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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9
If you're torn between the Apple iPhone 16 and the Google Pixel 9, consider this: the Pixel 9's display refresh rate of 120Hz offers a much smoother experience, especially for gaming and scrolling. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 features a powerful A18 chip and a stunning 48MP camera, making it a premium choice for photography enthusiasts. The trade-off? The Pixel 9 comes with a slightly slower 27W charging speed compared to the iPhone's 25W, but its overall performance in real-world use is impressive.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.3"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3561 mAh vs 4700 mAh
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Apple iPhone 16
★4.8
(219)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
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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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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 16
Google Pixel 9
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 16
6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 9
6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 16
60 Hz
Google Pixel 9
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 16
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Google Pixel 9
Google Tensor G4
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 16
8 GB
Google Pixel 9
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone 16
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Google Pixel 9
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 16
48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Google Pixel 9
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OISWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 16
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Google Pixel 9
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 16
3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Google Pixel 9
4,700 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 16
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Google Pixel 9
Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 16
6.00 oz (170 g)Winner
Google Pixel 9
7.0 oz (198 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 16
5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Google Pixel 9
6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 16
iOS
Google Pixel 9
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 16
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
Google Pixel 9
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
+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 16 vs Google Pixel 9
Apple iPhone 16
★4.8(219)Best Buy
Google Pixel 9
★4.5(1,044)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 | Google Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(219)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,044)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates |
Processor | Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Google Tensor G4 |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A18) | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 |
RAM | 8 GB | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | 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@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 4,700 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.00 oz (170 g) | 7.0 oz (198 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection |
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Apple iPhone 16
Rating:★4.8(219)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
RAM:8 GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
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
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back
Dimensions:5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.00 oz (170 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- • 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
- • Added Macro photography support to the non-Pro lineup
- • MagSafe charging speed increased to 25W (requires 30W adapter)
- • New physical Camera Control and Action buttons added
✗ Cons:
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- • USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No dedicated telephoto lens (zoom beyond 2x is digital)
- • Always-On display feature is omitted
- • No physical SIM tray in US models (eSIM only)
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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)
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 9 is the better buy for most people - its 120Hz display crushes the iPhone 16's 60Hz. That said, grab the iPhone 16 if you need top-notch photography capabilities with its 48MP camera that excels in various conditions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 if: you want superior photography with a 48MP camera, appreciate a compact and premium build, or if you value a longer software update lifespan.
Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you need an impressive battery life of 4,700mAh, want a smoother experience with a 120Hz display, or prioritize a budget-friendly flagship option.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 16 excels if you value a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. Google Pixel 9 is better if you prioritize compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
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