2020’s smartphone season perhaps wasn’t the most exciting for Pixel enthusiasts, with Google turning to a more mid-range market for the Pixel 5. But with 2021’s return of premium Pixel hardware with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and the latest launch of the iPhone 13 series, the two titans of tech — Google and Apple — are preparing for an exciting face-off at the high-end of the market.
Of course, we’re still waiting for Google to fully reveal the Pixel 6 series, but the company has already given away not just the name, but a slew of core specifications. Enough to give us enough a few early comparison points to Apple’s newly announced product range.
If you’re looking to buy a premium smartphone before next year’s flagships roll around, the iPhone 13 and Pixel 6 are sure to be on your list. But should you grab Apple’s offering today or wait just that bit longer for Google’s latest hardware? Find out as we pit the Google Pixel 6 vs iPhone 13 in this early comparison.
Besides the fact that you can order the latest iPhone from September 17 and you’ll have to wait a few weeks or months for the Pixel 6, Apple’s latest smartphone offers some truly compelling hardware that might immediately convince you. This is especially true if you’re prepared to stump up for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models. Apple seems intent on making its Pro iPhones increasingly more accomplished than their regular and Mini variants, particularly in the camera department.
To start though, let’s look at the display. The Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz “ProMotion” capabilities (read: it has a high refresh rate) finally closes the gap on developments we’ve seen at the innovative end of the Android smartphone space for the past few years. Bigger batteries also look set to dispel previous iPhone criticisms, most notably for the Mini model. Similarly, Apple’s A15 Bionic SoC is likely to lead the processing pack in terms of sheer CPU and GPU grunt even into next year. Although that claim may be hotly contested by next-gen SoCs from Qualcomm and Samsung.
With a bigger battery and new cameras, Apple is improving its well tested formula.
That’s because Apple’s performance improvements appear rather muted this year, with the only notable gains seen in the five-core graphics setup inside the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. While we have high hopes for Google’s Tensor SoC in terms of AI and imaging, we’re not expecting it to knock Apple’s chip off its performance perch. Apple’s deep level of silicon customization keeps its nose out in front of the competition but benchmarks may be closer than previously expected — especially for the four-core GPU inside the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini.
See also: Why the Pixel 6’s Tensor chip is actually a big deal (and why it isn’t)
Of course, iPhones are known for their photography capabilities too and Apple is upping its game this year, although only the Pro and Pro Max models are set for meaningful upgrades. Apple is including a larger main sensor for improved low light performance as well as a 3x telephoto camera (up from 2x and 2.5x) for longer distance and portrait shots in these models. The company also promises improved HDR shooting thanks to its updated ISP and Cinematic Mode for depth-of-field video. We’ll have to wait to take these phones out for a spin, but the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max make some big claims about their camera setups.
The iPhone 13 only marginally improves on the iPhone 12, leaving itself open for the Pixel 6 to close the gap.
With the core specs covered, Apple isn’t shy on the bells and whistles either. You’ll find an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, MagSafe wireless charging and accessories, NFC, Face ID sensors, and Ceramic Glass protection. That’s pretty much everything you can cram into a flagship smartphone, if not exactly ground-breaking, making the iPhone 13 series a solid choice for those looking for a well-rounded package.
Bottom line, it’s hard to go wrong with any entry in the iPhone 13 series, particularly if you’re after solid performance and camera capabilities. That said, the range doesn’t change too much more than last year’s formula, which may disappoint those looking for something more exciting or those who already own an iPhone 12 series handset.
iPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro Max
Display6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
2,532 x 1,170 resolution
ProMotion 120Hz
HDR, True Tone
Wide color (P3)
2,000,000:1 contrast ratio
1,000 nits max brightness (typical); 1200 nits max brightness (HDR)
Ceramic Shield front6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
2,778 x 1,284 resolution
ProMotion 120Hz
HDR, True Tone
Wide color (P3)
2,000,000:1 contrast ratio
1,000 nits max brightness (typical); 1200 nits max brightness (HDR)
Ceramic Shield front
ProcessorApple A15 BionicApple A15 Bionic
Storage128 / 256 / 512GB and 1TB128 / 256 / 512GB and 1TB
BatteryQi wireless charging up to 7.5W
Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately)
MagSafe:
Wireless charging up to 15W
Magnet array
Alignment magnet
Accessory Identification NFC
MagnetometerQi wireless charging up to 7.5W
Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately)
MagSafe:
Wireless charging up to 15W
Magnet array
Alignment magnet
Accessory Identification NFC
Magnetometer
CamerasRear:
-Wide-angle 12MP, ƒ/1.5, dual OIS, 7-element lens, 100% Focus Pixels, Night Mode
-Ultra-wide 12MP, ƒ/1.8, 120° field of view, 5-element lens, lens correction, Night Mode
-Telephoto 12MP, ƒ/2.8, dual OIS, 6-element lens
3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 6x optical zoom range, digital zoom up to 15x, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Apple ProRAW
Video:
HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 60fps
4K video at 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps
1080p HD video at 30fps or 60fps
720p HD video at 30fps
OIS for video (Wide)
3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 6x optical zoom range, digital zoom up to 9x
Front:
-TrueDepth 12MP, ƒ/2.2
Night Mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3Rear:
-Wide-angle 12MP, ƒ/1.5, dual OIS, 7-element lens, 100% Focus Pixels, Night Mode
-Ultra-wide 12MP, ƒ/1.8, 120° field of view, 5-element lens, lens correction, Night Mode
-Telephoto 12MP, ƒ/2.8, dual OIS, 6-element lens
3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 6x optical zoom range, digital zoom up to 15x, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Apple ProRAW
Video:
HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 60fps
4K video at 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps
1080p HD video at 30fps or 60fps
720p HD video at 30fps
OIS for video (Wide)
3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 6x optical zoom range, digital zoom up to 9x
Front:
-TrueDepth 12MP, ƒ/2.2
Night Mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3
Connectivity5G (sub‑6GHz and mmWave)
Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA
Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
Bluetooth 5
Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness
NFC
Express Cards with power reserve
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
Digital compass
Wi‑Fi
Cellular
iBeacon microlocation5G (sub‑6GHz and mmWave)
Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA
Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
Bluetooth 5
Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness
NFC
Express Cards with power reserve
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
Digital compass
Wi‑Fi
Cellular
iBeacon microlocation
SensorsFace ID
LiDAR Scanner
Barometer
Three‑axis gyro
Accelerometer
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensorFace ID
LiDAR Scanner
Barometer
Three‑axis gyro
Accelerometer
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
SoftwareiOS 15iOS 15
DurabilityIP68IP68
Dimensions and weight146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm
204g160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm
240g
ColorsGraphite, Gold, Silver, and Sierra BlueGraphite, Gold, Silver, and Sierra Blue
In the boxiPhone
USB‑C to Lightning cable
DocumentationiPhone
USB‑C to Lightning cable
Documentation
While final Pixel 6 and 6 Pro details aren’t expected to land until sometime later this Fall, Google has already spilled the beans on some of the handsets’ core specifications. So far, they look pretty tasty.
