Tech

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Which sub-$800 smartphone is right for you?

Published

1 year ago

October 16, 2023

Confused about making your next big smartphone choice? Find out whether the Google Pixel 8 or iPhone 15 fits your needs.

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Source: Google
Google Pixel 8

Impressive battery

The Pixel 8 is a tech powerhouse with a 6.2-inch OLED display offering stunning visuals with a 1080×2400 resolution and up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, and the refresh rate is exceptionally good at 120Hz. It’s got a massive 4575 mAh battery, ensuring you can go beyond a full day of use. Plus, Google’s multi-layer hardware security and 7 years of OS updates make it a solid choice for the security-conscious.
Pros

Higher refresh rate with a maximum 120Hz

Offers Wi-Fi 7 compatibility

Better RAM support
Cons

Limited focus on the design

Heavier than the iPhone

Fewer pixels per inch
$699 at Best Buy
Apple iPhone 15

Redefining power

The iPhone 15 dazzles with its stylish finish, available in a range of vibrant colors. Its sleek aluminum design is fortified with a Ceramic Shield front for added durability. Under the hood, the A16 Bionic chip powers this device with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, ensuring blazing performance. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP main lens and 12MP ultrawide lens.
Pros

Blazing fast A16 Bionic chip

Enhanced protection with Ceramic Shield

Better-performing GPU
Cons

Limited AI features

Lower RAM support

Less max battery
$730 at Best Buy

The iPhone 15 was launched September 2023, while the Google Pixel 8 was recently announced by Google on Oct. 4, and started shipping about a week later. Both devices come in the high-end range, and offer exceptional specifications.

Most people might just immediately say that the iPhone 15 is better, but there are differences between the Pixel 8 and iPhone 15. After all, it’s always the differences that help you make the right choice. Let’s compare the Google Pixel 8 and the iPhone 15 to see which is better for you.

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Pricing, specs, and availability

The iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 are both newly launched devices and are available on the official website as well as Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers. However, there is a price gap, and this is where the Pixel 8 has a slight advantage over the iPhone.

The iPhone 15 starts at a price of $730, which includes 128GB of storage, whereas the Google Pixel 8 is slightly more affordable, priced at $699 for the same 128GB storage. This means a $40 difference in favor of the Pixel 8 at the base level.

When looking at the 256GB storage variant, the iPhone 15 is priced at $830, with Apple increasing the cost by $100 for extra storage, while the Pixel 8 maintains a more competitive price at $759 for the same storage capacity.

The iPhone 15 also offers a 512 GB storage option, but it comes with a steep price tag starting at $1,030, whereas the Pixel 8 does not have this higher storage capacity option available. One thing we can see is that Apple is substantially increasing prices with increased storage, while Google brings a minor change only.

The Pixel 8 is also available on Amazon for pre-order at the same prices as mentioned on the official website. However, Apple has not yet offered the iPhone 15 officially on Amazon and you can only order via Apple’s website.

	Google Pixel 8	Apple iPhone 15
SoC	Google Tensor G3	Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
Display	6.2-inch OLED (1080×2400), 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,000 nits peak brightness	6.1-inch Dynamic OLED Display, FHD+ resolution 2556×1179
RAM	8GB LPDDR5X	6GB RAM
Storage	128GB, 256GB UFS 3.1 storage	Up to 512GB
Battery	4,575mAh	3,349mAh
Ports	USB Type-C 3.2	USB Type-C
Operating System	Android 14	iOS 17
Front camera	10.5MP, f/2.2, 95 degree FoV	12MP ƒ/1.9
Rear camera	50MP, f/1.68 Octa PD wide camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera with Autofocus, 125.8-degree FoV	Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.6 Ultrawide: 12MP, ƒ/2.4 Telephoto: 12MP ƒ/1.6 aperture
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC	5G (Sub-6GHz and mmWave) Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions	5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm)	5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80mm)
Colors	Obsidian, Hazel, Rose	Black, blue, green, yellow, pink
Weight	6.6 ounces (187g)	6.02 ounces (171 gm)

Battery and performance

When it comes to performance, both devices have their own competitive advantage, making it a real challenge to choose one. Starting off, we can notice that the Google Pixel 8 features the Google Tensor 3 Chipset while the iPhone 15 comes with an A16 Bionic chip. Neither of the chipsets is a slouch. The Pixel 8 has a nonacore processor featuring a CPU architecture with 4 Cortex-A510 cores at 1.7GHz, 4 Cortex-A715 cores at 2.37GHz, and 1 Cortex-X3 core at 2.91GHz.

