01/07/2025
Nicole Newton

What’s better: the Google Pixel 9 vs the iPhone 16?

When it comes to premium smartphones, the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 are two of the top contenders. Whether you’re deciding between Android and iOS or simply weighing up the hardware, this comparison guide covers everything from display and camera tech to performance, battery life and more. If you’re wondering which is the better pick in the Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 16 debate, you’re in the right place.

In this blog:

Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 16: a quick overview

The Pixel 9 vs iPhone 16 debate is one of the tightest in years. Here’s a quick summary:

Google Pixel 9 iPhone 16
Display 6.3″ Actua, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 6.1″ Super Retina XDR
Performance Tensor G4, 12GB RAM, Gemini AI A18 chip, Apple Intelligence
Camera 50MP + 48MP, Super Res Zoom 48MP + 12MP, Dolby Vision Video
Battery 24+ hrs, up to 100-hr saver mode Up to 22 hrs video, MagSafe
Colours Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black

 

Design & display

Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is available in four nature-inspired shades: Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain and Obsidian. It features a 6.3-inch Actua Display that’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so it’s tough as well as beautiful. With dimensions of 152.8mm x 72mm x 8.5mm and a weight of 198g, it’s a solid device that still feels comfortable in the hand. It boasts an IP68 rating, offering water and dust resistance.

iPhone 16
Apple’s iPhone 16 comes in Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black. It’s slightly smaller at 147.6mm x 71.6mm x 7.80mm and lighter too, at 170g. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers the crisp, vibrant visuals Apple fans know and love. The colour-infused glass back paired with aluminium gives it a polished, premium feel – and yes, it’s also IP68 rated.

Verdict: In the iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9 design battle, it comes down to size preference and style. The Pixel 9 is slightly larger with more screen real estate, while the iPhone 16 is more compact and lightweight.

Performance & features

Google Pixel 9
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 runs on Google’s new Tensor G4 chip with 12GB RAM and your choice of 128GB or 256GB storage. It’s backed by the Titan M2 security coprocessor and features built-in Gemini AI, Google’s own smart assistant. With emergency SOS and car crash detection, it also offers peace of mind when you’re out and about.

iPhone 16
Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 is a performance powerhouse with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU. It’s equipped with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s integrated AI feature, as well as the usual safety tools like crash detection and Emergency SOS. It offers more storage options too, with capacities up to 512GB.

Verdict: When comparing Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 16 performance, both phones deliver in speed and smarts. The Pixel 9 offers more RAM and built-in AI tools via Gemini, while the iPhone 16 brings more raw processing power and storage flexibility.

Camera

Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 features a powerful dual camera setup: a 50MP wide lens and 48MP ultrawide with macro focus. It offers Super Res Zoom up to 8x and optical quality at 0.5x, 1x and 2x. Selfie fans will love the 10.5MP front camera with autofocus. And for video, you get crisp 4K footage.

iPhone 16
Apple’s camera system pairs a 48MP main sensor with a 12MP ultra wide lens. It also supports optical zoom at 0.5x, 1x and 2x, and delivers smooth, cinematic video with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps. Plus, new camera controls make capturing pro-level shots easier than ever.

Verdict: It’s a close one. The Pixel 9 gives you higher megapixels on both front and back cameras, and more advanced zoom. The iPhone 16 shines in video recording and overall image processing, especially for those already in the Apple ecosystem.

Battery life & charging

Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 promises 24+ hours of battery life and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. It fast charges up to 55% in about 30 minutes and includes both fast wireless charging and Battery Share, letting you wirelessly charge other devices.

iPhone 16
Apple offers up to 22 hours of video playback on the iPhone 16. It now charges via USB-C, supports USB 2 speeds and includes MagSafe wireless charging. That means compatibility with all your favourite MagSafe accessories – from cases to wallets and chargers.

Verdict: For endurance, the Pixel 9 edges ahead thanks to its Extreme Battery Saver mode and reverse wireless charging. But iPhone 16 users benefit from the convenience of MagSafe and solid overall battery performance.

Whichever side you’re on in the Google Pixel 9 vs iPhone 16 showdown, you’re getting one of the best smartphones on the market!

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