Waterproofing

Apple’s IP67 rating means it can withstand dust, splashes, and even exposure to water. The Pixel’s IP53 rating means it stands up well to dust, but is barely waterproof. CNET surveyed both devices, and believes that the Pixel can survive a light spray of water but definitely not a full on rainstorm. The iPhone 7, however, could be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes; yet the sound quality of the speakers suffered and ‘never fully recovered’ afterwards.

Voice-activated assistant

Apple’s newest device showcases Siri improvements, including ‘Hey Siri’ functionality in iOS 10. Siri lets users set alarms, make reminders, and even use select apps on the device. Google Pixel brings with it Google Assistant, an upgrade to the existing Google Now function. The new Google Assistant can search photos, interact with your smart appliances, and more, and can be summoned through holding the Home button or saying ‘Ok Google.’ Multiple sources like Wired, Mr. Mobile, and TechRadar have all touted the potential behind Google Assistant; yet, as TechRadar mentions, ‘Assistant is a nice addition to the Pixel, but it’s not a feature many will be holding up as the stand-out reason to buy the phone.’

Camera

Apple’s iPhone 7 comes with a 12 MP camera with Æ’/1.8 aperture and a 7 MP front-facing camera. The 7 Plus model comes with the dual-lens camera with wide angle and telephoto lens. Apple also recently released an iOS update that includes portrait photo mode for the iPhone 7 models. The Google Pixel has a 12.3 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture and an 8 MP front-facing camera. One perk of the Pixel camera is that it earned an 89 by DxOMark Mobile score, the ‘trusted industry standard for camera and lens image quality measurements and ratings.’ The iPhone 7 comes in second, by a margin of only three, at 86 points.

Operating System

Apple’s iPhone 7 comes preloaded with iOS 10, which touts big changes to iMessage, ‘Hey Siri’ functionality, map upgrades, a new Home app for complete home automation control, ‘˜raise to wake’ functionality, rich notifications, and more. Google Pixel comes preloaded with Android Nougat, which boasts seamless app and software updates, Google Assistant, unlimited photo backup to Google Photos, a dynamic calendar date icon, new navbar icons, and more. iOS 10 and Android Nougat operating systems are very different, but both are agreed upon as well-rounded and secure ‘“ usage of either operating system is a solid choice and totally based on preference.

Overall Ratings From Credible Sources:

TechRadar ‘“ 4 out of 5 for iPhone 7 | 4.5 out of 5 for Pixel

Wired ‘“ 9 out of 10 for iPhone 7 |9 out of 10 for Pixel

CNET ‘“ 8.7 out of 10 for iPhone 7 | 8.8 out of 10 for Pixel

Phone Arena ‘“ 9.3 out of 10 for iPhone 7 | 9 out of 10 for Pixel