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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

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,.

⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 3240 mAh vs 4385 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.14 oz vs 6.84 oz

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Apple iPhone 13

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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Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a

4.5
(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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Key spec differences

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

Display1 specs
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 13
60Hz
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 13
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 13
5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Google Pixel 7a
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+

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

Apple iPhone 13

4.8(818)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a

4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Apple iPhone 13

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)

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Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a

Rating:4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One

✓ 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

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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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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