Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs iPhone 16

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €640.98 new

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iPhone 16
iPhone 16
Starting at

Refurbished price:549.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, and the iPhone 16, launched in September 2024, represent distinct approaches to high-end smartphone design and functionality. While the Pixel 7 Pro operates on the Android ecosystem, the iPhone 16 runs on Apple's iOS, offering different user experiences. Key differentiators between these two devices include their camera systems, display technologies, and overall performance capabilities, catering to varied user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are important factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 Pro was released in October 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 16, which launched in September 2024. This difference in release date inherently means the iPhone 16 benefits from a more recent hardware and software foundation.
  • Software Longevity: The Pixel 7 Pro shipped with Android 13 and is expected to receive approximately five years of OS and security updates. The iPhone 16, launching with iOS 18, typically receives major iOS updates for five to seven years, potentially offering a longer period of software support.
  • Repairability: The Pixel 7 Pro generally has a moderate repairability score, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward, but battery and charging port repairs can be more complex due to strong adhesives and soldered components. While specific repairability scores for the iPhone 16 are not widely detailed, iPhones generally offer moderate repairability, with Apple's ecosystem often influencing repair processes.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices offer robust performance, but they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Google Pixel 7 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G2, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, with a focus on AI and machine learning tasks. The iPhone 16 features Apple's A18 chip, which is built on a more efficient 3nm process, offering significant performance improvements over previous generations, with its CPU being 30% faster and GPU 40% faster than the A16 chip. This allows the iPhone 16 to manage intensive tasks like gaming and video editing with notable responsiveness.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, providing solid power for daily use. The iPhone 16 models feature larger batteries than their predecessors, with the standard iPhone 16 offering approximately a full day of battery life for moderate usage, including up to 22 hours of offline video playback. Users of the iPhone 16 Pro Max model can expect even longer usage times.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: The Pixel 7 Pro is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. While specific storage options for the iPhone 16 are not detailed in the provided information, Apple typically offers a range of storage configurations. Both devices are designed for overall system responsiveness, ensuring smooth navigation and quick app loading.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is a key aspect of their design, with each offering distinct display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, resulting in sharp and clear visuals. The iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for the standard model, offering a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels, which also provides a clear viewing experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 7 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 1500 nits and features a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone 16 offers a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, and can reach 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors. However, the standard iPhone 16 models do not support the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, maintaining a 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Screen Protection and Design: The Pixel 7 Pro utilizes Gorilla Glass 7 for screen protection and features curved display edges. The iPhone 16's display is protected by Ceramic Shield, which is noted for its enhanced toughness. Both devices aim to provide an immersive viewing experience, with the iPhone 16 also featuring a Dynamic Island for notifications and interactions.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1179 x 2556

Screen type

LTPO AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, each with unique strengths in photography and videography.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models feature a dual-lens system with a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, which now supports macro photography for the first time. The iPhone 16 Pro models further enhance this with a 48MP ultrawide and a 12MP 5x zoom telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is known for its excellent image quality, vibrant colors, and strong dynamic range, particularly in low-light conditions with its Night Sight feature. It also offers a macro mode using its ultrawide camera. The iPhone 16's camera system, with its improved ultrawide lens and new vertical layout on non-Pro models, aims to deliver enhanced low-light performance and the ability to record spatial video.
  • Video Recording and Additional Features: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 Pro includes features like portrait blurring for videos. The iPhone 16 introduces a new capacitive Capture button on all models, designed to mimic a camera shutter with haptic feedback, and supports Dolby Vision recording up to 3K video at 120fps on Pro models. Both have capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 16 support 5G connectivity, along with modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. The Pixel 7 Pro features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 16 also utilizes a USB-C port, though data transfer speeds on the standard models remain at USB 2.0.
  • Sensors and Authentication: The Pixel 7 Pro includes both fingerprint and face recognition for unlocking, though its face unlock has been noted as less secure than some alternatives. The iPhone 16 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system integrated into the Dynamic Island, for secure authentication. All iPhone 16 models also feature a customizable Action button and a new Camera Control button.
  • Design and Build Materials: The Pixel 7 Pro features a recycled aluminum frame and a glass back. It weighs 212 grams. The iPhone 16 models have an aluminum frame, a frosted glass back, and Ceramic Shield on the front. The standard iPhone 16 measures 147.6 mm in height and 71.6 mm in width, weighing slightly less than the Pro models.

Weight

212 g

170 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Google Pixel 7 Pro and the iPhone 16 cater to users with differing priorities within the premium smartphone segment. Users often praise the Pixel 7 Pro for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features and strong low-light performance, making it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts. Its clean Android experience and integration with Google's AI services are also frequently highlighted as strengths. Some users, however, have noted that its battery life, while solid, may not always be class-leading, and its curved display edges can be a point of contention.

The iPhone 16, being a more recent release, benefits from a newer processor that delivers significant performance gains, making it well-suited for demanding applications and gaming. Its improved battery life across the lineup and the introduction of new camera features, such as macro photography on standard models and a dedicated Capture button, are often well-received. Users appreciate the consistent software support and the robust Face ID authentication. However, the standard iPhone 16 models still lack a high refresh rate display, which some users might find a drawback compared to other modern smartphones.

Ultimately, users prioritizing an advanced and versatile camera system with a pure Android experience may find the Google Pixel 7 Pro to be a strong fit. Conversely, those who value cutting-edge performance, a longer software update cycle, and the Apple ecosystem, along with enhanced camera features and improved battery life, will likely lean towards the iPhone 16. For individuals seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models can be found, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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