Technology

APPLE OR ANDROID?

Google Pixel 6 vs iPhone 13: which should you buy?

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Tom Tyers

Published: 17:11, 1 Jun 2023
Updated: 17:17, 19 Oct 2023

WHETHER you are a certified Apple fanatic or an Android diehard, we've put these devices head to head to show you what the other side has to offer.

Both models are former flagships and are loved by users, but if you're wondering which is for you read on to discover which side of the fence you're on.

If you've been thinking of switching your allegiance to Apple or Andriod be sure to read ahead first

Apple iPhone 13 (2021), £699 -
Google Pixel 6 (2021), £467 -

There is plenty of choices if you're looking to buy a new smartphone, but if you've been loyal to one brand and are thinking of branching out the choice can become more difficult.

The greatest clash comes whether you are an Apple or an Android user but with each offering some of the best choices on the market, which do you choose?

Both the Apple iPhone 13 and the Google Pixel 6 are great options, having entered the market together back in 2021, and both stood as former flagship devices.

We stack these devices up against each other, taking a look at everything from design, features, cameras, and price. Read on to find out which suits you.

Of course, it's worth keeping in mind that as November nears we will be seeing some big price drops on Apple during the Black Friday sale, so you'll want to bookmark our iPhone 13 Black Friday deals page.

For an in-depth spec breakdown our tech editor Sean Keach gives his verdict on each, read his iPhone 13 review and Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro review to find out more.

Top Deal: Apple iPhone 13

Affordable Mobiles has the best deal on the iPhone 13, with tripple data for just £38 per month on the O2 network.

Apple iPhone 13, 300GB data, £38 per month on O2 -

Top Deal: Google Pixel 6

The best deal on the Googel Pixel 6 still puts it out in front as the most affordable, with 100GB for just £23.08 after £70 cashback on Vodafone - buy heon Vodafone.

Google Pixel 6, 100GB data, £23.08 per month (after £70 cashback) on Vodafone -

iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 6: at a glance

Similarities:

The iPhone 13 and Pixel 6 offer little in the way of similarities, with Apple and Google taking different choices in almost all areas of these two flagships' construction, whether it be cosmetic or down to the hardware.

iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 6: Camera

One of the main deciding factors for those considering either of these handsets will be the camera. Both devices offer great cameras, with some great features too, but one may just edge out ahead for some of you.

If you are a big selfie taker, Apple treated you to a 12MP front-facing camera, whereas the Pixel 6's front-facing camera comes in at a standard 8MP.

The Google Pixel 6 comes with a 50MP main lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, while you will find the iPhone 13 has a smaller 12MP main lens and 12MP ultrawide lens.

Bigger doesn't always mean better though, the iPhone 13 main camera lens lets in more light given its wide aperture, which helps in low-light conditions.

That being said, Google listened to complaints made about the Pixel 5 and made improvements to the Pixel 6, particularly when it comes to capturing fast-moving objects.

For the average user, both offer great cameras, and these differences may not mean the world to you, but for those into their photography, it's worth consideration.

Pixel 6 vs iPhone 13: Design

At first glance, you'll see these two devices are different in size, with the Google Pixel 6 featuring a larger 6.4-inch display, compared to the iPhone 13's 6.1-inch display.

While the iPhone 13 is compact, the Google Pixel 6 is wider and considerably longer, not only that you can see a difference in design choice.

Apple has opted for slightly larger bezels on the iPhone 13 and its front-facing camera takes a notch out of the screen.

In contrast, the bezel on the Pixel 6 is smaller and its front-facing camera takes up less space with a punch-hole design.

When it comes down to a premium feel, both devices are on par with front and back glass designs. On the iPhone 13 Apple has opted for Ceramic Shield, while the Pixel 6 comes with its tough Gorilla Glass.

So it really comes down to your own preference, whether you prefer a larger screen or something more compact.

Google Pixel 6 vs iPhone 13: Features

Google and Apple both offer users fantastic features that become big talking points, and back in 2021 these were regarding the cameras on these two devices.

In the case of the Google Pixel 6, it comes in the form of top-quality editing tools, on the Apple iPhone 13 the next-level filming.

Google's Magic Eraser is the Pixel 6's standout feature, capable of removing unwanted photo bombers, which even Apple fans can admit is worth the hype. You'll also get Face Unblur, which adds clarity to faces in your photos.

Apple's iPhone 13 selling point on its release back in 2021 was its Cinematic video mode, which could switch focus in real-time and blur the background as you film.

One feature you will find on the iPhone 13 that is lacking on the Pixel 6 is Face ID to secure your device, as Google only rolled out Fingerprint ID on its former flagship Pixel 6.

But features IP68-certified water protection, so you can be sure either of these handsets will be safe if being around water often is a concern of yours.

Google Pixel 6 vs iPhone 13: Battery life

There is a difference in battery size in each of these devices, with a 4,614mAh battery on the Google Pixel 6 compared to a considerably smaller 3,240mAh on the Apple iPhone 13.

While the iPhone 13 battery is smaller it is a step up from the iPhone 12, which featured a 2,815mAh battery.

It's also important to note that iOS tends to be more power efficient than Android devices so bigger doesn't mean better here either.

But how long you can stretch out of either device really comes down to your usage habits, but the everyday user will get a day's charge out of the Pixel 6 or iPhone 13 with no problem, and in a nice touch both come with Qi wireless charging.

Google Pixel 6 vs iPhone 13: Price

On their release, the Apple iPhone 13 was more pricy than its Google counterpart, with the Pixel 6 entering the market at £599 compared to the iPhone 13 at £799.

Things have fluctuated since then with the release of new flagship devices, but the Google Pixel 6 remains a more affordable option with a £232 difference between the two.

Apple iPhone 13 (2021), £699 -
Google Pixel 6 (2021), £429 -

If you want a pay monthly plan however there is almost no difference between these two options. You can get 100GB of data for just £37 on the with nothing to pay upfront and the same plan for just £38 on the .

Here are all the retailers that offer both devices:

Mobiles.co.uk

iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 6: Which to choose

Both these devices come with some great features and offer a premium design and the trappings that come with it.

The choice between the two comes down to which features are more important to you and how compact you like your phone.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide which device is more your speed, and which you want to commit to.