Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16: Which one’s the best compact phone

Google took the wraps off the Pixel 10 this week, and it’s the brand’s latest and most powerful compact phone of the year. But how does it fare against the competition? We are talking about the iPhone 16, which is the compact phone of choice for many.

Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16: Design and display

The Google Pixel 10 sticks to the standard Pixel design, with a protruded camera visor and a clean look. Materials include glass front and back with aluminium on the sides. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, also uses the same materials for the build, but comes with a different look, especially on the rear.

The Pixel 10 rocks a horizontal camera island, whereas the iPhone 16 goes for a vertical array. Both are IP68-rated, with the former weighing 204 grams. The latter is lighter at just 170 grams.

The Pixel 10 isn’t just a bit heavier; it also features a larger overall footprint, as the screen extends to 6.3 inches. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, boasts a smaller 6.1-inch panel, but it’s a 60Hz screen with Ceramic Shield glass. Google has gone with a faster 120Hz screen for the Pixel 10, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.

Both screens are equally bright at 2,000 nits HBM, but the brightness peaks to 3,000 nits on the Pixel. The bezels are noticeable on phones, but you get a punch hole on the Pixel and the Dynamic Island on the iPhone.

Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16: Cameras

Cameras are where the things get interesting. The iPhone 16 goes for a minimal dual camera setup, with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide unit. There’s a 12MP camera on the front for selfies. So, no telephoto here.

The Pixel 10, on the other hand, has a triple-rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide unit, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto sensor. There’s also a 10.5MP camera on the front for selfies.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 10 series price in India: How much each model costs

Both phones support 4K video and come with a bunch of features in the camera app. Plus, you get AI photo-editing features in both devices, including the popular AI eraser tool. With Pixel, however, you get added AI features like Best Take and Pixel Studio.

Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16: Performance, battery, software

Performance is top-notch on both phones, with the Tensor G5 inside the Pixel 10 and the A18 chipset inside the iPhone 16. While Pixel has had thermal issues in the past, the new chip is expected to run cool. With Pixel, you get 12GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone 16 comes with 8GB of RAM.

You get up to 512GB of storage in the iPhone 16 and up to 256GB of storage space in the Pixel 10. As for endurance, the Pixel 10 packs a 4,970mAh battery, with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. The iPhone houses a 3,561mAh cell with 25W wired and 15W wireless.

While the numbers differ a lot, they both are advertised to offer a full day of battery. As for the software, the Pixel runs on Android 16 with seven years of OS upgrades. The iPhone 16 boots on iOS 18 and gets up to five years of OS upgrades, including iOS 26.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold launches with dust resistance, Android 16

Overall, the Google Pixel 10 for Rs 79,999 comes with an extra camera, a faster display, and AI goodness. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, for Rs 79,900, offers a minimal experience. It lacks a telephoto camera, but balances things with other software features exclusive to iOS.

You won’t be wrong with any of the two, but before you purchase, make sure to do your research. And for more such in-depth comparisons, stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma.