Google Pixel 8 Pro Vs iPhone 16e

Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£253.00

Versus £960.91 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£359.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 8 Pro, released in October 2023, and the iPhone 16E, introduced in February 2025, represent distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Pixel 8 Pro offers a premium Android flagship experience with a focus on advanced computational photography and AI, the iPhone 16E provides a more accessible entry into Apple's ecosystem, featuring a newer processor and a compact design. Both devices operate on their respective proprietary operating systems, Android for the Pixel and iOS for the iPhone, each offering a unique user interface and app ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Pixel 8 Pro, launched in late 2023, benefits from Google's commitment to extended software support, while the iPhone 16E, released in early 2025, offers a newer starting point for its lifecycle.

  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is notable for its extensive software support, with Google promising seven years of operating system upgrades, security updates, and feature drops, extending its support until October 2030. The iPhone 16E, being a newer device, will also receive several years of iOS updates, with Apple typically providing a minimum of five years of security updates for its devices.
  • Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials designed to withstand daily use. The Pixel 8 Pro features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and its display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The iPhone 16E also boasts an IP68 rating and incorporates Ceramic Shield technology for enhanced display durability, alongside a metal frame.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers generally design their devices with some consideration for component replacement, though professional servicing is often recommended for complex repairs.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for handling daily tasks, from browsing and messaging to demanding applications and gaming. Both the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 16E are equipped with capable processors designed to deliver a smooth user experience, though they approach performance from different architectural standpoints.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is powered by a current-generation processor engineered for efficient multitasking and advanced on-device artificial intelligence capabilities, allowing for responsive app loading and smooth navigation. The iPhone 16E features a newer generation Apple processor, which provides robust performance for a wide range of applications and supports Apple's integrated intelligence features.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 8 Pro is well-suited for users who frequently switch between numerous applications or engage in memory-intensive tasks without experiencing slowdowns. The iPhone 16E comes with 8GB of RAM, which is ample for fluid multitasking and ensures a responsive experience across iOS applications.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations to suit different user needs. The Pixel 8 Pro is available with options up to 1TB, providing extensive space for media and applications. The iPhone 16E offers storage up to 512GB, which is generous for most users' digital content.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 16E offer high-quality screens, though with distinct characteristics that cater to different viewing preferences and usage scenarios.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and energy efficiency. The iPhone 16E sports a more compact 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also delivering excellent color reproduction and contrast.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 8 Pro offers a higher resolution of 2992x1344 pixels, resulting in a sharp 489 pixels per inch, which contributes to very detailed visuals. The iPhone 16E provides a clear Full HD+ resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch, ensuring crisp text and images.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: For outdoor visibility, the Pixel 8 Pro can reach a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, making content easily viewable even in bright sunlight. It also features a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 16E offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content and maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1344 x 2992

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the iPhone 16E are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, each leveraging their respective hardware and software strengths to deliver compelling photographic results.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom, providing flexibility for various photographic situations. The iPhone 16E features a 48-megapixel main camera system that includes an integrated 2x telephoto capability, offering optical-quality zoom for detailed shots.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its computational photography, excelling in low-light conditions and producing detailed, color-accurate images with features like Magic Eraser and Best Take. The iPhone 16E's camera system also performs well in diverse lighting, with features like Night mode and Portrait mode enhancing everyday photography.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support high-quality video recording. The Pixel 8 Pro includes a 10.5-megapixel front camera for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 16E features a 12-megapixel front camera, also capable of capturing detailed self-portraits and supporting secure facial recognition.

Front camera

10.5 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional features that enhance daily interaction with the device.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones offer modern connectivity options, including 5G for fast mobile data and advanced Wi-Fi standards for robust wireless internet. The Pixel 8 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7, offering potentially faster and more stable connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Google Pixel 8 Pro incorporates an under-display fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking, alongside facial recognition. The iPhone 16E relies on Apple's Face ID system for secure facial authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 8 Pro, with its 6.7-inch display, is a larger device, weighing approximately 213 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more expansive screen. The iPhone 16E, at 6.1 inches and around 167 grams, offers a more compact and lighter form factor, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The iPhone 16E also features an Action button, providing quick access to customizable functions.

Weight

213 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 8 Pro and iPhone 16E cater to users with differing priorities, reflecting their respective ecosystems and design philosophies. The Pixel 8 Pro, released in late 2023, is often praised for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its advanced computational photography features and AI integration that enhance user experience. Users frequently highlight its long-term software support commitment, ensuring the device remains current and secure for an extended period. Some common feedback points for the Pixel 8 Pro include its size, which some users find substantial, and its battery performance, which, while generally good, can vary with heavy use of its advanced features.

The iPhone 16E, launched in early 2025, garners positive attention for bringing a modern Apple experience into a more compact form factor. Users appreciate its newer processor, which delivers smooth performance, and the integration of Apple Intelligence for enhanced smart features. Its display, while not having the highest refresh rate, is noted for its clarity and color accuracy. Common discussions around the iPhone 16E often revolve around its 60Hz display, which some users accustomed to higher refresh rates might notice, and its camera system, which, while capable, offers a different set of features compared to Apple's Pro models or the Pixel's dedicated telephoto lens.

Users prioritizing a large, high-refresh-rate display, a dedicated telephoto camera with extensive zoom capabilities, and industry-leading software support may find the Google Pixel 8 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more compact device, a newer generation processor, and the seamless integration of the Apple ecosystem, including its intelligence features, may lean towards the iPhone 16E. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking to make informed and sustainable choices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons