With flagship smartphones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro now available, the race for the best “Pro” model of the year is more intense than ever. Both devices come packed with premium features and notable upgrades, making them top contenders. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves the spotlight.
Design and Display
- iPhone 16 Pro:
- The iPhone 16 Pro features minor design changes, including a bigger display and slimmed bezels. It retains a similar profile to its predecessor but introduces a new Camera Control button for enhanced functionality. Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers a 120Hz refresh rate with ProMotion technology and a brightness of up to 2000 nits. The display is protected by Ceramic Shield glass, making it durable.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro sports significant design improvements, including rounded edges and a new camera layout, reminiscent of iPhone aesthetics. The 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and peaks at a brighter 3000 nits. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, adding robust durability.
Verdict: Both devices have impressive displays with top-tier protection. The Pixel 9 Pro offers better brightness at 3000 nits, making it more suited for outdoor usage, but the iPhone 16 Pro stands out with its slimmed bezels and iconic design.
Camera Performance
- iPhone 16 Pro:
- The iPhone 16 Pro’s camera system features a 48MP main sensor with Sensor-shift OIS, a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. On the front, it houses a 12MP selfie camera.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. For selfies, the Pixel comes with a powerful 42MP front camera with dual-pixel autofocus, making it a strong contender in the camera department.
Verdict: The Pixel 9 Pro takes a slight edge in terms of camera specs, particularly with its higher megapixel count for both the rear and selfie cameras. However, iPhone’s computational photography and Sensor-shift OIS technology ensure incredible consistency and precision, making it a favorite for photography enthusiasts.
Performance and Battery Life
- iPhone 16 Pro:
- Powered by the latest A18 Pro chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro comes with 8GB of RAM and a 16-core neural engine to enhance AI-related tasks. It promises up to 27 hours of video playback, making it a powerhouse for long usage.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- The Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Google’s Tensor G4 chipset and Titan M2 security coprocessor, designed to deliver strong AI performance and enhanced security. It features a 4700mAh battery, providing over 24 hours of battery life.
Verdict: Both phones are highly capable in terms of performance. While the A18 Pro chipset in the iPhone 16 Pro might provide a smoother and faster experience, the Pixel 9 Pro’s Tensor G4 and AI-focused performance are strong competitors. The iPhone’s battery life with 27 hours of video playback slightly outlasts the Pixel’s 24+ hours of usage.
Price
- iPhone 16 Pro: Starting at Rs. 1,19,900 for the 256GB variant.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro: Starting at Rs. 1,09,999.
Verdict: The Pixel 9 Pro offers a more affordable price tag for a flagship phone, with only a marginal difference in performance compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
Final Verdict:
- For Display and Design: The Pixel 9 Pro shines with its peak brightness, but the iPhone 16 Pro wins in design refinement and iconic aesthetics.
- For Camera: If front camera and megapixel count are crucial, the Pixel 9 Pro is the better option. However, the iPhone 16 Pro remains a top choice for consistent photography with its advanced technology.
- For Performance and Battery: Both devices excel, but the iPhone 16 Pro offers longer battery life and a faster chipset.
- For Price: The Pixel 9 Pro offers flagship features at a lower price, making it a great value proposition.
In conclusion, both phones are worth the hype, but the choice depends on your priorities. If you seek the best-in-class performance and Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro is your go-to. However, if you want a flagship with excellent camera and AI capabilities at a slightly lower price, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is a compelling option.
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