Apple iPhone 14 vs Google Pixel 7a
If you're looking for the best mid-range smartphone, the Google Pixel 7a takes the lead with its stunning 64MP camera. Meanwhile, the Apple iPhone 14 is a strong contender, but its 12MP camera can't compete with the Pixel's class-leading capabilities. When it comes to display, the 90Hz refresh rate on the Pixel makes for a smoother experience compared to the iPhone's 60Hz, especially during scrolling and gaming. This difference could significantly enhance your daily interactions with the phone.
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Apple iPhone 14
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 14 vs Google Pixel 7a

Apple iPhone 14
Google Pixel 7a
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,511)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
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 | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.07 oz (172 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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Apple iPhone 14
✓ Pros:
- • Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
- • Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
- • Lightweight and compact 6.1-inch design
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Autofocus on the front-facing TrueDepth camera
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
- • No optical zoom for telephoto (only digital)
- • Not compatible with newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to MagSafe/Qi)
- • Dynamic Island not available (uses the older notch design)
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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 Apple iPhone 14's 12MP. That said, grab the iPhone 14 if you want a more established ecosystem and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you prefer a lightweight phone at 6.07oz, you value the iOS ecosystem, or you want guaranteed software updates for 5 years.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you prioritize photography with a 64MP camera, need a longer battery life with 4385mAh, or enjoy a smoother display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 14 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 14 excels if you value affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. 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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