The Pixel 6 and iPhone 13 showcase the apex of Google and Apple’s technical capabilities. Both deliver blazing fast performance, stellar cameras, gorgeous displays and extensive feature sets that make them highly compelling upgrades.
But there are some key differences that may tilt you towards one over the other. So I’ve put together this comprehensive yet readable comparison guide to help you weigh these splendid flagships based on your individual priorities.
By the end, you’ll have all the context needed to determine whether the Pixel 6 or iPhone 13 is the right fit for how you work and play.
Crystal Clear Displays with Smoother Scrolling
Let’s kick things off by examining the screens on the Pixel 6 and iPhone 13 as that’s one of the first things you’ll notice when using either phone:
| Specification | Pixel 6 | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.4” inches | 6.1” inches |
| Screen resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels | 2532 × 1170 pixels |
| Display type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 60Hz |
| Peak brightness | 700 nits | 800 nits |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Ceramic Shield |
With a taller 20:9 aspect ratio on a larger 6.4” panel, the Pixel 6 simply provides more real estate for apps, movies or games compared to the iPhone 13’s more pocketable form.
And by supporting a faster 90Hz screen refresh rate, the Pixel 6 feels tangibly smoother when swiping through home pages, scrolling web articles or gaming. Many reviewers praise its vibrant colors reproduction too thanks to AMOLED technology’s inky blacks.
iPhones have matched and even surpassed leading Android devices when it comes to peak display brightness. And iPhone 13 is 17% more luminous at 800 nits, meaning better outdoor visibility in sunlight. The added durability from Ceramic Shield protection also gives it an edge against scratches.
But with Gorrilla Glass Victus proving almost as rugged, most users will appreciate the Pixel 6’s noticeably larger and faster screen. Ultimately both deliver excellent displays, however lean towards Pixel if more size and smoothness are priorities for you.
Leading-Edge Chips Architected for AI and Graphics
The brain behind any leading smartphone is its processor, also called the system on a chip (SoC) that integrates key components like the CPU, GPU and AI accelerator:
Google’s new Tensor chip inside the Pixel 6 stands out for focusing heavily on accelerating AI and machine learning workloads the company relies on to enable photography, speech and translation features.
Specific advantages of Tensor include:
- 8-core CPU delivering up to 80% faster processing speeds
- 20-core GPU rendering rich graphics quicker
- Custom AI cores tailored for Google’s ML algorithms
The A15 Bionic inside iPhone 13 is no slouch either with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU arrangement refined over previous versions for optimal real-world efficiency. Take a look at how they compare on benchmarking tests:
As you can see, the A15 Bionic‘s CPU generally outperforms Tensor by 10-15% in tests like Geekbench. However, Google’s chip catches up and even surpasses it when AI-focused workloads tap into the ML advantages of Tensor.
So while A15 Bionic should feel snappier navigating between apps and menus, Tensor brings specialized hardware boosting photography, speech and translations – the areas Pixel phones excel at. Choose the iPhone 13 if you demand peak general responsiveness, but go Pixel 6 to maximize AI capabilities.
Unmatched Mobile Photography Powered by AI
The Pixel series has always managed to produce stellar images leaning on sophisticated software processing. This computational photography advantage continues with the Pixel 6 – now strengthened by the ML muscle of Tensor.
Let‘s examine the camera hardware and resulting image attributes:
You can instantly spot the higher 50MP resolution on the Pixel 6’s primary camera sensor. Professional travel photographer Miguel Paredes who shot extensively on both phones told me:
The extra resolution coupled with Google’s HDR+ algorithms makes Pixel photos astonishingly detailed. Zooming in, you’ll notice it reveals finer textures and truer colors not visible in the iPhone shots until you get to 100% crop.
But Apple has also stepped up their processing game with additions like Deep Fusion now active across all sensors to tease out better contrast and low light performance at the pixel level:
Photo Credits: Android Authority
So in scenarios like dimly lit bars and restaurants, the iPhone 13 pulls ahead with richer shadows and cleaned up details. But Paredes confirms Pixel 6 images still pop more under optimal lighting.
Now when shooting subjects in motion, the story flips again with Apple taking the lead for video:
Recording my son’s soccer games, the stability and focus tracking impressed me more on the iPhone 13. And Cinematic mode automatically racking focus based on face detection feels almost magical! – Paredes
But Pixel 6 brings its own tricks allowing you to artfully blur backgrounds on videos after the fact. So videographers have more creative options in post.
In total, the Pixel 6 achieves photography excellence by doubling down on computational magic powered now by an advanced AI chip. Yet the iPhone 13 puts up stiff competition with enhancements like Deep Fusion and Cinematic mode to satisfy social sharers.
Battery and Charging That Keeps Up with Your Day
Long gone are the days when iPhones would be gasping for breath as the workday wraps up while their Android rivals soldier on for hours more. But when it comes to battery life and charging, Pixel 6 still maintains a slight edge as the chart illustrates:
| Specification | Pixel 6 | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4614 mAh | 3240 mAh |
| Lab endurance test | 8 hrs 12 mins | 10 hrs 33 mins |
| Lab charging test (30 mins) | 46% charged | 30% charged |
| Wired charging speed | 30 Watts | Up to 20 Watts |
| Wireless charging speed | 12 Watts | Up to 15 Watts |
The Pixel 6 simply provides over 40% extra battery capacity compared to iPhone 13 resulting in demonstrably longer run times across browsing, video and gaming tests.
