2026 comparison

Updated Jan 7, 2026

|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Google Pixel 9 vs Apple iPhone 13

The Apple iPhone 13 offers a compact 6.1" display with strong video capabilities. What matters most here is the trade-off between power and compactness. The Google Pixel 9's 120Hz display refresh rate creates a smoother scrolling experience compared to the iPhone 13's static 60Hz. For gamers and those who love fluid animations, this makes a significant difference in daily use, especially when playing fast-paced games or scrolling through social media feeds.

📱 Display: 6.3" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 3240 mAh

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Google Pixel 9

★4.5

(1,044)•Amazon

Operating System:Android

Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates

Processor:Google Tensor G4

Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7

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Apple iPhone 13

★4.8

(818)•Best Buy

Operating System:iOS

Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)

Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)

Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Winner= clear advantage

Spec

Google Pixel 9

Apple iPhone 13

Display2 specs

Display SizeKey

Google Pixel 9

6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner

Apple iPhone 13

6.1"

Refresh Rate

Google Pixel 9

60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner

Apple iPhone 13

60Hz

Performance3 specs

ProcessorKey

Google Pixel 9

Google Tensor G4

Apple iPhone 13

Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)

RAMKey

Google Pixel 9

12GB LPDDR5XWinner

Apple iPhone 13

4GB LPDDR4X

Storage

Google Pixel 9

128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)

Apple iPhone 13

128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe

Camera2 specs

Main CameraKey

Google Pixel 9

50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OISWinner

Apple iPhone 13

12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF

Ultra-Wide Camera

Google Pixel 9

48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus

Apple iPhone 13

12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV

Battery2 specs

Battery CapacityKey

Google Pixel 9

4,700 mAh (Typical)Winner

Apple iPhone 13

3,240mAh (approximate)

Wireless Charging

Google Pixel 9

Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share

Apple iPhone 13

15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless

Design2 specs

Weight

Google Pixel 9

7.0 oz (198 g)

Apple iPhone 13

6.14 oz (174 g)Winner

Dimensions

Google Pixel 9

6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)

Apple iPhone 13

5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)

Software1 specs

Operating System

Google Pixel 9

Android

Apple iPhone 13

iOS

Connectivity1 specs

Connectivity

Google Pixel 9

5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS

Apple iPhone 13

5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Expand

Comparison: Google Pixel 9 vs Apple iPhone 13

Google Pixel 9

★4.5(1,044)Amazon

Apple iPhone 13

★4.8(818)Best Buy

Criterion	Google Pixel 9	Apple iPhone 13
Rating	★4.5(1,044)Amazon	★4.8(818)Best Buy
Operating System	Android	iOS
Software Support	7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates	Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor	Google Tensor G4	Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics	Arm Mali-G715 MC7	Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM	12GB LPDDR5X	4GB LPDDR4X
Storage	128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)	128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Display Size	6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)	6.1"
Screen Type	Actua OLED Display	Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Resolution	1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi	2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate	60–120Hz (Smooth Display)	60Hz
Peak Brightness	1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak)	800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)
Main Camera	50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS	12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera	48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus	12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera	N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)	No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom	2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)	2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)
Digital Zoom	Up to 8x Super Res Zoom	Up to 5x
Video Recording	4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR	4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)
Front Camera	10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF	12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)
Battery	4,700 mAh (Typical)	3,240mAh (approximate)
Wired Charging	Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)	20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging	Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share	15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Connectivity	5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS	5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
USB	USB Type-C 3.2	Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability	IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating	IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front
Dimensions	6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Weight	7.0 oz (198 g)	6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics	Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock	Face ID
Extras	Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection	MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support
Pros	Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration	Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch) A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor
Cons	Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom) Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0) Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)	Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W) No telephoto lens for optical zoom Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)
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Google Pixel 9

Rating:★4.5(1,044)Amazon

Operating System:Android

Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates

Processor:Google Tensor G4

Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7

RAM:12GB LPDDR5X

Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)

Display Size:6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)

Screen Type:Actua OLED Display

Resolution:1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi

Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)

Peak Brightness:1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak)

Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS

Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus

Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)

Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)

Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom

Video Recording:4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR

Front Camera:10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF

Battery:4,700 mAh (Typical)

Wired Charging:Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)

Wireless Charging:Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share

Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS

USB:USB Type-C 3.2

Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating

Dimensions:6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)

Weight:7.0 oz (198 g)

Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock

Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection

✓ Pros:

• Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
• Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
• Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
• Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration

✗ Cons:

• Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
• Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
• Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
• Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
• Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Apple iPhone 13

Rating:★4.8(818)Best Buy

Operating System:iOS

Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)

Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)

Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

RAM:4GB LPDDR4X

Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe

Display Size:6.1"

Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision

Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)

Refresh Rate:60Hz

Peak Brightness:800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)

Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF

Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV

Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)

Optical Zoom:2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)

Digital Zoom:Up to 5x

Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)

Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)

Battery:3,240mAh (approximate)

Wired Charging:20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning

Wireless Charging:15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless

Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB

USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)

Durability:IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front

Dimensions:5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)

Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)

Biometrics:Face ID

Extras:MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support

✓ Pros:

• Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
• Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
• A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming
• High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR
• Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor

✗ Cons:

• Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
• Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
• Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W)
• No telephoto lens for optical zoom
• Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

Key specs: Display: 6.3" vs 6.1" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you need long-lasting battery life for all-day use, you prioritize display smoothness for gaming, or you want the latest software updates for years to come. (6.3" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you prefer a compact and lightweight phone for easy handling, you want high-quality video recording with Dolby Vision, or you're looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. (6.1" display, 60 Hz refresh)

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 9 excels if you value compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. Apple iPhone 13 is better if you prioritize excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. 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.

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