There are many smartphone launches per year, but two of the biggest, closest and most competitive are the Google Pixel 10 vs. the iPhone 17.
Launched in August 2025, the Google Pixel 10 is sure to please Android users while also having the power to tempt even loyal iPhone fans to switch. The Google Pixel 10’s benefits include an upgraded camera system with a 5X telephoto zoom lens and the addition of Pixelsnap, Google’s own version of magnetic charging.
The choice is incredibly tough, however, as the iPhone 17 brings the perks of the Pro models to its standard model, offering the best value for the price yet. The base model iPhone gets the same camera technology as the Pro models this year, and the ultra-sleek Air model is the slimmest, lightest iPhone to ever hit the stores.
This raises the tricky question: Google Pixel vs. iPhone, which is better? Google Pixel has been one of the leading Android brands for a long time, but does the Pixel 10 have the power to finally surpass Apple’s position as the highest-selling smartphone brand around?
If you’re stuck between these two models, this OzMobiles guide to how the two stack up should make the choice (a little) easier.
Google Pixel 10 vs. iPhone 17: Specifications & Features
Both Apple and Google have put their best work into these new flagship phones, with high-grade specs and cutting-edge features. So how do they compare? Savvy smartphone experts have put Google Pixel vs. iPhone to the test, highlighting some important similarities and differences between the two. This is how both phones compare:
Design
Both smartphones come with IP68 water and dust resistance ratings and are built with aluminium frames and reinforced glass. The Pixel 10 is heavier and (marginally) thicker. The choice of colours between phones differs, although both are available in a range of pleasant hues.
Display
Both smartphones feature 6.3-inch OLED screens with 3000 nits peak brightness, ensuring high visibility even on sunny days outdoors. The iPhone 17 now includes ProMotion, display technology with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and gaming smoother even during long sessions. The Pixel 10 features an always-on display, which can be toggled off in settings.
Performance
The standard Google Pixel 10 has 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB. Both have state-of-the-art chipsets that push the power of these phones to the next level. The iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s latest A19 chip, while the Pixel 10 has the efficient Tensor G5, the first chip designed in-house.
Both chips are built to help you power through demanding tasks. How do they compare in practice? While the A19 chip in the iPhone 17 delivers both higher single-core and multi-core CPU performance, the Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 prioritises machine learning and AI use.
Cameras
As you’d expect from Apple and Google, the cameras on the iPhone and Google Pixel are among the best you’ll find on any smartphone this year. In terms of new camera developments, Google has taken the lead with the Pixel 10 packing a triple-camera set-up: a 48MP primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom.
The Pixel’s telephoto zoom lens is a feature the iPhone still lacks. Still, the iPhone 17’s camera breaks new ground in its own way. The 18MP Center Stage Front Camera has square sensors that provide more flexible zoom and rotation options, and get everyone in a group shot automatically. The Ultra Wide camera shoots in 24MP by default, so your high-quality photos are perfect for storing straight away. At 256GB, it has double the previous model’s starting storage, so you have room for plenty of pictures.
Battery life and charging
Although both phones have a convenient all-day battery life, the Google Pixel 10 has a slight advantage with its 4,970 mAh battery. Apple has long had the benefit of MagSafe in its favour, and the brand’s new 40W adapter lets you reach a 50% charge in just 20 minutes. Now it’s meeting its match with the Google Pixel 10’s Pixelsnap Qi2 magnetic charging, which offers fast and safe wireless charging.
Which Phone Has The Best Improvements?
One thing is certain: the latest iPhone and Google Pixel models both offer solid improvements over their predecessors. But that doesn’t mean Google Pixel vs. iPhone is an easy decision.
The Google Pixel’s third telephoto lens, magnetic Qi2 wireless charging and Google Gemini-powered AI features all help make this phone feel like a cut above the previous model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 comes with a 120Hz ProMotion display and a base storage upgrade of 256GB.
While the iPhone 17’s A19 chip delivers the best performance overall, the Google Pixel 10 makes up for it by offering a broad range of AI tools to enhance your creativity. For some people, it will always come down to whether they prefer the connectivity of iOS or Android’s more flexible operating system. For those with no firm preference, the Google Pixel 10 vs. iPhone 17 decision is particularly challenging.
Which Phone Should You Buy?
So what’s it going to be this year: Google Pixel vs. iPhone? The choice is yours, but here are some compelling reasons to pick the iPhone 17:
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You want the strongest possible processing power and graphics performance.
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You plan to take lots of video, as the iPhone’s video capabilities are still widely considered among the top-tier options in the smartphone world.
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You want the highest possible amount of storage.
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You want a cohesive and connected iOS user experience, along with access to the entire Apple ecosystem.
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You’d want a slim, light smartphone, and the iPhone Air is arguably the lightest phone of all time.
The reasons to choose the Google Pixel include:
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You love to use AI-driven features to enhance everyday use and improve convenience.
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You want to access the Google Play platform, which offers access to billions of apps.
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You want the longest battery life possible, which is where the Google Pixel excels, thanks to its Extreme Battery Saver feature.
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You want a Pro Res Zoom that allows you to zoom up to 100X and still get a photo that looks great.
Buy the Latest Refurbished Phones from OzMobiles
Whether you prefer an iPhone, an Android, or a different style of smartphone, you can find the refurbished smartphone you need at OzMobiles.
Buy the latest refurbished iPhones, sourced in Australia and available with 12-month warranties. You can save $1000 or more on premium-quality models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 Pro Max. If you’re more of an Android lover, buy refurbished Google Pixel phones such as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 and their Pro models. We also have Android phones from the likes of Samsung Galaxy, Oppo and Huawei.
Buying from OzMobiles means a level of quality you can trust, with a warranty that covers you for at least the next 12 months. OzMobiles puts all our smartphones through a rigorous testing process to make sure they meet the standards for sale in Australia, with 30-day money-back guarantees included.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with choice and need some expert advice on the right refurbished smartphone for you? Reach out to the OzMobiles team.
