Apple iPhone 16vsGoogle Pixel 9
SETTLEDUpdated September 8, 2026
Google Pixel 9 wins
Verdict
Google Pixel 9 wins 2 of 5 categories — our overall pick
Google Pixel 9 is the overall winner, taking 2 of 5 categories — display is its standout. At USD 799, it's also the most affordable of this group.
- Apple iPhone 16 takes Performance — led by performance score (1,400,000 pts).
- Google Pixel 9 takes Display — led by refresh rate (120 Hz).
- Too close to call between Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9.
- Google Pixel 9 takes Battery — led by battery (4,700 mAh).
- Too close to call between Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9.
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
In plain English
Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want…
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a faster phone for apps and games — 1,400,000 pts vs 1,000,000 pts.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a sharper screen — 460 ppi vs 422 ppi.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want sharper selfies — 12 MP vs 10.5 MP.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want better video quality — 94 pts vs 93 pts.
Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want…
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want more apps open at once — 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want a bigger screen — 6.3 in vs 6.1 in.
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want smoother scrolling — 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want a screen you can read in sunlight — 2,700 nits vs 2,000 nits.
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want a better camera — 143 pts vs 142 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want longer battery life — 4,700 mAh vs 3,561 mAh.
- Choose Google Pixel 9 if you want faster charging — 27 W vs 20 W.
At a glance
- Apple iPhone 16
- Google Pixel 9
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Full record
Every spec, side by side — winners get a check and a proportional bar. Ties share the badge.
Performance score
Approximate benchmark score of the chipset — higher is faster for apps, games and AI.
Chipset
The processor inside — shown for reference, never decides a winner.
RAM
More RAM keeps more apps alive in the background.
Storage
Base onboard storage for photos, apps and media.
Screen size
Diagonal screen size — bigger is better for media, smaller is easier to hold.
Pixel density
Sharpness of the screen — above ~400 ppi looks crisp.
Refresh rate
How smooth scrolling and motion feel. 120 Hz is the modern standard.
Brightness
Peak brightness in sunlight — higher stays readable outdoors.
Main camera
Resolution of the primary rear camera — photo quality is judged by the Camera quality score, not megapixels.
Selfie camera
Resolution of the front camera.
Telephoto lens
A dedicated zoom lens for distant subjects without quality loss.
Video quality
Composite video rating — stabilisation, 4K/8K support and colour.
Camera quality
Composite camera quality from independent testing — how good the photos actually are.
Battery
Battery capacity — higher generally lasts longer.
Charging speed
Wired charging speed — higher refills faster.
Wireless charging
Whether the phone charges wirelessly.
Price
Typical MSRP in US dollars — lower is better value.
Which one should you buy?
Apple iPhone 16
Choose Apple iPhone 16 if camera matters most. It costs USD 799, the lowest price in this group.
Google Pixel 9
Choose Google Pixel 9 if display matters most — it wins the most categories overall. It costs USD 799.
Pros & cons
Apple iPhone 16
- A18 speed
- Camera Control button
- Strong resale value
- 60 Hz display
- Slow 20 W charging
- No telephoto lens
Google Pixel 9
- Best-in-class photo processing
- Clean Android
- 7 years of updates
- Tensor chip trails rivals
- 27 W charging
- Average battery life