Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Which should you buy

Now that the veil has been pulled back on the Pixel 8, we can finally start comparing it to other devices that have either been out for a while or were also recently released. One of the most obvious comparisons to make is trying to help you decide between the Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15. Regardless of which one you choose, these are both great smartphones, but let’s dive a bit deeper to see which one would be better suited for your needs.

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Design and build

Both the Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 look pretty similar, at first glance, compared to their predecessors. But Google and Apple opted for some subtle design changes that should make for a more comfortable user experience on a daily basis. 

The Pixel 8 retains the cyborg-like camera bar on the back, which has really come to define the Pixel series ever since it was introduced with the Pixel 6. This houses a dual-camera setup headlined by a 48MP wide-angle lens paired with a 12MP ultrawide camera that is also capable of being used for macro-photography.

One major change with the Pixel 8 is the move from curved glass to using a flat panel on the front, while also being slightly shorter than the Pixel 7, as it measures 6.3 inches. The edges of the device remain curved, but you won’t have to worry as much about accidental touches from your palm when you’re just trying to use your phone. 

While the iPhone has used a flat display for years, the iPhone 15’s biggest design change comes in the form of the frame. Gone are the 90-degree angles that cut into the palm of your hand, and instead, Apple has opted for subtle curves that aim to make for a more comfortable experience.

The display size itself remains the same, as Apple is using a 6.1-inch display, but there’s one big difference on this front. The notch has been officially ditched, and after being debuted alongside the iPhone 14 Pro, the Dynamic Island has come to the latest non-Pro iPhone. 

There were some who hoped to see Apple bring its ProMotion display technology to the iPhone, offering a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait another year, as the iPhone 15 is still “stuck” with a 60Hz display. 

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 does offer a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz thanks to Google’s new “Actua Display.” This represents an upgrade over the Pixel 7, which was limited to 90hz, so we’re happy to see this change come to the smaller Pixel 8.

Lastly, both of the Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15 sport wireless charging, but the iPhone got another major upgrade (thanks to the EU,) as it now uses USB-C instead of Lightning. Charging speeds are about the same between both of these phones, but despite being introduced at CES 2023, Qi2 is still nowhere to be found. This means that if you want to use MagSafe accessories with the Pixel 8, you’ll either need to grab one of the best Pixel 8 cases or rely on an adapter. 

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Comparing the specs

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Cameras

We haven’t had the opportunity to go hands-on with the cameras on either of these phones just yet. But both the Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15 feature dual rear camera setups, to go along with the selfie cameras on the front. 

The Pixel 8 relies on a 50MP main wide-angle lens with an f/1.68 aperture, an 82-degree FoV, and 2x optical zoom. It’s paired with a 12MP ultrawide lens that offers an f/2.2 aperture and a 125.8-degree FoV. Google also includes laser detect autofocus, along with both optical and electronic image stabilization. 

Moving over to the iPhone, Apple is also still relying on a dual camera setup, leaving the triple cameras for its Pro models. With the iPhone 15, you’ll find an upgraded 48MP main camera with an f/1.6 aperture, paired with a 12MP ultrawide camera offering a 120-degree FoV and an f/2.4 aperture. 

The reality is that when it comes to snapping photos, both of these smartphones will perform quite admirably, and it really just comes down to the processing done after the image is captured. And while Google continues to improve its video recording capabilities, this is one area where the iPhone continues to come out on top. 

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Software

If there’s one area that Google has a leg up on Apple, it’s with the various camera features that the company includes on its phones. That list continues to grow, and while the Pixel 8 won’t get all of the features that the Pixel 8 Pro will, it still has more than what you’ll find on the iPhone 15. 

For example, in addition to improvements to features like Magic Eraser and Night Sight, the Pixel 8 is set to offer features known as Best Take, Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, and Video Boost. These all aim to provide ways to capture those important moments in life, while also giving you the tools you want (or need) in order to edit them to your liking. 

Apple’s iPhone 15 is really great for those who just want their phone to act as a “point and shoot” camera. However, there aren’t really any game-changing features to play around with, as those are reserved for the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

One of the biggest announcements to come from the Pixel 8 launch was Google’s overhauled commitment to software support. Previously, Google was only offering three years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. But that’s all changing, as the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will receive seven years of both OS upgrades and security patches. 

Apple doesn’t explicitly state how long their devices will be supported, but when looking back at the launch of iOS 17, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus from 2017 were left off of the list. Currently, the oldest iPhones that are capable of running iOS 17 is the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, which were released in 2018. 

Assuming that some type of magic doesn’t happen between now and iOS 18, we won’t be surprised if both of those models are left behind. This gives us an idea that Apple falls just a bit short of Google’s latest promise, providing six years of updates compared to seven. 

The biggest question that can’t currently be answered is whether Google will actually be able to follow through on that promise for the Pixel 8 in 2030. So until then, we just have to take Google at its word, while also keeping an eye on how the company handles future device launches.

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Which should you buy?

The last thing to consider when comparing the Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15 is the price. On one hand, the iPhone 15 is available in five different colors and maxes out at 512GB of storage, but starts at $799 for the base 128GB model. 

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 actually saw a $100 price increase over the Pixel 7, is only available in three colors, while maxing out at just 256GB. But even with the price increase, it’s still $100 cheaper than the iPhone 15, at $699, which is actually rather surprising, when considering that Apple is using last year’s processor and the new Tensor G3 is at the helm for Google.

You won’t be disappointed with either device, as they will be supported for quite a long time, have plenty of features, and offer a great experience for the platform they provide. But we’d have to give the nod to the Pixel 8 thanks to the newer processor, better display, and all of the fun camera features that are on the way.