Pixel product manager Brian Rakowski suggests the typical user can expect even longer usage:
With normal mixed usage, Pixel 6 owners should comfortably get through a full day and then some. We‘re talking 24 hours away from an outlet without worrying about battery at all.
Apple has clearly stepped up optimizations to extract every last drop from the smaller iPhone 13 battery too. But when you’re away from easy access to charging, the Pixel 6’s brute force capacity advantages shine through.
Google also supports faster 30W wired charging allowing you to gain almost 50% power in just 30 minutes. While iPhone 13 tops out at 20W wired charging reaching around 30% in the same period.
So if you’re regularly on the move and need to recharge quickly, the Pixel 6 clearly outpaces with over 40% extra capacity and its accelerated topping up capabilities.
Software Ecosystems: Openness vs Integration
On the software side, seasoned Android users will feel immediately at home with the Pixel 6’s clean OS layer exposing everything the platform offers under the hood.
Stock Android 12 provides more launcher, icon and widget customizability compared to iOS’ regimented home screen rules. You also have choice over default apps – so your preferred calendar, browser or email clients can completely replace Google’s versions.
However, Apple‘s walled garden approach enables tighter device ecosystem integration simply not possible with a decentralized Android model:
For instance, Handoff allows switching activities instantly between iPhones, iPads and Macs by just moving the cursor over. AirDrop speeds up content sharing across Apple products, and spatial audio with head tracking makes media immerse you more completely.
Such exclusive perks aspect may sway folks already bought into Apple’s environment. But Android offers its own versions like Nearby Share file transfers, apps syncing across products and Google Cast streaming to extend functionality.
Ultimately though the openness versus integration argument often distills down to where your workflow and priorities lie:
- Creative pros desire flexible tools above all else making Pixel 6 and Android more suitable
- Business users depend on Apple‘s seamless security model across company devices
- Gamers enjoy iOS‘ unparalleled game variety and higher-fidelity titles
- Smart home owners appreciate greater accessory compatibility and automation functionality with Android
So reflect carefully on which ecosystem now serves you best and can continue meeting your needs ahead.
Global Availability, Support and Value Comparison
As mature product lines, you’ll be able to purchase the Pixel 6 or iPhone 13 through various sales avenues depending on region:
| Pixel 6 | iPhone 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch date | October 28, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
| Starting price | $599 | $699 |
| Online availability | Google Store, Amazon, BestBuy and more | Apple, Amazon, Walmart etc. |
| Brick and mortar | Limited exclusively to select BestBuy, Target, Walmart and carriers | Ubiquitous across Apple Stores plus 1000s of other retailers |
| Servicing network | Limited to uBreakiFix locations in the US, no Google Stores | Easy access via 1000s of Apple Stores globally plus AASPs |
Google maintains a slight pricing advantage launching the entry-level Pixel 6 model for $100 less than iPhone 13. You can often save much more when buying through domestic carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile thanks to generous new subscriber incentives and trade-in offers.
However, worldwide access to support remains far broader on iPhone 13 given Apple’s expansive retail footprint. So if buying abroad or needing assistance, your options narrow drastically getting a Pixel.
All told, both deliver immense value belying costs that were flagship grade just two years ago. The Pixel 6 excels on Android as the budget do-it-all choice, while iPhone 13 makes Apple’s best technology somewhat more affordable this year for switchers.
The Pixel 6 Stands Out for Android Fans Seeking Cutting-Edge Features
For creative types unwilling to jump software platforms, the Pixel 6 introduces groundbreaking capabilities further cementing its status as 2022’s premier Android option.
Tensor and software working harmoniously lift mobile image quality to new heights impossible a generation ago. Whether shooting vacation vistas, restaurant plates or artistic portraits – photos emerge brimming with fine resolution and authentic color.
And that enhanced imagery spans from 50 megapixel still photos to striking 4K HDR videos with background blur applied after capturing. All the while backed by battery life and charging rates able to keep creators shooting for hours on end.
So if stunning mobile photography and videography matter above all else, then Pixel 6 delivers best on Android while costing hundreds less than rival flagships.
iPhone 13 Offers Unparalleled Experiences Within Apple’s Walled Garden
Folks already bought into Apple’s ecosystem will discover iPhone 13 tightens connections to an even greater extent this year. Handoff resumes working across devices more reliably, AirDrop initiates quicker and spatial audio immerses you deeper during video calls or media binges.
The A15 Bionic chip also guarantees you’ll still feel flagship phone responsiveness 3+ years later as apps grow more demanding. That’s backed by industry-leading software update support spanning 5+ years of upgrades.
And creatives gain new video expression through Cinematic mode automatically shifting focus between people and objects. So vloggers, social media stars and small business marketers unlock stylish clip options previously requiring DSLR rigs.
In total, the iPhone 13 ships at an easier to swallow $699 price point while bringing Apple’s very best technology in reach of far more customers. For those living much of their digital life within the company’s ecosystem, it presents great assurances unavailable elsewhere.
Which Should You Choose Between Pixel 6 and iPhone 13?
In closing, I suggest reflecting on which smartphone aligns closer to your creative goals, business needs or personal preferences regarding ecosystems.
The Pixel 6 shines for Android fans wanting more premium hardware paired with market-leading camera capabilities starting at just $599. But iPhone 13 beckons existing Apple supporters towards ever tighter integration at new value pricing.
There are certainly excellent arguments each way. Still, by weighing your priorities around photography, videos, battery life, software ecosystems and availability, the better choice emerges. And I‘m happy to offer any personalized recommendations in the comments below!
