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

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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9 Apple iPhone 16
Operating SystemAndroid 15iOS 18
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G4Apple A18 Bionic
CPU ArchitectureOcta-core6-core
GPUImmortalis-class GPUApple 5-core GPU
App StoreGoogle Play StoreApple App Store
AI PlatformGemini AIApple Intelligence
Assistant TypeGoogle Assistant + GeminiSiri with GenAI
Camera Sensor (Main)50MP Octa PD wide48MP Quad-pixel sensor
Front Camera10.5MP12MP TrueDepth
Camera FeaturesMagic Editor, Best Take, Photo UnblurSmart HDR 5, Photonic Engine
Video Recording4K@60fps, 10-bit HDR4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Display TypeOLED, 120HzSuper Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz
Display Size6.2 inches6.1 inches
Fingerprint ScannerUnder-displayNo
Build MaterialMatte glass, aluminum frameTextured matte glass, aluminum frame
RAM12GB LPDDR5X8GB LPDDR5
Storage Options128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery Capacity~4600mAh~3500mAh
Wired Charging27W USB-C~20W USB-C
Wireless Charging18W Qi15W MagSafe
Port TypeUSB-C 3.2 Gen 2USB-C
Data Transfer SpeedUp to 10 GbpsLikely 480 Mbps
Voice IsolationClear Calling + Noise SuppressionVoice Isolation with machine learning
Audio OutputStereo speakersStereo speakers
Haptic FeedbackAndroid vibration motorTaptic Engine
Software Updates7 years~5–6 years
ColorsObsidian, Porcelain, BayBlack, Blue, Pink, Starlight, Mint
DimensionsApprox. 152.4 x 71.4 x 8.8 mmApprox. 146.6 x 70.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight~187g~172g
NFCYesYes
PriceCheck Pixel 9 PriceCheck 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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 9 Apple iPhone 16
Display Refresh Rate120Hz OLED120Hz OLED
Display BrightnessUp to 2000 nitsUp to 2000 nits
Rear Camera SetupDual camerasDual cameras
Night ModeYesYes
Face UnlockYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 certifiedIP68 certified
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
NFC SupportYesYes
Biodegradable PackagingYesYes
UFS/NVMe Storage TypeYesYes
Ultra-wideband (UWB)Likely supportedYes
Eco-friendly MaterialsRecycled aluminum & plasticsRecycled aluminum & glass
Price Check Pixel 9 Price Check iPhone 16 Price

FAQ

Is the Google Pixel 9 faster than the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16, powered by the A18 Bionic chip, generally delivers faster performance in both CPU and GPU tasks compared to the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4, which is more optimized for AI-driven workflows rather than raw speed.

Does the Pixel 9 or iPhone 16 have a better display?
Both have excellent 120Hz OLED displays with up to 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, but the iPhone 16 may offer slightly better color calibration and overall sharpness due to Apple’s tuning and Super Retina XDR technology.

Which phone has better camera quality, Pixel 9 or iPhone 16?
The Pixel 9 features a 50MP sensor with advanced AI processing like Magic Editor, while the iPhone 16 uses a 48MP sensor with Smart HDR 5 and Photonic Engine. Photo results may vary depending on lighting, but Apple leads in video while Google excels in AI-enhanced stills.

Which phone lasts longer on a single charge?
The Pixel 9 likely lasts longer due to its larger ~4600mAh battery compared to the iPhone 16’s ~3500mAh battery, though real-life endurance also depends on software optimization and user habits.

Does the iPhone 16 charge faster than the Pixel 9?
No, the Pixel 9 supports faster 27W wired and 18W wireless charging, while the iPhone 16 caps around 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging.

Do both phones support Face Unlock?
Yes, but the iPhone 16 relies solely on Face ID, while the Pixel 9 supports both Face Unlock and an under-display fingerprint scanner for added flexibility.

Which phone gets longer software support?
The Pixel 9 promises 7 years of OS and security updates, while the iPhone 16 is expected to receive around 5 to 6 years of iOS updates.

Do both phones have 5G connectivity?
Yes, both support sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G for high-speed mobile data and low latency network performance.

Can both phones wirelessly charge?
Yes, both support wireless charging. The Pixel 9 supports Qi wireless charging, and the iPhone 16 supports Qi and MagSafe magnetic charging.

Do the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 have water resistance?
Yes, both are IP68-rated, which means they are resistant to dust and can survive underwater up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Which phone is lighter?
The iPhone 16 is lighter at around 172g, while the Pixel 9 weighs approximately 187g, making Apple’s model slightly more compact and easier to handle.

Is the iPhone 16 more expensive than the Pixel 9?
Yes, the iPhone 16 starts at around $799 USD, while the Pixel 9 is expected to start at about $699 USD, making the Pixel more affordable.

Which phone has better AI features?
The Pixel 9 uses Google’s Gemini AI for on-device smart features like call screening, voice typing, and photo editing, while the iPhone 16 introduces Apple Intelligence for tasks like writing suggestions, GenAI image creation, and improved Siri responses.

Do both phones support high-speed USB-C ports?
The Pixel 9 features a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with faster transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, while the iPhone 16 may have slower USB-C speeds unless it’s a Pro variant.

Which phone is better for customization and app control?
The Pixel 9 provides more UI flexibility and home screen customization due to Android 15’s open design, whereas the iPhone 16 focuses on ecosystem integration with a more controlled interface.

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