Google Pixel 9 & Apple iPhone 16 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 Google Pixel 9 rather than the Apple iPhone 16.
Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 9?
- The Google Pixel 9 has Google’s Tensor G4 chip for advanced AI features like real-time translation, image editing, and voice recognition, to streamline everyday tasks beyond standard processing, compared to the iPhone 16’s A18 Bionic chip.
- Google Pixel 9 has a 12GB LPDDR5X RAM configuration for smoother multitasking, faster app switching, and better performance in memory-intensive applications, compared to the iPhone 16’s 8GB RAM.
- It features a larger 4600mAh battery that enables longer screen-on time, extended usage during travel or workdays, and reduced charging frequency, compared to the iPhone 16’s 3500mAh battery.
- The Google Pixel 9 includes a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for faster file transfers, quicker media syncing, and support, compared to the slower USB-C port on the iPhone 16.
- Google Pixel 9 supports both Face Unlock and an under-display fingerprint sensor that adds greater flexibility for unlocking the phone securely in varying lighting conditions and usage scenarios, compared to Face ID-only on the iPhone 16.
- It has 27W wired and 18W wireless charging support that allows quicker top-ups during short breaks and more efficient wireless power delivery, compared to the iPhone 16’s slower 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging.
- The Google Pixel 9 comes with 7 years of Android OS and security updates that ensure long-term device reliability, consistent feature upgrades, and extended device lifespan, compared to 5 years of iOS updates on the iPhone 16.
- Google Pixel 9 includes an OLED display with a slightly larger 6.2-inch screen for more immersive viewing, easier typing, and better media consumption, compared to the iPhone 16’s smaller 6.1-inch display.
Maybe the Apple iPhone 16 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 9. 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 | Google Pixel 9 | Apple iPhone 16 |
| Operating System | Android 15 | iOS 18 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A18 Bionic |
| CPU Architecture | Octa-core | 6-core |
| GPU | Immortalis-class GPU | Apple 5-core GPU |
| App Store | Google Play Store | Apple App Store |
| AI Platform | Gemini AI | Apple Intelligence |
| Assistant Type | Google Assistant + Gemini | Siri with GenAI |
| Camera Sensor (Main) | 50MP Octa PD wide | 48MP Quad-pixel sensor |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Camera Features | Magic Editor, Best Take, Photo Unblur | Smart HDR 5, Photonic Engine |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 10-bit HDR | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Display Type | OLED, 120Hz | Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz |
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Fingerprint Scanner | Under-display | No |
| Build Material | Matte glass, aluminum frame | Textured matte glass, aluminum frame |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Capacity | ~4600mAh | ~3500mAh |
| Wired Charging | 27W USB-C | ~20W USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | 18W Qi | 15W MagSafe |
| Port Type | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 10 Gbps | Likely 480 Mbps |
| Voice Isolation | Clear Calling + Noise Suppression | Voice Isolation with machine learning |
| Audio Output | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Haptic Feedback | Android vibration motor | Taptic Engine |
| Software Updates | 7 years | ~5–6 years |
| Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay | Black, Blue, Pink, Starlight, Mint |
| Dimensions | Approx. 152.4 x 71.4 x 8.8 mm | Approx. 146.6 x 70.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | ~187g | ~172g |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Price | Check iPhone 16 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- 120Hz OLED Display: Both phones feature a vibrant OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring ultra-smooth scrolling, responsive animations, and enhanced fluidity in games or transitions.
- Up to 2000 nits Brightness (HDR): Both devices can reach up to 2000 nits of peak brightness in HDR content, making outdoor visibility excellent and HDR video playback stunningly vibrant.
- Dual Camera System (Wide + Ultrawide): The Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 use a dual-lens rear setup, typically consisting of a primary wide sensor and a secondary ultrawide, enabling flexible framing and enhanced group or landscape shots.
- Night Mode on Cameras: Each phone uses computational photography to allow bright, clear, and low-noise images in dark environments without flash, using advanced multi-frame processing.
- Face Unlock Capability: Both smartphones support face-based biometric unlocking — Pixel 9 combines facial recognition with fingerprint scanning, while iPhone 16 uses secure Face ID technology.
- 5G Network Support: Both the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 support sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, delivering ultra-fast downloads, streaming, and low-latency cloud gaming performance in supported areas.
- Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: Both support the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, providing faster throughput, lower latency, and improved performance in congested environments.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Each phone comes with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard, which ensures better power efficiency, more reliable connections, and faster pairing with accessories.
- Wireless Charging Support: Both models support wireless charging — the Pixel 9 uses Qi standard, and the iPhone 16 uses Qi and proprietary MagSafe with magnet alignment for efficiency.
- IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, which protects them against dust ingress and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, enhancing durability in real-life scenarios.
- Stereo Speakers: Both devices feature stereo sound setups, using the earpiece and bottom speaker to deliver rich and immersive audio for media and gaming.
- NFC for Contactless Payments: Both phones include NFC hardware, allowing users to make contactless payments using Google Wallet on Pixel and Apple Pay on iPhone.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging & Recycled Materials: Both brands have moved toward sustainable production by incorporating recycled aluminum, rare earth elements, and plastic in the phone chassis and packaging.
- UWB (Ultra-Wideband) Support: Although not always advertised equally, both phones are expected to feature UWB capabilities for precision location tracking and advanced spatial awareness (like Find My or Nearby Share).
Common Features
| Feature | Google Pixel 9 | Apple iPhone 16 |
| Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz OLED | 120Hz OLED |
| Display Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| Rear Camera Setup | Dual cameras | Dual cameras |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Face Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 certified | IP68 certified |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Biodegradable Packaging | Yes | Yes |
| UFS/NVMe Storage Type | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra-wideband (UWB) | Likely supported | Yes |
| Eco-friendly Materials | Recycled aluminum & plastics | Recycled aluminum & glass |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Price | Check iPhone 16 Price |
FAQ
Is the Google Pixel 9 faster than the iPhone 16? Does the Pixel 9 or iPhone 16 have a better display? Which phone has better camera quality, Pixel 9 or iPhone 16? Which phone lasts longer on a single charge? Does the iPhone 16 charge faster than the Pixel 9? Do both phones support Face Unlock? Which phone gets longer software support? Do both phones have 5G connectivity? Can both phones wirelessly charge? Do the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 have water resistance? Which phone is lighter? Is the iPhone 16 more expensive than the Pixel 9? Which phone has better AI features? Do both phones support high-speed USB-C ports? Which phone is better for customization and app control? |