On the other hand, the iPhone 15 has a hexacore processor with a CPU architecture consisting of 4 Sawtooth cores at 2.02GHz and 2 Everest cores at 3.46GHz. We can notice that the iPhone 15 has a significantly higher clock speed, which would mean better performance. However, with extra cores offered in Pixel 8, there’s not much of a downside.

The back of an iPhone 15 on a marble tabletop.

Plus, a standout feature for the Pixel 8 is its impressive 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, giving it a clear advantage in the memory department over the iPhone 15’s 6GB LPDDR5 RAM. In a nutshell, the iPhone 15’s higher clock speed and advanced chipset give it an edge, but the Pixel 8’s 8GB RAM and nonacore processor keep the competition close.

Now, when it comes to graphics, the Apple A16 Bionic struts its stuff with a 5-core GPU, humming along at a brisk 1398MHz. In comparison, the Pixel 8’s ARM Immortalis G715 MP10 GPU holds its own but slightly at a more modest core clock of 890MHz.

When it comes to battery life, both these devices promise to keep you going all day long. The Pixel 8 packs a hefty 4575mAh battery, which is quite impressive, while the iPhone 15 trails a bit behind with its 3349mAh battery. What’s cool is that the Pixel 8 uses Li-Po cells and can be charged with a max wattage of 27W, while the iPhone 15 sticks with Li-Ion and maxes out at 20W charging. So, you’ve got fast charging options on both sides of the fence.

Google Pixel 8 on display next to a ball.

Design and display

The iPhone 15 may not have much improvement in design with regards to its predecessors, but comparing it with Google Pixel 8, it’s quite impressive.

In regards to dimension specs, Apple takes the lead with a more refined and well-balanced design. The iPhone 15 measures 2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 inches, weighing in at 6.02 ounces. Its aluminum frame not only contributes to a lighter device but also offers durability. The Ceramic Shield front offers four times better drop protection against other smartphones and the color-infused glass back adds to the style.

The iPhone 15's display on a marble tabletop.

On the other hand, the Pixel 8 measures 2.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches with a weight of 6.6 ounces. While it also comes with a strong protection in the form of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, it is notably heavier than the iPhone 15. Besides, the overall premium finish of the iPhone makes it a standout device.

However, we can notice the real competition in terms of the display. The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display while the Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch Actua OLED display. Apple, of course, takes the lead with its Super Retina XDR technology. On top of that, you’ll see a better resolution offered in iPhone 15 at 2556×1179 pixels at 460 PPI. The Pixel 8 falls behind with 1080×2400 pixels at 428 PPI. The major difference in pixels per inch shows that the iPhone 15 will offer a clearer, sharper, and vibrant display.

But, one aspect where Pixel 8 takes a clear lead is the refresh rate. The Pixel 8 offers a variable refresh rate at 60-120Hz, while the iPhone 15 offers a 60Hz refresh rate only. You can expect a lot of improvement and enhanced smoothness in this field for the Google Pixel 8. And, it’s rather disappointing for Apple to not enhance the refresh rate when most of the latest devices, including the Galaxy S23 and many others, are.

As for other elements like contrast ratio, the Pixel 8 offers 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio while the iPhone 15 has a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. By definition, you can expect to see better blacks, improved picture quality, and overall, a much more vibrant viewing experience. As for brightness, both devices have the capability of reaching a peak max brightness of 2000 nits. Although, in HDR mode, the Pixel 8 can reach up to 1400 nits while the Apple iPhone 15 offers a slight improvement at 1600 nits.

It is worth noting that the iPhone 15 is offered in black, blue, green, yellow, and pink, while the Pixel 8 is only offered in Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose. With all these aspects in mind, the iPhone 15 lags behind only in terms of variable refresh rate. All other key features are an absolute win for Apple, which is why the iPhone 15 takes the lead here.