Confirmed specs for the standard Pixel 6 include a 90Hz 6.4-inch FHD+ display, an in-display fingerprint scanner, a custom Google Tensor SoC, and a main and ultra-wide camera combination. The Pixel 6 Pro upgrades this setup with a 120Hz 6.7-inch QHD+ panel, along with a main, ultra-wide, and 4x telephoto camera setup. Based on previous releases, we’re also expecting wireless charging, an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, 5G connectivity, and possibly some new haptic features too. If you’ve been longing for a return to high-end Google hardware after the more mid-range Pixel 5, the Pixel 6 should please.
Read more: What to expect from the Google Pixel 6 cameras
Between the regular and Pro models, Google’s core specifications look set to be a very reasonable rival for the entire iPhone 13 series. That’s a bit of a surprise for a brand that’s never been too focused on raw specs. The Pixel 6 Pro may even end up having a better display than Apple’s top-end model, although Face ID, LiDAR, and UWB perhaps give the iPhone 13 a few extra bells and whistles beyond Google’s hardware formula. That said, we’re expecting the Pixel 6 series, and the Pro in particular, to be photography powerhouses that might just have the edge on the iPhone 13 series.
Google’s camera technology looks poised to leapfrog Apple’s own improvements.
The Google Pixel 6 is rumored to pack a larger 50MP Samsung GN1 main camera sensor that should address issues from the Pixel 5 and 4a series’. The GN1 boasts 2.4μm binned pixel sizes that would exceed the 1.9μm pixels inside the sensor Apple has picked for its more expensive iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Paired up with an ultra-wide lens to fit more in, the Pixel 6 will rival and quite possibly exceed Apple’s iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini. Meanwhile the Pixel 6 Pro sports a 4x zoom camera that exceeds the long-range capabilities of the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 3x optical zoom. Combined with Google’s computational photography smarts powered by the Tensor SoC, we’re anticipating industry-leading photography from the Pixel 6. Be it HDR, portraits, night shooting, and more.
If you’re on the lookout for the best camera phone money can buy, we’d definitely suggest waiting to see what the Pixel 6 Pro has in store.
Of course, hardware isn’t everything. Google will offer a bloat-free software experience with Android 12 along with some of the best smart assistant features around. Those looking for high-end hardware backed by Google’s pure vision for its Android OS will definitely want to wait that little longer for the Pixel 6. Speaking of software, the Pixel 6 will see core OS updates until at least October 2024, possibly out to 2026 if some rumors are to be believed. If the latter is true, the Pixel 6 series will offer unrivaled longevity in the Android space.
However, iPhones typically enjoy an even longer six or seven years of major OS updates, possibly more in the future. The iPhone 13 series all sport the company’s iOS 15, complete with Apple’s latest software bells and whistles. Including redesigned notifications, spatial audio, and revamped privacy features. Google has a good reputation in the Android ecosystem but when it comes to product longevity, at least from a software perspective, Apple remains the company to beat.
The iPhone 13 series is available to pre-order from Friday, September 17, meaning you can go out and get it all ready. With pricing ranging from $699 to $1,599, depending on your model and storage, Apple has a model to suit most budgets. But at the high-end, Apple’s best tech remains more expensive compared to its Android rivals.
Google’s Pixel 6 series isn’t anticipated to arrive until later this Fall, so it’s not a viable choice if you need a phone right now. We don’t have pricing information yet, but the Pro model is said to be “expensive.” This suggests prices could end up around the $1,000 mark but isn’t expected to cost as much as the most premium iPhone. The regular Pixel 6 should be more affordable too and could be worth the wait for a reasonably priced phone with an excellent camera that exceeds the standard iPhone 13 and Mini. Although it won’t be quite as low cost as the $499 Pixel 5a.
Are you waiting for the Pixel 6 or taking the plunge on the iPhone 13 series? Cast your vote in the poll above!
