Apple iPhone 16e vs. Google Pixel 9a: Competing mid-range smartphones compared
Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 16e today. The smartphone is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the regular iPhone 16, but with a starting MSRP of $599, future iPhone 16e owners will have to make quite a few compromises. MagSafe or Qi2, an ultra-wide-angle camera, a dedicated camera shutter button and the Dynamic Island are nowhere to be found.
On the other hand, the Google Pixel 9a is rumored to launch in March at prices starting at $499. This would make Google's mid-range smartphone at least $100 cheaper, but the device also offers significantly better features in some respects, while the iPhone 16e has advantages in other areas.
Here's a direct head-to-head comparison of the most important technical specifications of these two mid-range smartphones. The Pixel 9a details are based on rumors and might change when the headset officially launches.
| Apple iPhone 16e | Google Pixel 9a | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED 60Hz 800 nits SDR 1,200 nits HDR | 6.3-inch OLED 120Hz 1,800 nits SDR 2,700 nits HDR |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP f/1.9 ToF module | 13 MP f/2.2 1/3.1-inch sensor |
| Main camera | 48 MP f/1.6 OIS | 48 MP f/1.7 1/2 Zoll OIS |
| Ultra-wide camera | – | 13 MP f/2.2 1/3.1-inch sensor |
| Biometrics | Face ID | in-display fingerprint reader |
| Battery | TBD mAh 20W USB-C 7.5W Qi | 5,100 mAh 23W USB-C 7.5W Qi |
| Storage | 8GB RAM 128GB – 512GB flash | 8GB RAM 128GB – 256GB flash |
| Price | $599 | $699 | $899 | $499 | $599 |
iPhone 16e boasts Apple A18 SoC, Google Pixel 9a has brighter display
On paper, the Google Pixel 9a has two main advantages over the Apple iPhone 16e. First, the 120Hz OLED display is not only twice as fast, but the panel is also more than twice as bright with a full-screen brightness of 1,800 nits and an HDR peak brightness of 2,700 nits. Second, Google is expected to equip the smartphone with a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera, which is missing from the iPhone 16e’s single-lens setup.
Both phones are waterproof and can be charged either via USB-C or a wireless Qi charging pad. An important difference is that the iPhone 16e can be unlocked via 3D face recognition, while the Pixel 9a utilizes a fingerprint sensor that is integrated into the display.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e has two main advantages over the Google Pixel 9a. It features a higher-quality chassis made of aluminum and glass instead of plastic. Moreover, the Apple A18 processor is around 72% faster than the Google Tensor G4 according to our benchmarks.
Ultimately, the decision between the iPhone 16e and the Google Pixel 9a will probably come down to the preferred operating system. Smartphone shoppers who can work with either Android or iOS are facing a tough choice between the superior performance of the iPhone 16e and the significantly better display and additional camera of the Pixel 9a.
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