The Pixel 9 Pro stands out as one of the top contenders in Google’s recent lineup, boasting significant enhancements like an upgraded Tensor chip, a sleek design, and an impressive display. Its more compact size is another major advantage. However, it faces stiff competition from the new iPhone 16 Pro, which brings its own notable improvements, including a slightly larger display, a dedicated camera control button, an enhanced telephoto lens, and a powerful new chip. Let’s compare how the Pixel 9 Pro measures up against the iPhone 16 Pro
Price, Availability, and Specs
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro start at $999 for the base 128GB model, with identical pricing for the 256GB version at $1,099. However, the Pixel 9 Pro offers more affordable options for its larger storage sizes, priced at $1,219 for 512GB and $1,449 for 1TB, compared to $1,299 and $1,499 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
Both smartphones are readily available from major retailers and carriers, each offering four color options
Here’s a closer look at the specifications for these flagship devices
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A18 Pro |
| Display type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz |
| Display dimensions | 6.3″ | 6.3″ |
| Display resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 2622 x 1206 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Charge speed | 27W wired, 21W wireless | Unknown wired, 25W wireless |
| Charge options | USB-C wired, Qi wireless | USB-C wired, MagSafe/ Qi2 wireless |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| SIM support | Nano-SIM and eSIM | eSIM |
| Operating System | Android 14 | iOS 18 |
| Front camera | 42MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.9 |
| Rear camera | 50MP, f/1.7, OIS main; 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide; 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephoto | 48MP, f/1.78, OIS main; 48MP, f/2.2 ultrawide; 12MP, f/2.8 5x telephoto |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-FI 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm |
| Weight | 199g | 199g |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| Price | From $999 | From $999 |
Design and display
The design of the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro reflects distinct aesthetics, though both have flat sides and rounded corners. The Pixel 9 Pro features a unique oval-shaped rear camera module that spans horizontally and a hole-punch-style selfie camera. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro sports a square camera system with rounded corners and a pill-shaped selfie camera. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro is built with a durable titanium frame and is more compact, while the Pixel 9 Pro has a larger aluminum frame.
The iPhone 16 Pro includes two extra buttons: an action button that can be customized for various tasks and a dedicated camera control button. This camera button offers more functionality compared to the absence of such features on the Pixel 9 Pro.
Both devices use high-quality glass; the iPhone 16 Pro boasts Corning’s Ceramic Shield, touted as the strongest in any phone, while the Pixel 9 Pro utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The durability difference is minimal, with both phones rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
On the display front, both feature 6.3-inch LTPO OLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate and full-HD+ resolution. Although the Pixel 9 Pro has a slightly higher PPI, the difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use. Ultimately, while both phones exude premium quality with stunning displays, the iPhone 16 Pro’s titanium frame, smaller size, and extra buttons may appeal more to some users.
Software
Software is a major differentiator between the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro. The Pixel runs on Android 14, while the iPhone uses iOS 18. Both operating systems emphasize artificial intelligence and machine learning, but their implementations vary. Google has managed to deliver several promised AI features with the Pixel, although the overall experience may not feel as cohesive as users might expect. In contrast, Apple’s “Apple Intelligence” features are anticipated to roll out in the coming months, leaving iOS 18 lacking some of the AI enhancements found in Android.
Despite these differences, both operating systems have become increasingly refined and similar. However, certain features stand out in each. For instance, iOS 18‘s control center is more user-friendly compared to Android 14’s quick settings, and Apple’s Continuity features are particularly impressive, allowing seamless interaction across devices. Additionally, iOS allows users to control app access to contacts more effectively.
On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro and Android provide unique functionalities such as an expandable volume panel, a desktop mode that transforms the phone into a mini-computer when connected to a monitor, and a split-screen mode for multitasking with two apps simultaneously.
Apple has gradually integrated features that Android users have enjoyed for years, while Google has adopted some iOS innovations as well. Although iOS is generally seen as more privacy-oriented due to its closed ecosystem, Android has made significant strides in security.
In terms of software longevity, Google commits to seven years of updates for the Pixel 9 Pro, while Apple typically provides updates for at least five years, often extending to six. This commitment to updates enhances the long-term value of both devices, appealing to users seeking longevity in their smartphones
Performance and battery life
Apple and Google both utilize in-house silicon to power their smartphones, with the Pixel 9 Pro featuring the Tensor G4 chip and the iPhone 16 Pro equipped with the A18 Pro. While Apple’s processors have historically held a performance advantage, the gap has narrowed significantly; in everyday use, users may not notice a substantial difference in speed between the two.
However, gaming performance tells a different story. Tensor chips lag behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 series and still struggle to compete with Apple Silicon in this area. That said, both the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro provide a responsive experience for regular tasks, minimizing any likelihood of slowdowns.
When it comes to thermal performance and battery efficiency, the A18 Pro stands out. Despite improvements in the Tensor G4, the Pixel 9 Pro can still heat up during intensive use, though it’s less of an issue than with previous models.
The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 4,700mAh battery that fulfills Google’s promise of all-day usage, and its performance remains consistent. While Apple doesn’t disclose the exact battery capacity for the iPhone 16 Pro, it also delivers reliable all-day battery life.
In terms of charging, the Pixel 9 Pro supports 27W wired charging but requires a charger that supports both USB-PD and PPS for optimal speed. The iPhone 16 Pro likely offers similar wired charging capabilities with a standard USB-PD power brick.
When it comes to wireless charging, the iPhone 16 Pro has an edge with its Qi2 support and enhanced MagSafe charging, which can reach 25W, albeit currently only with the official MagSafe charger. In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro supports 21W wireless charging only with the second-gen Pixel Stand; other wireless chargers will deliver lower speeds of 12W or 5W depending on EPP support.
Both smartphones feature advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, dual-frequency GPS, UWB capabilities, and a USB Type-C port. For biometric security, the Pixel 9 Pro relies on an under-display fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 16 Pro utilizes Face ID for secure authentication.
Apple is still the video king Camera
Apple and Google have established themselves as leaders in camera performance, particularly through their advanced image processing and computational photography capabilities. This trend continues with the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro.
The Pixel 9 Pro retains a similar camera system to its predecessor, featuring a 50MP primary camera and a 48MP telephoto lens, with a slightly upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera that boasts a larger aperture for improved light capture. Users can expect excellent shots with minimal adjustments, although the heavy post-processing can sometimes lead to overly bright images.
Google has also made strides with its Video Boost feature to enhance video quality, but it still falls short compared to Apple’s offerings. The iPhone 16 Pro excels as a video recorder, supporting 4K at 120fps—a capability absent in the Pixel. Additionally, Apple introduces new features like spatial audio recording and various “mood” styles for more creative video capture.
Both phones feature impressive camera setups: the iPhone 16 Pro includes a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens, now with 5x optical zoom. In terms of still photography, users will notice only subtle differences in style and tone between images from the Pixel and the iPhone.
A standout feature in the iPhone 16 Pro is tone control, which allows users to adjust post-processing levels to achieve a more natural look. This feature enables adjustments both during framing and after capturing the image, leveraging additional metadata to refine photos.
For selfies, the Pixel 9 Pro’s 42MP and the iPhone 16 Pro’s 12MP front-facing cameras both deliver solid performance, ensuring that users can take great selfies regardless of the device.
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