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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 8
The Apple iPhone 13 is the budget option here, but it still packs a punch with its A15 Bionic chip and solid build quality. However, the Google Pixel 8, as a flagship device, brings a stunning 120Hz display and a whopping 50MP camera that crushes the iPhone’s capabilities. It promises 7 years of software updates, making it a smart investment for the future. Overall, the numbers tell a compelling story for anyone considering an upgrade in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.2"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3240 mAh vs 4575 mAh
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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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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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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 13
Google Pixel 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 13
6.1"
Google Pixel 8
6.2"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 13
60Hz
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 13
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality CropWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 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 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Google Pixel 8
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 8
Apple iPhone 13
★4.8(818)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 13 | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(818)Best Buy | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.1" | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 3,240mAh (approximate) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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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)
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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
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8 is the better buy for most people - its 120Hz display crushes the iPhone 13's 60Hz. That said, grab the iPhone 13 if you prefer a more compact design and a proven ecosystem - it's lighter at 6.14 oz compared to 6.60 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you want a lightweight phone at 6.14 oz, prefer a compact 6.1" screen, or need a robust ecosystem with great video recording.
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you want exceptional camera quality for photography, need a long-lasting battery capable of 34 hours of video playback, or value a 120Hz display for smoother scrolling.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 8 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 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. 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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