Apple has just officially announced the iPhone 16e ( iPhone SE4 2025 ) model in the US at a price of $599. At the time of writing, Google Pixel 8 – which was launched in 2023 is now available for a much cheaper offer price of $399.00 in the US online on Amazon.com. That’s a $200 Discount between these two devices. Which one is a better buy ? Let’s analyze.
Design & Build Quality
- Google Pixel 8: 187g, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, aluminum frame, IP68 rating
- Apple iPhone 16E: 167g, Ceramic Shield glass, aluminum frame, IP68 rating
Verdict: The iPhone 16E is lighter and slimmer, said to have better water resistance, while the Pixel 8 offers robust Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
Display
- Google Pixel 8: 6.2-inch OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits peak brightness, 1080 x 2400 pixels (~428 ppi)
- Apple iPhone 16E: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 1200 nits peak brightness, 1170 x 2532 pixels (~460 ppi)
Verdict: The Pixel 8 boasts higher peak brightness and a slightly larger display. It also supports a 120hz refresh rate, making it a winner in this category.
Performance & Software
- Google Pixel 8: Google Tensor G3 (4nm), Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15), 7 years of OS updates
- Apple iPhone 16E: Apple A18 (3nm), iOS 18.4, long-term iOS support
Verdict: The iPhone 16E has a more powerful 3nm chipset compared to Google’s Tensor G3 (4nm). Both are expected to get long-term OS version updates. I would say it’s a draw in this category.
Cameras
Rear Cameras
- Google Pixel 8: 50 MP (wide), 12 MP (ultrawide), laser autofocus, Ultra HDR
- Apple iPhone 16E: 48 MP (wide), 3D spatial audio recording
Front Cameras
- Google Pixel 8: 10.5 MP ultrawide
- Apple iPhone 16E: 12 MP wide + SL 3D depth sensor
Verdict: The Pixel 8 offers a versatile ultrawide lens, while the iPhone 16E only has a single lens. For photography enthusiasts, having an additional ultra-wide-angle lens, for a much cheaper price makes the Pixel 8 the go-to choice over iPhone 16e.
Battery & Charging
- Google Pixel 8: 4575mAh, 27W wired, 18W wireless, reverse wireless charging
- Apple iPhone 16E: Unknown battery capacity, 50% charge in 30 min, 7.5W wireless (Qi)
Verdict: When it comes to battery usage, both should give an almost identical screen on time.
Price & Value
- Google Pixel 8: $399.00
- Apple iPhone 16E: $599
Verdict: The Pixel 8 offers outstanding value for money, while the iPhone 16E is significantly more expensive.
Final Verdict: Which One to Buy?
- Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: You want the best value for money, long Android updates, and superior camera versatility.
- Choose the Apple iPhone 16E if: You prefer iOS, better chipset performance, lighter build, and deeper ecosystem integration.
Both phones cater to different audiences, but for most users, the Pixel 8 stands out as the best value-for-money option. However, if you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16E is the way to go.