iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Which phone should you plan on buying?

(Image credit: Future)

As the dominant players in the smartphone market, Apple and Google each hold a unique position with their iOS and Android platforms.

The upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro are poised to offer top-notch specifications alongside the latest features of iOS and Android. But how will these two devices compare to each other? Here’s what we currently know about both smartphones.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Specs

iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Release date and price

With the exception of SE models, nearly every iPhone released in the past decade has debuted in September. Even the iPhone 12, which faced a one-month delay in 2020 due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, adhered to this pattern. Therefore, it’s highly likely that the iPhone 16 Pro will follow suit and launch in September.

Regarding pricing, there’s optimism that Apple will maintain the starting price of $999. Crossing the four-figure threshold carries significant psychological weight, and it’s uncertain whether Apple is prepared to take that step.

On the other hand, Google’s Pixel phones typically arrive a month later in October. Similar considerations apply to pricing: While there’s potential for Google to increase the price from the current $999 for the Pixel 8 Pro, doing so would push it into the four-figure range, which might deter some buyers. In fact, the 6.1-inch Pixel 9 Pro could be priced lower if Google opts to keep its rumored 6.7-inch XL model under the $1,000 mark.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Design and screen

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Although initial renders of the iPhone 16 Pro bear a striking resemblance to recent iterations, with the notable addition of a Capture button for instant photography, reports indicate that it will feature a larger size. After several years of 6.1-inch displays, it appears that Apple will be increasing the screen size to 6.3 inches this time. Consequently, the dimensions are expected to be 149.6 x 71.45 x 8.4mm, which is relatively similar to the iPhone 15 Pro’s chassis dimensions of 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3mm.

There’s no information yet regarding the implications for resolution, but it’s likely that the device will retain the same LTPO OLED panel, capable of refreshing at rates ranging from 1 to 120Hz.

In a departure from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7-inch size, Google is reportedly following Apple’s lead this time by introducing two models of the Pixel 9 Pro. One will feature a 6.1-inch screen, while the XL model will boast a larger 6.7-inch panel. If the 6.1-inch variant maintains the 1440p resolution of the current Pro model, it could deliver noticeably sharper visuals, although there’s a possibility that Google might adjust the resolution accordingly.

Additionally, it appears that Google may be redesigning its distinctive camera visor that extends along the back of the phone. Instead of the previous elongated shape, the visor is now rumored to be a smaller oval housing the cameras, giving the phones a resemblance to characters from Among Us.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Performance

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With the anticipated release of the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple is poised to unveil the A18 Pro chipset, leveraging a cutting-edge 3nm manufacturing process that promises to enhance both performance and efficiency. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro could even outpace certain MacBook models in terms of performance, with purported Geekbench scores reaching around 3,500 for single-core and 8,200 for multi-core performance.

On the other hand, while the Google Pixel’s Tensor chipset has delivered respectable performance in everyday use, it has historically trailed behind competitors from Qualcomm and Apple in terms of raw power. However, the upcoming Tensor G4 chip, reportedly built on a 4nm process similar to the Exynos 2400 chip in the Samsung Galaxy S24 (excluding the USA), holds promise for significant improvements in both power and efficiency.

Despite a benchmark score that may seem underwhelming — with a single-core score of 1,082 and a multi-core score of 3,121 — there are several reasons not to be discouraged. Firstly, the benchmark utilized Geekbench 5, not the current Geekbench 6, making direct comparisons challenging. Secondly, with the release still six months away, there’s ample opportunity for optimization. Lastly, benchmark scores can be manipulated, and this result could potentially be a hoax.

Moreover, beyond raw power, both Apple and Google are poised to enhance their devices’ AI capabilities. Google, known for its prowess in artificial intelligence with features like Magic Editor, is expected to introduce further on-device AI enhancements with the Pixel 9 Pro. Similarly, iOS 18 is set to integrate on-device AI features, ensuring that the iPhone 16 Pro will also offer a robust suite of AI capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Cameras

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Big changes may be on the horizon for the camera layout of the upcoming Pro iPhone models. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro could feature the 5x tetraprism telephoto lens, first seen on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, along with a potential upgrade of the 12MP ultrawide lens to a 48MP sensor.

Pixel phones have consistently delivered impressive photographic quality, often surpassing expectations based solely on their specifications, thanks to Google’s advanced image processing capabilities. While there haven’t been reports of specific changes to the Pixel’s camera specs this year, speculation from MySmartPrice hints at the possibility of equipping the device with support for variable aperture, given the presence of a large sensor on the camera island.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro: Outlook

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As of now, there’s more information available about the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro compared to the Pixel 9 Pro, and it appears to be an exciting device with its larger screen size, enhanced camera capabilities, and various AI features.

However, it’s premature to overlook the potential of the Pixel 9 Pro. Google’s decision to offer the handset in two sizes could prove to be a strategic move, particularly if the smaller 6.1-inch model comes with a slightly lower price tag. With Google’s renowned camera technology and an array of AI features, the Pixel 9 Pro has the potential to serve as a compelling showcase for the capabilities of Android 15 upon its release later this year.

Source: Tom’s Guide