Google is no longer just a search engine. As the company continues to take its smartphone division more seriously and make improvements, a lot of people are beginning to compare the iPhone vs. Pixel.
If you are one of those people and you are looking for an upgrade, then you should know how the two differ and how they affect your experience as a user.
iPhone Overview
Apple’s iPhone revolutionized mobile computing and caused an explosion of smartphones worldwide. With more than a billion sold in less than a decade, the iPhone has been one of the greatest product success stories in history, catapulting Apple to the world’s most valuable company.
When it debuted in 2007, enthusiasts camped out overnight to be first in line even though the device had little more than a dozen built-in apps and no expansion. App development was soon opened to third parties, and a year later, Apple’s App Store took off like a rocket. In a few years, more than a million apps became available.
Powered by an ARM processor (like every other smartphone), the iPhone is a 4G or 5G cellphone that uses iOS, a custom version of the Mac operating system with flash storage up to 1TB. iPhones were the first to use sealed batteries, which have now become the norm.
Pixel Overview
The Google Pixel is a series of Android smartphones originally released by Google on October 20, 2016. The Pixel was created to replace the Nexus.
Like its predecessor, the Pixel runs a “stock version” of Android, meaning it receives updates as soon as they are released. Other Android phones sometimes delay updates for months or include custom versions of Android like One UI (user interface).
The Google Pixel offers its users free unlimited photo storage on Google Photos. Also, Google Photos for the Pixel does not reduce picture quality to save room.
iPhone vs. Pixel: Major differences
Operating System
Since Google controls Android, Pixel phones allow you to experience the best of what Android has to offer. It is not surprising that Google apps and services such as Search, Gmail, Photos, Maps, Drive, and more work exceptionally well on Pixel phones.
That said, iPhones run on Apple’s proprietary software, iOS, and hence enjoy better optimization of third-party apps and games. iPhones also guarantee a seamless connection between all your Apple devices, including AirPods, the Apple Watch, MacBooks, and more.
Another reason to pick an iPhone over a Pixel is that iPhones get longer software updates of five to six years, while Pixel phones only get three years of major Android updates. So, if you don’t upgrade your phone often, an iPhone will serve you for longer.
Note, though, that Pixel phones are the first to get new Android updates, and they also get new Pixel Feature Drops every few months, making your device more useful over time.
Cameras
Pixel phones are best known for their excellent computational photography, and the latest Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are no exceptions. Photos from a Pixel usually have better dynamic range, look more colorful, and represent your skin tone more accurately than an iPhone.
The Pixel has more useful and fun camera software features such as Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Motion Mode, Guided Frame, and more.
At the same time, iPhone cameras are very reliable and consistent. There is hardly any difference in quality between any of the lenses, and you can rest assured that the final shot will be very close — if not identical — to what you saw in the viewfinder.
Also, if you shoot a lot of videos, a flagship iPhone would be the better choice since its videos are smoother and sharper, especially in low-light conditions.
Apple’s iPhones will give you more peace of mind that your photos and videos always look good enough, regardless of the environment you’re in. But if you want a more capable camera system and arguably better photos, pick the Pixel instead.
Price and value for money
Pixel phones used to offer terrible value, but ever since the Pixel 6, Google has completely overhauled its pricing strategy. The entry point to get a Pixel flagship is now $599, whereas the standard iPhone models still start at $799.
Even if you want a mid-range phone, the Pixel 6a beats the iPhone SE in terms of value. The former has more balanced specs and features, while the latter has an outdated design, bad battery life, and no ultra-wide camera, making it very hard to recommend.
That said, if you’re already tied to the Apple ecosystem and can’t do without services such as iMessage, iCloud, Apple TV, and more, you’re better off getting an iPhone. Another strong reason to get an iPhone over a Pixel phone is that iPhones retain their value really well, so you can sell or trade-in your old iPhone later on.
