Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs iPhone 16e

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£169.75

Versus £899.99 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£359.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, and the Apple 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 users different software experiences. The iPhone 16 introduces a newer processor and refined camera capabilities, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro continues to excel with its advanced computational photography and unique software features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 Pro was introduced in October 2022, making it an older model compared to the iPhone 16, which debuted in September 2024. This two-year difference in release means the iPhone 16 benefits from more recent hardware and software advancements.
  • Software Support: Google typically provides 5 years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 7 Pro, extending its support until October 2027. Apple, on the other hand, is known for longer software support, with the iPhone 16 expected to receive iOS updates for approximately 6-7 years from its release. This extended support means the iPhone 16 will likely remain current with the latest features and security patches for a longer duration.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds with IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 16 incorporates Ceramic Shield on its front display, which Apple states is more durable than typical smartphone glass. The Pixel 7 Pro uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display protection.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 16 is equipped with a newer generation processor, which delivers enhanced performance and efficiency, particularly noticeable in demanding applications and for advanced AI features. The Pixel 7 Pro, powered by its custom-designed processor, offers a responsive experience for everyday use and excels in tasks leveraging its machine learning capabilities.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Pixel 7 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to smooth multitasking and app handling. The iPhone 16 features 8GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, provides a fluid and responsive user experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro houses a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users, though some heavy users might find it requires more frequent charging. The iPhone 16, with its 3561 mAh battery, also offers reliable all-day power for typical usage, with up to 22 hours of video playback.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent color accuracy and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a QHD+ resolution of 3120x1440 pixels, resulting in a sharp 512 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 16 offers a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, providing a clear 460 ppi.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer high brightness levels, with the Pixel 7 Pro reaching up to 1500 nits peak brightness and the iPhone 16 achieving 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 16 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are recognized for their camera capabilities, though they approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 features an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP Fusion Main camera that can also achieve 2x telephoto capabilities, and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is highly praised for its computational photography, delivering excellent still images, particularly in everyday and low-light conditions. The iPhone 16 also offers strong photographic performance with improved low-light capabilities and advanced computational features like Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5.
  • Video Recording and Features: Both devices support 4K video recording at various frame rates. The Pixel 7 Pro's video quality, while good, has sometimes been noted for less consistent performance compared to its still photography. The iPhone 16 offers features like Cinematic mode and Spatial video recording. The iPhone 16 also introduces a new Camera Control button for quick access to camera functions.

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Pixel 7 Pro includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The iPhone 16 supports Wi-Fi 6 or 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster wireless data transfer and more stable connections.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Pixel 7 Pro offers both an under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock. The iPhone 16 relies solely on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The iPhone 16 also features a customizable Action Button.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 7 Pro has a distinctive design with a camera bar across its back and a slightly heavier build at 212 grams. The iPhone 16 is lighter at 170 grams and features a flat-edged design with a Ceramic Shield front and color-infused glass back.

Weight

212 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile 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 varying priorities, each offering a compelling set of features.

Users often praise the Pixel 7 Pro for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography which consistently produces high-quality stills, and its clean Android software experience. Some common criticisms include its video performance not always matching its still photography, and some users reporting that its battery life, while generally good, can be shorter than some rivals under heavy use.

The iPhone 16 is frequently lauded for its powerful and efficient processor, ensuring smooth performance across all tasks, and its long-term software support. Its refined camera system and robust build quality are also consistent points of praise. A frequent point of discussion for the standard iPhone models is the 60Hz display, which some users might find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

Users prioritizing an advanced and versatile camera system with a pure Android experience and unique AI features may find the Google Pixel 7 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a newer device with a longer software update lifespan, a highly optimized ecosystem, and consistent performance for demanding applications will likely lean towards the iPhone 16. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking to make a sustainable choice.

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