Google Pixel 7 vs Apple iPhone 14: how they compare

But which one is better? While it may be as simple as deciding whether you prefer to use Android or iOS, there are a few key differences that we could highlight if you don't have a preference over the operating system, or you’re considering moving from one to the other. So, here's how the two phones compare, and which one is best for you.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Key specs

Screen: The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, with a refresh rate of up to 60Hz.

Design: The Pixel and iPhone handsets have looked similar for a few years now, with the Pixel 7's defining trait being the big camera module that runs along the width of the back panel, and the iPhone 14 having flatter sides and a large notch on the front.

Operating system: The Pixel 7 runs a clean and uncluttered version of Android 13, while the iPhone 14 is running the latest version of iOS.

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Processor: The Pixel 7 houses Google's own Tensor Gen 2 chip. The iPhone 14 is using Apple's own A15 Bionic – the same as the iPhone 13 handsets.

Cameras: The Pixel 7 has a 50MP main camera, plus a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10.8 MP selfie lens. The iPhone 14 has a 12MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide and a 12MP front-facing lens.

Battery: Both smartphones will last at least a full day between charges, and they support Qi wireless charging (up to 12W on Pixel, up to 7.5W on iPhone). If you use an official MagSafe charger then you can get up to 15W wireless on the iPhone 14.

Storage: The Google Pixel 7 has two options, 128GB and 256GB. The iPhone 14 has three storage options to choose from: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

Weight: The Google Pixel 7 is the heavier of the two smartphones. It weighs 197g compared to the iPhone 14's weight of 172g.

Pricing: The Pixel 7 has a £599 RRP, while the iPhone 14 cost £849 at launch. The Pixel 7 can now be found for under £400, while the Apple handset can be found for £699. We expect to see drops on both handsets during the Black Friday sales. Likewise, the iPhone 14 is likely to come down further due to the release of the new iPhone 15 and the same goes for the Pixel 7 when the Pixel 8 releases later this year.

Apple iPhone 14

£462 at Amazon

£699 at Mobiles UK £764 at Very

Pros

High-resolution screen
Software is fun to use
Good quality cameras

Cons

Same A15 processor as 2021

Google Pixel 7

£295 at Amazon

Pros

Excellent camera modes
Improved fingerprint reader
Smooth performance

Cons

Slippery to hold without a case

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Design

Although the designs of the two phones haven't changed much in recent years, they are certainly different when set side-by-side. The Pixel 7 is a larger handset overall, without a large notch on the front of the display and instead uses a smaller pinhole camera for the selfie lens.

On the back, the Pixel 7 has a big matte aluminium camera module that runs along the entire width of the back panel, while the iPhone 14's rear system is held inside a square bump on the top left corner. Both use glass panels on the back, although we find the Pixel to be more slippery when used without a case.

The iPhone 14 wins for colour options – coming in black, white, red, blue, purple and yellow – and even though the Pixel 7 looks lovely, it's limited to three hues: Obsidian (black), Snow (white), and Lemongrass (pale yellow).

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Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Display

We watch loads of streaming shows during our weekly commutes, so know exactly how important it is to have a quality screen. Luckily, both the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 have top displays when it comes to clarity and brightness. That said, it's the Google handset that has the edge if you're comparing the two devices directly.

That's because it has a higher refresh rate (90Hz over 60Hz) for smoother scrolling and higher peak brightness (1,400 nits over 1,000 nits), plus it's a bit physically larger too for seeing more details from your shows on the go. That's not to say the iPhone 14 is lacking in the display department – you're getting a crisp OLED panel with excellent black tones and contrast. One feature difference to note: only the Pixel 7 has the option of using an always-on display.

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Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Cameras

Having a reliable camera in the pocket is one of our favourite features of a smartphone, and we're happy to report that both the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 take excellent images in all lighting conditions. Both have a dual-camera system, although the Google handset packs in more megapixels overall – with a 50MP main rear lens compared to the Apple phone's 12MP sensor – and it has a 2x zoom that the 14 lacks.

Both share a 12MP ultra-wide as their second lens, although the iPhone wins if you're always on video calls or want to easily log into your sensitive apps due to its much smarter front-facing camera being 12MP instead of 10.8MP. Unlike the iPhone's FaceID, the Pixel 7's selfie lens is only for opening the screen without tapping in your password – it can't be used to authenticate payment or bank apps.

The Pixel has more fancy editing modes, such as Magic Eraser that removes unwanted people or items from the background of your snaps and Face Unblur that, well, unblurs people's faces, but either phone delivers sharp images with accurate colours and tons of detail that you can upload to social media without having to heavily edit.

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Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Software/performance

One of the biggest differences between the two smartphones is the operating system – the iPhone 14 runs on Apple's iOS, while the Pixel runs on Google's Android. They'll have their own versions of apps for texting, maps, internet browsing, storing photos, payments and video calling, with your details saved via an Apple ID or Google account.

Luckily, there's no bloatware (unwanted preloaded apps) on either phone, and both handsets are prime examples of a pure and uncluttered OS experience. Which one you prefer is usually based on what you have used in the past – it's all personal preference!

Whichever you choose, you're getting software support for years to come. The Pixel 7 is supported with Android updates until October 2025 and security updates until October 2027, while the iPhone 14 should be supported with iOS updates until around 2029.

The chips in each phone should remain speedy until then, with Google's Tensor G2 in the Pixel and Apple's A15 Bionic in the iPhone being powerful and efficient processors. Opening apps is fast, and you can have a few games of Call of Duty: Mobile without issue.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Battery

Both typically deliver one full day of use before needing a top-up. How long you get from each smartphone always depends on how heavy it's being used but you'll be fine for moderate use – checking your socials, listening to Spotify, sending a few emails and watching some YouTube.

Both phones give you about 50% of charge in 30 minutes, and you can also pop them both on a Qi wireless charger for a quick boost, through the day too. The iPhone 14's MagSafe technology lets you magnetically pop on accessories like power banks and chargers, while boosting the speed to 15W. Normally, you'll get 7.5W wireless speeds on the iPhones and up to 12W on the Pixel 7.

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Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14: Verdict

Much like when we compared the Pixel 7 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro, the two handsets will give you fantastic screens for watching streaming shows, smooth performance for checking websites, social media and gaming, plus high-end cameras that effortlessly deliver quality pictures.

The designs haven't changed much in recent years, but the builds are premium on both and we love that each has its own distinctive style. Sure, the iPhone 15 may have a newer chip and USB-C charging and the cool Dynamic Island, but as soon as the iPhone 14 price starts to fall it becomes one of the best-value picks.

Which one should you buy? If you have lots of other Apple products – such as AirPods and an iPad – we recommend staying in the iOS ecosystem by picking up the iPhone 14.

Pairing your gadgets and data will be seamless and you'll already know your way around the menus and app marketplace. Anyone who isn't in Apple world (and doesn't want to be) should get the Pixel 7. Its photo-taking skills are some of the smartest around, and you're getting one of the purest versions of Android on the market in 2023.

Go for the iPhone 14 if: You're already invested in lots of other iOS gear, would prefer to use Face ID and would like a more vibrant colour option.

Go for the Pixel 7 if: You would like to use a slightly bigger screen, you prefer the Android experience and want some of the smartest cameras around.