Apple iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 7a
If you're torn between the Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 7a, the Pixel 7a takes the lead with its 64MP camera that crushes the iPhone's 12MP. In real-world use, that means stunning photos with details you might miss on the iPhone. The Apple iPhone 13 is the budget option here,.
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Apple iPhone 13
Google Pixel 7a
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 7a

Apple iPhone 13
Google Pixel 7a
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 13 | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(818)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 3,240mAh (approximate) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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Apple iPhone 13
✓ 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)
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Google Pixel 7a
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 7a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the iPhone 13's 12MP. That said, grab the iPhone 13 if you prefer iOS and want a compact size - it weighs just 6.14oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you want a lightweight phone at 6.14oz, prefer iOS for its ecosystem, or need a phone that supports MagSafe charging.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you prioritize photography with a 64MP camera, want a battery that lasts up to 25 hours of video, or enjoy a smoother display with 90Hz refresh rate.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 7a are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 13 excels if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. 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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