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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 17 Air
Choosing between Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 17 Air can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
Ratings: 4.6★ vs 4.9★
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
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Comparison: Google Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 17 Air
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8 | Apple iPhone 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy | ★4.9(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.2" | 6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi | 2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum |
Main Camera | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) | No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) | 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps | 24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 4,575mAh (Typical) | 3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed) |
Wired Charging | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back |
Dimensions | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm) |
Weight | 6.60 oz (187 g) | 5.82 oz (165 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) | Face ID |
Extras | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite |
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Apple iPhone 17 Air
Rating:★4.9(13)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back
Dimensions:6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Weight:5.82 oz (165 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis
- • 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
- • Powered by the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM for full Apple Intelligence support
- • Upgraded 24MP front camera for superior selfies and video calls
- • Excellent main camera performance with 2x lossless crop
✗ Cons:
- • High price for a single-camera system (no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses)
- • Battery life is shorter than the 'Plus' model it replaces due to thinness
- • USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No mmWave 5G support (Sub-6 GHz only due to Apple modem restrictions)
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Apple iPhone 17 Air has a slight edge for specific features. Google Pixel 8 remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Google Pixel 8 suits buyers who need Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates, Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- Apple iPhone 17 Air suits buyers who want Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis, 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8 excels if you value unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Apple iPhone 17 Air is better if you prioritize thinnest iphone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium titanium chassis. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
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