Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 10a

Our Verdict: This comparison is less one-sided than the names suggest: the Apple iPhone 16 brings up to 512GB storage, but the Google Pixel 10a counters with the larger 6.3" screen versus 6.1", the larger 5100mAh battery, with the usual caveat that capacity is not the whole battery-life story. The Google Pixel 10a is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £366, roughly £123 less than the Apple iPhone 16. Software preference matters as well, because this is an iOS versus Android choice as much as a hardware comparison. That makes the Google Pixel 10a the value-led pick, unless up to 512GB storage on the Apple iPhone 16 is worth paying extra for.

The Pixel 10a is the cheaper one to own: around £359 over a typical contract, £270 less than the iPhone 16.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
461 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,561 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm
Weight
170 grams 183 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£23.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £12.99/mo (£25.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£484.99 £339.99

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Google Pixel 10a Google Pixel 10a
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 461 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,561 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm
Weight 170 grams 183 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £23.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£12.99/mo
£25.00 upfront
SIM-free £484.99 £339.99
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

White

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£23.50 per month, £20 upfront.

Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a

24 Months

128GB

Lavender

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£12.99 per month, £25 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 10a cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 10a is cheaper on contract at £359.16 over the life of the deal from £12.99 per month with £25.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 10a?

The Google Pixel 10a has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 10a has a P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak).

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 10a?

The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 10a has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 10a?

The Google Pixel 10a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £339.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 10a?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 10a comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 10a use?

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 10a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 10a?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 13g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 10a?

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 10a is rated IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 10a run?

The Apple iPhone 16 runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 10a runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.