I put the Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 through a 10-round photo face-off — here's the winner

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

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Daytime
Ultrawide
Dynamic Range
Colors
Indoors
Selfie
Panorama
Macro
Zoom
Low Light
Bottom Line

There’s nothing wrong with not choosing a ‘Pro’ model. I know very well how they’re some of the best camera phones around, but the Pixel 10 and iPhone 16 still have outstanding performance that won’t cost you as much. Even though it’s about to be replaced by the iPhone 17, there’s still a lot I like about the current model.

In my iPhone 16 review, I mention how its dual camera system, a 48MP main shooter and refreshed 12MP ultrawide, produces nearly the same amount of detail and definition as the more expensive ‘Pro’ models. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 is redefining the expectation I have with phones around the $799 price range. That’s because in my Pixel 10 review, I call out how it ushers in a new age with its triple cameras — a 48MP main shooter, 13MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The latter’s important because phones in this range don’t typically get treated to a telephoto, so it’s big news.

Similar to my other photo shoot outs, I take the same set of photos with both phones and then compare the results on a monitor to inspect the differences. This Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off covers everything I would test for in my review, so here’s the results.

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Daytime

This one’s tough to judge, which also indicates how close their performances are with one another. When I look at the overall picture, it’s hard to tell them apart other than their color temperatures. I like how the iPhone 16 has a warmer color tone and looks more inviting than the cooler color temperature of the Pixel 16. At the same time, there’s just a little more definition with the iPhone 16. I also like that the iPhone has more contrast between the pavement and sky and more gradation in the clouds.

Winner: iPhone 16

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Ultrawide

Both ultrawide shooters have 120-degree field of views, so they capture the same amount of range with the shots above with the tree by the parking lot to the left and the person sitting on the bench on the right. The iPhone 16’s preference for a warmer color tone is evident here again, but I really like how the Pixel 10 compensates the shadows by boosting the exposure in those areas.

Winner: Pixel 10

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Dynamic Range

Switching back to their main cameras to compare their dynamic range performances, I prefer how the Pixel 10 boosts the exposure of the side of the building more than the iPhone 16, without causing the brighter areas to be over-exposed in the process.

Winner: Pixel 10

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Colors

Even without dialing into all the details, I can tell already that the iPhone 16 produces the better looking colors. All the flowers in the shot above pop with brighter, more iridescent colors that command my attention. The Pixel 10’s colors are still pretty good, but they lack the vibrancy to reel me in over the iPhone. The Pixel's shot just looks flatter overall.

Winner: iPhone 16

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Indoors

Those bolder colors again benefit the iPhone 16 indoors, as the Halloween blowup decorations really pop over the Pixel 10. Although the Pixel 10 might have the more accurate true-to-life look with its exposure and neutral colors tones, it still can’t sway my eyes from looking at the iPhone 16’s shot.

Winner: iPhone 16

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Selfie

I will say that I like how the 10.5MP selfie shooter of the Pixel 10 has a slightly wider field of view, which makes it more ideal for group shots when you’re trying to get as many people into the frame. However, the iPhone 16’s 12MP selfie cam does a better job of boosting the exposure of the shot — resulting in a more balanced image. As a result, my shirt and face are better exposed.

Winner: iPhone 16

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Panorama

I captured the panorama shots above at the park using the main cameras of both phones, and while the Pixel 10 has the more realistic look with its exposure, it’s tough to deny how the iPhone 16’s image just pops more.

This is due to how it boosts the exposure of the entire shot, but as a result, it does overexpose the brighter areas of the sky. As much as I’m dazzled by the brighter picture of the iPhone, I like the accuracy of the Pixel 10.

Winner: Pixel 10

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Macro

At first glance, the iPhone 16’s macro shot looks way superior due to how it looks significantly sharper across the entire image.

However, when I hone in on the middle of the wooden ring, I can visibly see how the Pixel 10 has a slightly more definition and detail. There’s a bit of adjusting needed with the Pixel 10 to get the focus isolated to that exact point, but it’s clear that it captures better definition.

It's a tough one because it's hard to overlook the clarity that the iPhone 16 produces throughout the shot — due in part to how it leans on the ultrawide for macros, while the Pixel 10 sticks with the main shooter.

Winner: iPhone 16

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Zoom

Now that it’s armed with a dedicated telephoto camera that’s backed with an optical zoom lens, the Pixel 10 is much more formidable at capturing zoom photos — and the shots above prove it. I pushed them to their max zoom levels, which are 10x with the iPhone 16 and 20x with the Pixel 10.

With the combination of its optical zoom and enhancements made to the shot courtesy of its Pro Res Zoom feature, the Pixel 10 better defines the words on the sign and retains more of the details of the leaves in the background.

Winner: Pixel 10

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Low Light

I like how both phones handle low light situations, but all the results I’ve seen so far from the iPhone 16 continue to manifest here with the shot of the beach dunes. Not only does it look slightly brighter, but the warmer color temperature of the iPhone 16’s shot makes for the better shot.

In contrast, the Pixel 10’s Night Sight mode works well in brightening up the scene, but it’s still heavy with the contrast — resulting in the shot not being as bright as the iPhone. You get more detail in the sky with the iPhone 16 as well.

Winner: iPhone 16

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off: Bottom Line

After tallying up the results, this Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo face-off technically goes to the iPhone. I especially like the way it renders more vibrant colors and delivers better low-light shots. The iPhone 16 gave me superior selfies, too.

However, if it were my money, I would recommend the Pixel 10 — just because of how much of a difference its telephoto camera makes over the iPhone 16. Don’t get me wrong, most of the categories could’ve gone to either phone depending on your preference, but I can’t overlook the utility that the Pixel 10 offers. Plus, it has way more AI photo editing tools that help make my photos look even better.

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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