Which one should you purchase: Google Pixel 8 or Apple iPhone 15?

The rivalry between the Google Pixel 8 and Apple’s iPhone 15 can be seen as the ultimate battle in the platform wars. While both companies have more advanced models available, such as the Pixel 8 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, these are considered the standard devices for Android and iOS. Additionally, they are more affordable for the average consumer compared to their Pro counterparts. Setting aside any potential bias from Android Authority, if you are open to either platform, which phone should you choose?

and Features

Comparison of specifications and features between the Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15.

	Google Pixel 8	Apple iPhone 15
Display	– 6.2-inch Actua OLED – 60-120Hz refresh rate – Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness The resolution is 1080 x 2400 with a pixel density of 428ppi.	display The display is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED. – 60Hz refresh rate – Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness – 1179 x 2556 resolution (461ppi)
Processor	Google Tensor G3	Apple A16 Bionic
RAM	8GB LPDDR5X	6GB (type unknown)
Storage	128 or 256GB No expandable storage	128, 256, or 512GB No expandable storage
Power	The battery has a minimum capacity of 4,485mAh or a typical capacity of 4,575mAh. Charging with a USB-C cable at 27 watts. The Pixel Stand 2nd gen allows for 18W wireless charging, while regular Qi chargers provide 12W. Charging the battery by reversing the Qi method (Battery Sharing)	3,349mAh battery “Charging with a 20-watt USB-C cable” Wireless charging at 15 watts using MagSafe, and 7.5 watts using standard Qi chargers. Reverse wired charging at 4.5W
Cameras	Rear: This camera has a 50 megapixel wide lens with a 1.2 micron pixel size and an aperture of f/1.68. It also features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 2x optical zoom, and 8x digital zoom. – The camera has a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 1.25μm pixel size and an f/2.2 aperture, as well as auto-focus capabilities. – Laser-detect auto-focus Front: – 10.5MP, 1.22μm, f/2.2, fixed focus	Rear: The camera has a 48MP wide lens with 1.0µm and an f/1.6 aperture. It also has optical image stabilization (OIS), 2x optical zoom, and 10x digital zoom. – 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4 – Focus Pixels Front: – 12MP f/1.9
Audio	Stereo speakers Spatial audio (with compatible apps and/or headphones) No 3.5mm jack	Stereo speakers Spatial sound (using apps and/or headphones that are compatible) No 3.5mm jack
IP rating	IP68	IP68
Biometrics	Face Unlock or Fingerprint Unlock (using under-display sensor)	FaceID
SIM	Dual SIM (nano SIM and eSIM)	In the United States, only eSIM is available, while in other countries, both nano SIM and eSIM are options.
Software	Android 14	iOS 17
Dimensions and weight	Dimensions: – 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm Weight: – 187g	Dimensions: – 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm Weight: – 171g
Colors	Obsidian, Hazel, Rose	Blue, pink, yellow, green, black

The phones appear to have similar features. It seems that both Apple and Google knew what their competitors would offer in the market by fall 2023. Additionally, both phones have displays with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, although the iPhone 15 may be slightly brighter under normal circumstances.

It should be mentioned that Apple’s approach is consistent with their usual practice, where certain specifications for the iPhone 15, such as RAM and battery capacity, may appear lacking on paper but may not necessarily be so in reality. This is due to Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software, allowing them to optimize performance in a way that even Google’s Tensor chips cannot achieve.

The distance between the Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 is not significant, largely due to Apple’s software improvements.

An important detail we did not include in our specifications is that although both phones now have USB-C support, the iPhone 15 can only handle slower USB 2.0 data speeds. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 has USB 3.2 capability. However, Google requires you to purchase a separate cable in order to take advantage of this feature. If you frequently transfer large files such as videos, the Pixel 8 may be the better option for you.

It is still uncertain how Google’s new Tensor G3 processor compares to the A16 Bionic. Although the A16’s capabilities have been extensively recorded, as it was utilized in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, we are not currently able to disclose our Tensor G3 benchmarks. Keep an eye out for updates!

Comparison of Size Between Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15

In practical terms, the size difference between the phones is not significant. While the Pixel 8 does have a slightly larger 6.2-inch display, its other dimensions are not significantly larger.

Where you might notice things a little is in thickness and weight. The Pixel 8 comes in at 8.9mm thick versus the iPhone 15’s 7.8mm, and it’s a bit heavier at 187g. That might make the iPhone 15 marginally more comfortable in the hand and easier to fit in a pocket.

The comparison between the cameras of Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15.

This topic is difficult to discuss for multiple reasons, primarily because we have not fully tested the two phones yet. We will update this comparison with photo galleries at a later time. In terms of specifications, the products are very similar. The iPhone 15 is Apple’s first non-Pro model to have a 48 megapixel main camera, just slightly less than the Pixel 8’s 50 megapixels. Both Apple and Google claim to have 2x “optical-quality” zoom, but this actually means that their sensors can handle a 2x crop without a noticeable decrease in quality. Neither company has equipped their entry-level or mid-range devices with true telephoto lenses – instead, we are once again limited to an ultrawide as the secondary option. Anything beyond 2x zoom is achieved through computational photography techniques.

