Pixel 10A vs. iPhone 16E: Is Apple's Cheap Phone Worth the Extra $100? We Find Out

Google's Pixel 10A continues the company's tradition of affordable Pixel A handsets. Despite starting at just $500, the Pixel 10A offers high-end features such as a 48-megapixel camera, Google's Tensor G4 processor and an impressive 5,100-mAh battery.

Apple's iPhone 16E, on the other hand, is newer to the budget handset world. Debuting in February 2025 as an affordable addition to the iPhone lineup, the 16E replaces the SE series. Starting at $600, the iPhone 16E has a similar appeal to the Pixel 10A: flagship features without the flagship price.

It's worth noting that Apple will likely release an iPhone 17E "imminently," according to rumors. So how do the Pixel 10A and iPhone 16E compare? Let's take a closer look.

Watch this: Google's $499 Pixel 10A Launches with AirDrop Support and Faster Charging

03:35

Pixel 10A vs. iPhone 16E: Display

At 6.3 inches, the Pixel 10A has a larger OLED screen. But the iPhone 16E's 6.1-inch OLED display is slightly sharper thanks to its higher pixel density. The difference is minimal enough that you probably won't notice it, even if you have them side-by-side. The other conspicuous difference is that the iPhone 16E has a notch cutout at the top of the screen for FaceID and the selfie camera, while the Pixel 10A has a single dot, or hole-punch, in its display for the front-facing camera.

Google's Pixel 10A Looks Stylish for a Low-Cost Flagship Phone

+15 More

See all photos

The iPhone 16E's screen is limited to a fixed 60Hz refresh rate, which feels disappointing next to the Pixel 10A's 10 to 120Hz variable refresh rate. The Pixel's display adjusts based on your activity, delivering smoother animations, more immersive gaming and an overall better browsing experience.

Pixel 10A vs. iPhone 16E: Cameras

Likely to save on costs, Apple saddled the iPhone 16E with just a single rear 48-megapixel camera. It's $1,000 iPhone Air also has a single rear camera. Google, however, found a way to include a 48-megapixel camera on the Pixel 10A and a 13-megapixel ultrawide. This gives Pixel 10A owners more versatility when shooting photos; they're not just limited to a single wide shot. In terms of selfies, the Pixel 10A has a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, while the iPhone 16E has a 12-megapixel one.

Pixel 10A vs. iPhone 16E: Processor

The Pixel 10A runs on the Google Tensor G4 chip, the same as the Pixel 9 line, while the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup uses the upgraded Tensor G5 chip. Google told CNET's Mike Sorrentino that having the older chip in the phone was a way to keep the Pixel 10A's starting price at $500. Still, the Tensor G4 isn't bad and should deliver decent performance for most tasks. The iPhone 16E, however, uses Apple's A18 chip, which has historically delivered better benchmark scores for processing and graphics than the Tensor G4.

Pixel 10A vs. iPhone 16E: AI features

While both the iPhone 16E and the Pixel 10A are entry-level handsets, each supports its respective company's AI efforts. The iPhone 16E has Apple Intelligence, a feature previously available only in higher-end models like the 15 Pro. At the time of this writing, Apple Intelligence offers features like a Clean Up tool for removing obstacles in photos, text summarization, writing tools and support for shortcuts. Siri is also expected to receive upgrades eventually, but those improvements haven't arrived yet.

The Pixel 10A has the same Google Gemini AI models as all other Pixel handsets. It can run Google's Gemini Nano AI model, photo editing tools like Best Take, Camera Coach, Magic Eraser and more.

One neat feature on the Pixel 10A is that its Quick Share can be used to AirDrop photos and files to nearby iPhones.

While the iPhone 16E costs $100 more than the Pixel 10A, each will appeal to different people. But on paper, the iPhone seems more powerful, while the Pixel offers more features, such as the two rear cameras. For more comparisons between the iPhone 16E and Pixel 10A, take a look at our specs chart below.