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When it comes to theAndroid vs iPhonedebate, one of the biggest comparisons centers aroundGooglevs Apple.
Theres no denying that the iPhone 16e is one of the biggest phone surprises this year.
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Its no surprise that the Pixel 9a ranks as thebest cheap phoneyou can buy.
Much like my other phone face-offs, Im grading them on seven categories and choosing a winner with each.
Meanwhile, youll spend less picking up the $499 Pixel 9a.
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Those same edges on the iPhone 16e feel a bit sharp.
Color options are always good, even if people are likely to buy a case.
It also looks smoother, with a peak refresh rate of 120Hz rather than just a flat 60Hz.
Both phones use OLED tech, but the Actua technology used by Google delivers a much brighter panel.
In fact, its not even close.
The Pixel 9a simply looks smoother.
Plus, the warmer color temperature makes the iPhones image pop a lot more.
As a result, it doesnt have the same amount of details captured with the petals and buds.
As for the selfie cameras on each phone, it really comes down to skin tones.
Otherwise, both phones capture just the same amount of detail and definition.
At 2x zoom, theres minimal differences with their performances.
The iPhone 16e does a much better job of looking sharper and capturing the textures of the sign.
Unfortunately, the Pixel 9as processing doesnt compare with its softer look and smudy details.
Finally, theres low light where the Pixel 9a manages to shine.
When it comes to video recording, both phones top out at 4K 60fps.
They both can also shoot slow motion footage at up to 1080p 240fps.
However, Google’s phone does have clearer, less noisy audio recording.
Its a close one with these two camera phones, but the Pixel 9a offers a more robust experience.
That means a Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9a’s case and an A18 for the iPhone 16e.
Most notably, the faster 120Hz refresh rate of the Pixel 9a does translate to a smoother gameplay.
Thats a smidge better than the iPhone 16es average time of 12 hours and 41 minutes.
(Sadly, there’s no MagSafe on this model.)
Its not all that much, though.
Both Google and Apple are focused on AI features with their Gemini and Apple Intelligence suites respectively.
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Finally, Google is once again offering seven full years of updates for the Pixel 9a.
That’s still the longest we’ve seen for any phone at this price.
Apple doesn’t make specific software update promises, but normally supports its phones with five years of updates.
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A timelapse GIF of Clean Up in iOS 18.1
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