The iPhone 7 and Google Pixel are duking it out for the title of “Top Smartphone” and they are neck and neck. Yet, the similar qualities found in each device make the decision between the two a tough one. Which phone is right for you?

Camera

One of the most discussed features of the iPhone 7 Plus and the Google Pixel XL is their cameras. The iPhone 7 Plus made news when it was leaked that the device would feature a dual camera lens on the back, in addition to the front facing lens. In technical terms, the iPhone 7 Plus has both an f/1.8, 28 mm wide-angle lens and a 56mm telephoto lens on the back of the phone. These lenses feature 12-megapixel sensors and are optically stabilized. What does this mean when you cut through the jargon? The 7 Plus provides clearer, higher quality photos than even the iPhone 7. One of the biggest features is the 2x optical zoom, which is different than many smart phones that only digitally zoom. The iPhone 7 Plus digitally zooms 10x while also physically moving the lens when zooming up to 2x. Plus, you can use the all-new Portrait mode, which keeps up closes faces clear while blurring backgrounds (an effect known on DSLR camera as “bokeh”).

Enter: the Google Pixel XL. Hailed by some as the best smart phone camera yet, the Google Pixel’s camera is extremely similar to the iPhone 7. The specs include a 12.3-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front facing camera, and an f/2.0 aperture. Google has emphasized the time spent perfecting lower light shots on the XL, through the dual-LED flash. Plus, the XL features video stabilization and laser detection autofocus.

It seems pretty clear that, unless you’re a pro photographer, you probably won’t notice a huge difference between the two devices’ camera. But, if you’re still wondering about the differences, check out these photos taken on each device.

Design

The iPhone 7 and Google Pixel share a similar sleek and cutting edge design. The iPhone 7 measures at 5.44 inches x 2.64 inches x 0.28 inches thick and weighs in at 4.87 ounces. Similarly, the 7 Plus is 6.23 inches x 3.07 inches x 0.29 inches thick and weights in at 6.63 ounces. Made almost completely of aluminum, the iPhone 7 claims to be water and dust resistant, which is a new level of durability not seen in previous iPhone models. Though the biggest design change design of the iPhone 7 from previous models is the elimination of the headphone jack, which was anticipated to be a downfall for Apple, but has not been an issue for most users.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL offers similar specs. The Pixel is 5.66 inches x 2.74 inches x 0.29 inches thick (it actually varies in thickness – getting up to 0.34 inches thick at the top of the device) and weighs in at 5.04 ounces. Slightly smaller than the 7 Plus, the XL is 6.09 inches x 2.98 inches and the same thickness as the Pixel. It weighs in at just under 6 ounces.

The iPhone 7 and Google Pixel vary when it comes to buttons. The iPhone 7 features a home button on the front, which also holds the finger print sensor. However, Apple made a change by taking away the actually clicking mechanism of the home “button”. On the other hand, the Google Pixel removed all buttons from the front of the device and simply features a finger print sensor on the back of the device.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are available in Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, and Jet Black (though some say the Jet Black finish is prone to scratches). The Google Pixel and XL come in Very Silver, Quite Black, and the limited edition, Really Blue.

Battery

If battery life is a concern for you, then you might want to listen up. The Google Pixel features a battery capacity of 2770mAh while the iPhone 7 has a significantly smaller battery capacity of 1960mAh. While some say that it is difficult to compare Android and iPhone batteries, it is clear, simply based on the batteries capacities of each device, that the Pixel has the potential for a greater battery life. Plus, Google claims that the Pixel’s new fast charging technology means you can get up to seven hours of battery life through just 15-minutes of charging. Techradar tested out the Pixel’s battery life first hand, “If you’re careful with your usage, you’ll get a full day out of the phone, but we found that given moderate use a mid-evening charge was required to ensure we made it to bedtime without a flat battery.” On a similar note, Techradar also tested the iPhone 7’s battery and what they had to say was less than positive, “Does the iPhone 7 have decent battery life? Simply put: no.”

Display

A clear, sharp display is a priority to all smartphone users, whether they realize it or not. As you look at photos, watch videos, or even just browse social media, a sharp display is a priority for highlight everyday content. Yet, how do the displays on the iPhone 7 and Google Pixel measure up? The iPhone 7 sports a 4.7-inch retina display with a 1334 x 750 pixel resolution. While, on the other hand, the Pixel has a 5 inch display with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. So technically, based simply on the numbers, the Pixel has a larger screen and a sharper display.

Software

When it comes down to deciding between the iPhone 7 and the Google Pixel, most will probably make the decision based on software. The Google Pixel features Android 7.1 Nougat. The newest software feature coming with the Google Pixel is Google Assistant, which some say is more ambitious that Siri and Alexa. You can check out everything you need to know about the latest Android 7.1 Nougat update from Digital Trends. The iPhone 7 features iOS 10, which Techradar reviewed, along with the most recent iOS update.

Price

On the topic of price, the devices are pretty much tied. The iPhone 7 starts at $649 and the Plus starts at $769 from Apple. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all carriers for the iPhone 7, while it is also available SIM-free (without a designated carrier).

The Google Pixel also starts at $649 and the Pixel XL starts at $769 from Google. There has been controversy surrounding the supported carriers for the Pixel, as Google originally described the device as “Verizon exclusive”. However, it has recently been uncovered that, while Verizon is the exclusive carrier selling the device, it can be used on most major carriers, as well.

So, which phone will you choose?

The competition runs close between the iPhone 7 and Google Pixel, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both are outstanding devices with sleek designs, clear displays, and cutting edge camera technology. If you’re a previous Android user, you must ask yourself, are you devoted to Android for life or are you open for a change? The ever so dedicated iPhone users should ask the same question of themselves. But you can rest easy know that, whichever device you choose, you will soon be holding one of the best smartphones available.

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