It was solely a matter of time – with the iPhone 16 sequence making its strategy to the palms of patrons quickly, we thought that it might be attention-grabbing to see how Apple’s newest flagship smartphone stacks up in opposition to the likewise recently-launched Google Pixel 9. Each telephones include some similarities when it comes to {hardware} and software program, and as such you could be curious as to how they examine to one another. Let’s check out the main highlights from every gadget!
READ: Apple’s new iPhone 16 is right here and it’s extra highly effective than ever
Maybe the iPhone 16’s largest energy versus the Pixel 9 is the A18 chip inside. Apple’s A-series chips have at all times been spectacular, and the A18 is not any completely different. Constructed on a 3nm course of, the brand new chipset is ready to run AAA console video games and – no less than in response to Apple – options appreciable enhancements over the A16 chip from final yr, which itself was already pretty highly effective. By comparability, the Tensor G4 within the Pixel 9 is considerably missing when it comes to general energy and efficiency, with Google choosing a extra efficiency-based strategy to its customized chip.
Along with this, Apple appears to be doubling down on the iPhone 16’s promoting level as a camera-centric smartphone. The addition of a brand new bodily shutter button with capacitive contact capabilities permits customers to shortly entry their digital camera and tweak sure digital camera settings just by sliding their finger throughout the button. There’s additionally the addition of a brand new “fusion camera” system which Apple claims transforms the iPhone 16’s in any other case plain dual-camera setup right into a extra versatile system with telephoto capabilities.
In fact by comparability, the Pixel 9 additionally excels in the case of its photographic skills. It’s an excellent point-and-shoot digital camera, as Google’s computational images does a lot of the heavy lifting. In contrast to the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 Professional fashions nonetheless, it lacks Professional digital camera controls so customers on the lookout for extra in-depth tweaking could be left wanting extra. Its video capabilities are likewise a bit lacklustre particularly when in comparison with how Apple handles video recording and processing, with the Pixel exhibiting appreciable grain and noise in some conditions.
As for efficiency, the Tensor G4 chip contained in the Pixel 9 isn’t essentially the most highly effective SoC on the market, and is well outpaced by the Apple A18. Google has determined to deal with effectivity this time which permits for higher thermal administration and energy effectivity with the Pixel 9, however it should have a little bit of hassle enjoying high-end video games compared to its Cupertino rival.
READ: Pixel 9 versus iPhone 15 Professional Max digital camera comparability: the final word showdown
Maybe one benefit of the Pixel 9 is that it runs Android – sure, the Android vs iOS debate is a really subjective one, however when it comes to general freedom and adaptability, Android simply gives a world of distinction that iOS has simply began catching as much as, and also you do get some virtually helpful options with the Pixel 9 comparable to Name Screening, Circle to Search, and higher voice recognition to call a number of. However, going with the iPhone 16 implies that you’ll have a neater time utilizing it with different Apple {hardware} comparable to laptops and watches, a extra best scenario if that’s the route you’re going for.
Each telephones additionally include AI, with Gemini on the Pixel 9 and Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16. Each Apple and Google claiming that their newest chipsets are designed particularly to allow highly effective on-device AI options, and it’s attention-grabbing how each have very related AI options comparable to enhanced e mail and picture search features, picture era, and extra.
Each telephones are costly, with the iPhone 16 beginning at $799 and the Pixel 9 going a bit increased at $899, each for 128GB storage. It’s clear that Apple has the benefit right here when it comes to retail pricing, however in fact trade-ins and promo offers do carry these costs down.