dual-camera setup without a dedicated telephoto lens. It relies on digital zoom using the main sensor.

How many years of software support do both phones receive?
The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to receive around 7 years of iOS updates, while the Pixel 9 is officially guaranteed to receive 7 years of Android OS and security updates.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 support wireless charging. The iPhone 16 Pro also supports MagSafe, while the Pixel 9 supports Qi wireless and reverse wireless charging.

What is the main difference between their chipsets?
The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip based on a 3nm process, focused on high performance and efficiency. The Pixel 9 uses Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which prioritizes AI tasks but has lower CPU/GPU performance compared to the A18 Pro.

Which phone is better for professional video recording?
The iPhone 16 Pro is better for professional video as it supports ProRes, Log video, spatial video, and advanced stabilization, whereas the Pixel 9 supports standard 4K60 video with cinematic blur but lacks pro-level formats.

Does the iPhone 16 Pro have a higher brightness display than the Pixel 9?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro has a peak HDR brightness of up to 2500 nits, while the Pixel 9 peaks around 1600 nits, making the iPhone more suitable for outdoor visibility.

Do both phones include facial recognition?
Yes, both phones have facial recognition. The iPhone 16 Pro uses secure 3D Face ID, while the Pixel 9 uses a faster but less secure 2D face unlock combined with a fingerprint scanner.

Can I use a fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 16 Pro?
No, the iPhone 16 Pro does not include a fingerprint sensor. It solely relies on Face ID for biometric authentication.

Which phone has a more premium build material?
The iPhone 16 Pro uses a grade 5 titanium frame, offering a more premium and durable feel compared to the Pixel 9’s recycled aluminum frame.

Do both devices support Ultra Wideband (UWB)?
Yes, both phones include UWB capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro uses the U1 chip for precise location features, and the Pixel 9 supports UWB for improved nearby device tracking and file sharing.

Are both phones water and dust resistant?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 have an IP68 rating, protecting them against water immersion and dust ingress.

What are the storage options available for each phone?
The iPhone 16 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants. The Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.

Which device provides better integration with other devices?
The iPhone 16 Pro offers seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The Pixel 9 integrates well with Google services and Pixel Buds, but Apple’s ecosystem is more tightly connected.

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