Both Apple and Google utilize advanced processing techniques that are constantly evolving. This is particularly evident in Google’s camera options, such as Best Take, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Face Unblur, which are not available on Apple devices. Additionally, features like Astrophotography mode may make the Pixel 8 a top choice for individuals who heavily rely on their phone for photography.

Google’s advanced photo editing capabilities could sway the opinions of certain individuals.

Despite the advancements in camera technology in the industry, Apple is still known for having some of the best cameras. So, users should not be disappointed with the iPhone. In terms of video capabilities, the upcoming iPhone 15 is expected to be on par or better than its competitors, offering support for 4K at 60fps and matching the hardware and software stabilization of the Pixel 8 on its main lens. Additionally, the iPhone 15 can even shoot in Dolby Vision, whereas the Pixel is limited to 10-bit HDR. While the Pixel 8 may have an advantage in terms of a macro focus recording mode and Audio Magic Eraser for removing unwanted sounds, more details will be revealed soon.

speed

Comparing the battery life and charging speed of Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15.

According to indications, Apple appears to be surpassing the battery specifications listed on paper. Despite having a 3,349mAh battery, which is significantly smaller than the Pixel 8, the iPhone 15 supposedly has the capability to last for up to 20 hours of continuous video usage, while Google only guarantees a “beyond 24-hour” battery life when utilizing a combination of functions. In reality, we can assume that both phones will still have some battery remaining by the end of the day, but not enough to avoid having to charge overnight. This is typical for these devices.

A potential advantage of choosing the Pixel 8 is its Extreme Battery Saver feature. This feature surpasses the typical low-power mode found in most smartphones by disabling all non-essential functions, allowing for a battery life of up to 72 hours. While it is recommended to not rely on this mode frequently, it may be attractive for those concerned about their phone’s battery life during extended periods without access to power, such as long flights or power outages.

The Pixel 8 has the capability to charge at a faster rate, but only in certain situations.

The Pixel 8 has a wired charging speed of 27W, which is faster than the standard iPhone 15. However, it is not as fast as the 15 Pro or Pro Max. To utilize this feature, you will need to purchase a USB Power Delivery PPS-compatible adapter since it is not included in the box. The phone also supports 18W wireless charging, but only with Google’s 2nd gen Pixel Stand. Using a traditional Qi charger will limit the charging speed to 12W, which is lower than the 15W capacity of the iPhone 15 when paired with a certified MagSafe accessory. Additionally, Google has not announced plans to support Qi2 on the Pixel 8, while this feature is already in development for the iPhone 15 series.

Please keep in mind that the iPhone 15 can only be charged up to 7.5W with Qi chargers and does not have a feature similar to the Pixel 8’s Battery Share reverse wireless charging. The only option for reverse charging is through a wired connection, and it is primarily intended for use with Apple Watches and AirPods. It may be compatible with other devices that support the USB-PD specification.

Comparison of Google Pixel 8 and Apple iPhone 15: Cost and Release Date

While Apple has chosen not to increase prices this year, it is clear that the iPhone 15 is considered a high-end product with a starting price of $799. For those who take many photos and videos, there is the option to purchase a 512GB model for $1,099, but this puts the cost on par with a 256GB iPhone 15 Pro.

The Pixel 8 offers storage options of 128 and 256GB, and is priced lower for both. This makes it a great value, unless choosing an Android phone would mean giving up some of the Apple ecosystem in your household. Further details on this will be discussed shortly.

The release date for the Pixel 8 may vary depending on your location. Currently, it is set to be available in 20 countries on October 12, while the iPhone 15 was released in over 40 countries on September 22. It is possible that Google’s availability will increase over time, but they do not have the same distribution capabilities as Apple.

Which phone should you purchase: Google Pixel 8 or Apple iPhone 15?

It is difficult to make a wrong choice based on features alone between these two options. They both have strong performance and may even eliminate the desire for their Pro versions since you can now get 2x digital zoom without compromising photo quality. We suggest opting for the Pixel 8 due to factors such as its price, photo software, larger display, and quicker wired charging. However, the iPhone 15 also has appealing features including MagSafe, sturdy construction, high-quality video recording, and the reliable A16 Bionic chip.

If you have already committed to a particular ecosystem, it is likely best to continue using the corresponding phone.

It is a commonly acknowledged fact that many individuals have become loyal users of either Android or Apple, resulting in a trade-off of benefits. For example, Android users have the advantage of easily switching between different phone and accessory brands, as well as having more options for customization and integration with Google services. On the other hand, Apple’s extensive integration across its products (such as iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches, and Macs) is difficult to rival, although not always flawless. While there are some similar efforts on the Android side, even major brands like Google and Samsung are still trying to catch up.

If you have already committed to one ecosystem, it’s best to stick with the phone that is compatible with it. If you have been considering switching platforms, now is a suitable moment to do so, especially since interchangeable power cables are now available.

Frequently Asked Questions: Google Pixel 8 vs Apple iPhone 15 Comparison