Google Pixel 8vsApple iPhone 13
SETTLEDUpdated September 8, 2026
Google Pixel 8 wins
Verdict
Google Pixel 8 wins 4 of 5 categories — our overall pick
Google Pixel 8 is the overall winner, 4 / 5 — price is its standout. At USD 499, it's also the most affordable of this group.
- Google Pixel 8 takes Performance — led by ram (8 GB).
- Google Pixel 8 takes Display — led by refresh rate (120 Hz).
- Google Pixel 8 takes Camera — led by camera score (139 pts).
- Google Pixel 8 takes Battery — led by battery (4,575 mAh).
- Too close to call between Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 13.
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
In plain English
Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want…
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want a faster phone for apps and games — 950,000 pts vs 800,000 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want more apps open at once — 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want a bigger screen — 6.2 in vs 6.1 in.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want smoother scrolling — 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want a screen you can read in sunlight — 2,000 nits vs 800 nits.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want better video quality — 92 pts vs 86 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want a better camera — 139 pts vs 126 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want longer battery life — 4,575 mAh vs 3,227 mAh.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want faster charging — 27 W vs 20 W.
Choose Apple iPhone 13 if you want…
- Choose Apple iPhone 13 if you want a sharper screen — 460 ppi vs 428 ppi.
- Choose Apple iPhone 13 if you want sharper selfies — 12 MP vs 10.5 MP.
At a glance
- Google Pixel 8
- Apple iPhone 13
Click a label to jump to that section ↓
Best price now
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.
Peak 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
A dedicated zoom lens for distant subjects without quality loss.
Video score
Composite video rating — stabilisation, 4K/8K support and colour.
Camera score
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?
Google Pixel 8
Choose Google Pixel 8 if price matters most — it wins the most categories overall. It costs USD 499, the lowest price in this group.
Apple iPhone 13
Choose Apple iPhone 13 if price matters most. It costs USD 499.
Pros & cons
Google Pixel 8
- Photo quality
- 120 Hz display
- 7 years of updates
- Tensor G3 throttles
- Average battery
- Slow-ish charging
Apple iPhone 13
- A15 is still fast
- Great dual cameras
- Long iOS support
- 60 Hz display
- Slow 20 W charging
- Lightning port