This is partly because iPhones don’t get discounts. Google Pixel phones, in contrast, are often found on sale months after the initial launch, which hurts their perceived value to buyers.
However, if you buy an iPhone, you will feel compelled to buy other expensive Apple products too, given how the Apple ecosystem is designed. This is not the case with Pixel phones, as the experience is the same no matter which Android brand you buy your accessories from.
Also, don’t forget that iPhones are notoriously expensive to repair, so you might have to bear some hefty charges if you accidentally damage yours. Things are luckily not as scary for Pixel users. Simply put, if you’re looking for value, choose a Pixel over an iPhone.
Performance and storage
When it comes to performance, the iPhone has an advantage. The iPhone 14 is faster and delivers better graphics than its Google Pixel 7 rival. Notably, though, the Google Pixel 7 feels a bit smoother due to its adaptable 90 Hz screen (vs. the iPhone 14’s 60 Hz). The Google Pixel 7 Pro even goes up to 120 Hz, but the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max offer the same refresh rate, too.
With some iPhone models, such as the iPhone 14, you can also enjoy loud and crisp stereo speakers, which the Google Pixel doesn’t totally match up to.
Something else to keep in mind is the iOS vs. Android system. It’s once again up to each user to decide which one better fits their needs, but while Android offers more apps, iOS is known for its security (although no operating system is ever fully secure). Many people also find it more user-friendly.
The new versions of both the Google Pixel and the iPhone don’t offer the option to use a microSD card. Instead, they rely on internal storage. The Google Pixel 7’s storage options range between 128GB and 512 GB. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 is available with as much as 1 TB of storage. It’s important to note with any phone, though, that the higher the storage, the higher the price.
Keep in mind that you can use cloud storage options such as Google Drive or iCloud to help you manage your storage needs.
Battery Quality
When it comes to battery life, iPhones beat Pixel phones despite having physically smaller batteries. That’s possible due to the super efficient Apple Silicon processors and the highly optimized iOS operating system; the harmony of both ensures minimal power usage.
If you’re buying a bigger iPhone such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you can expect significantly better battery life than a Pixel. But the difference is marginal if you compare the smaller iPhone 14 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro, for example.
Android brands almost always have faster charging than iPhones, but the Pixel is a sad exception. Both iPhones and Pixel phones have about the same wired charging speeds, although the Pixel does have slightly faster wireless charging.
Sadly, the iPhone 14 and its predecessors all use super outdated Lightning ports instead of USB-C ports. Lightning ports are terribly slow at both file transfer and charging speeds compared to modern standards.
Design
If there’s a really subjective question in the world of smartphones, it’s this one. Some people prefer the sleek and minimalist design of iPhones, while the large screen of the Google Pixel attracts others. However, the iPhone is usually the winner for its signature aesthetics. Plus, it’s also the more compact option, making it easier to hold and keep in your pocket.
Voice Assistants
Both Google Assistant and Siri are comparable when it comes to answering everyday queries concerning things like the weather or your schedule, but the former is more responsive when performing actions such as sending a text or reading your notifications.
Google Assistant also leaps ahead in natural language processing which means it is better able to understand context, carry conversations, translate voices, and respond naturally. You can even search for a song by humming it to Google Assistant.
While Siri might not be as capable technically, it’s more respectful of your privacy. Apple says the data Siri has on you is “not linked to your Apple ID, email address, or other data Apple may have from your use of other Apple services.”
It is not the same with Google Assistant, as it collects transcribed audio text from your voice queries. It can even store your audio recordings if you permit it. This isn’t surprising since Google is a software company, but Apple makes most of its money from hardware.
iPhone vs. Pixel: In conclusion
Deciding whether to go for the Google Pixel or the iPhone isn’t so simple. With so many models out there, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
If you prioritize value for money, the Pixel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a sleek design and seamless integration with other Apple products, the iPhone may be worth the investment. It’s important to note that the iPhone may be the more secure option, but no device is ever fully safe against hackers.
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