Cameras

The Pixel 8 may lack certain design elements, but one thing Google hasn’t forgotten about is the camera. The Pixel 8 comes with a 50MP Octa PD wide camera with a ƒ/1.68 aperture. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, has a 48MP camera with a ƒ/1.6 aperture. The gap is thin, but the iPhone 15 also offers 100% focus pixels for super-high-res photography in 24MP and 48MP variants. The Pixel 8 offers Super Res Zoom up to 8x.

One is assured of the idea that the iPhone 15 won’t mess up the picture quality even with magnification, and of course, the portraits are a must too! Besides, Apple has added an extra protection to the camera with the sapphire crystal lens cover. Pixel misses out on that.

One similarity between the two is that both are equipped with a 12MP ultrawide camera. A fine line is drawn with Pixel 8 offering ƒ/2.2 aperture and iPhone 15 coming with ƒ/2.4 aperture. Also, the iPhone comes with a 120-degree field of view while the Pixel 8 has it slightly better at 125.8 degrees.

As for the video capabilities, the Pixel 8 offers up to 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps. The iPhone 15 is quite similar with 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps.

Google

Moving on to the front camera, the iPhone 15 features a 12MP camera, but the Pixel 8 offers a 10.5MP camera. The iPhone 15 struts its stuff with an ƒ/1.9 aperture, giving you some great low-light capabilities. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 offers an ƒ/2.2 aperture, which is still solid but just a tad less snazzy.

Both these devices can shoot 4K videos with their front cameras, so no surprise there. Google’s Pixel 8 claims to have a fixed focus, while the iPhone 15 steps it up with autofocus and focus pixels support. But for slow motion, the Pixel 8 has a better support. You can expect slo-mo video up to 240 fps from the front camera while the iPhone 15 offers up to 120 fps only.

Google Pixel 8 vs iPhone 15: Which one should you choose?

Both the iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 are among the best phones with a serious neck-to-neck finish in several departments. For those who are looking for an Apple-ecosystem-centric device, with enhanced camera capabilities, and top-notch performance, the iPhone 15 is the answer.

A PNG render of the black iPhone 15 base model on a transparent background.

Apple iPhone 15

Editor’s choice

The iPhone 15 is the ultimate choice for those craving high-speed performance. It’s fueled by the lightning-fast A16 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU. Whether you’re a content creator, or simply someone who values speedy responsiveness, the iPhone 15’s unrivaled performance makes it the top pick for speed enthusiasts. Experience high-end mobile performance with the iPhone 15 thanks to Apple’s own A16 Bionic chip.

$799 at Apple $730 at Best Buy

While the Pixel 8 is also a good choice in terms of performance, it falls behind in terms of camera specs and the overall design. But, in case you are a big fan of fast and smooth displays, the iPhone should be off of your list because it does not offer a higher refresh rate. The Pixel 8 would be a much better pick in that case.

Lastly, If you are opting for the Pixel 8 Pro, don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best Google Pixel 8 Pro cases.

Source: Google

Google Pixel 8

Runner-up

The Pixel 8 brings a smart touch to your smartphone experience with enhanced AI features, making tasks seamless and intuitive. With its impressive 4575 mAh battery, it ensures you stay connected and powered up throughout the day. The high refresh rate OLED display keeps everything smooth, from scrolling through social media to gaming. It’s a perfect blend of intelligence and endurance.

$699 at Amazon $699 at Best Buy

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Tech

Ottawa orders TikTok’s Canadian arm to be dissolved

Published

3 days ago

November 6, 2024

Anne Joseph

The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.

“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.

The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.

However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”

Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.

A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.

“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.

“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”

The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.

At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.

A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”

Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.

Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.

Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.

Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.

While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.

Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.

The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.

— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.

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Health

Here is how to prepare your online accounts for when you die

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Anne Joseph

LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?

It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.

Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:

Apple

The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.

For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.

You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.

Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.

Google

Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.

When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.

You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.

There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.

Facebook and Instagram

Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.

When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.

The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.

You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.

TikTok

The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.

Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.

It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.

Passwords

Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?

Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.

But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.

___

Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.

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Tech

Google’s partnership with AI startup Anthropic faces a UK competition investigation

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Anne Joseph

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.

The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.

“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”

San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.

Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”

“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.

The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.

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