Here are 6 things the iPhone 16 series can learn from its "rival" Pixel 9, according to a summary from Tom's Guide.
Now that the Pixel 9 lineup is out, all eyes are on Apple - looking forward to the iPhone 16 Series.
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The launch of the iPhone 16 quartet will be an opportunity for the iPhone to continue to be the best phones this year. Currently, rumors about them have appeared densely.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have their own highlights, here are things the iPhone 16 Series can learn from the Pixel 9 series if it wants to be more successful.
1. No price increase
Last year, when it launched, the iPhone 15 Pro Max was priced higher than its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. In contrast, Google did the unthinkable by increasing the prices of all Pixel 9 models, including the standard Pixel 9. The Pixel 8 Pro's true "successor," the Pixel 9 Pro XL, also increased its price to become the most expensive Pixel phone ever.
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So far, there is no sign that Apple will increase the price of the iPhone 16 generation. For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, keeping the price of this high-end smartphone equal to the starting price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max would be a wiser choice for the "Apple House".
2. Give the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max the same telephoto camera
One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is its better telephoto camera than the iPhone 15 Pro, thanks to its 5x optical zoom. But Google has done one better with its new phones — the Pixel 9 Pro has the same telephoto camera as the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro XL.
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Rumors have it that the iPhone 16 Pro will feature the same tetraprism telephoto camera that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, giving it the same 5x optical zoom as the more expensive iPhone Pro Max.
3. The A18 chip is the same on all models
This is unlikely. Apple has recently differentiated the iPhone Pro from the standard iPhone models by using different chips. This year's standard iPhone 16 models will inherit the A17 Pro chip. Meanwhile, other sources have hinted that the iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus will have the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have the more powerful A18 Pro chip.
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In contrast, Google is still powering all of its new Pixel models with the same chip — the Tensor G4 that's in all Pixel 9 models.
4. Faster charging
Apple's iPhones are some of the most feature-packed phones around, but they've never had fast charging. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max lag behind other high-end phones by only offering 20W wired charging.
Meanwhile, Google has bumped the Pixel 9 Pro XL's charging speed to 37W — up from the Pixel 8 Pro's 30W.
5. Upgrade refresh rate for standard iPhone 16 duo
Apple is the only company that keeps the display refresh rate at a standard 60Hz for its standard iPhone models. In contrast, Google has been extremely generous with its Pixel line in this regard. In fact, the Pixel 9 has an adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 60 to 120Hz, which makes the screen more "cool" when playing games and watching videos.
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The iPhone 16 is unlikely to abandon the fixed 60Hz refresh rate, but Apple could entice more users to upgrade if it makes that change.
6. Bring Apple Intelligence features to the entire product line
At its WWDC 2024 developer conference, Apple clearly shared which devices will support Apple Intelligence features. While the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are officially on that list, it's unclear whether the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be supported.
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On the other hand, Google is still integrating its new AI features for the entire Pixel 9 line. They all have access to AI features like: Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots.
Therefore, Apple could take a similar approach with its iPhone 16 lineup by giving all new iPhones access to Apple Intelligence and keeping some exclusive features for the iPhone Pro models.