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Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Google Pixel 9 Pro

Side-by-side comparison of viewing distance, PPI, and specifications

Apple iPhone 16 Plus

6.7" · 1290×2796 · OLED
Optimal Viewing Distance 19cm
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Google Pixel 9 Pro

6.3" · 1280×2856 · OLED
Optimal Viewing Distance 18cm
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Category Ranking

Pixel Density (PPI)28in category
Apple iPhone 16 Plus460 PPI #14
Google Pixel 9 Pro497 PPI #8
368 PPI521 PPI
HDR Peak Brightness28in category
Apple iPhone 16 Plus2000 nits #25
Google Pixel 9 Pro3000 nits #8
2000 nits4500 nits
DCI-P3 Color Gamut28in category
Apple iPhone 16 Plus100% #1
Google Pixel 9 Pro100% #1
100%100%
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 16 Plus60 Hz
Google Pixel 9 Pro120 Hz
StandardHighUltra

Summary

  • Sharpness: no visible difference — Both screens exceed the retina threshold at 30cm. The Google Pixel 9 Pro has 7% higher pixel density (497 vs 460 PPI), but this only becomes visible below 18cm.
  • Brightness: advantage Google Pixel 9 Pro — Similar SDR brightness (1000 vs 1000 nits), but the Google Pixel 9 Pro leads in HDR peak (3000 vs 2000 nits).

Key Differences

Specification Apple iPhone 16 Plus Google Pixel 9 Pro
Screen Size 6.7" 6.3"
Contrast Ratio 1:2,000,000 1:1,000,000
Resolution 1290×2796 1280×2856
Pixel Density (PPI) 460 497
Optimal Viewing Distance 19cm 18cm
Refresh Rate 60 Hz 120 Hz
HDR Peak Brightness 2000 nits 3000 nits
All specifications
Specification Apple iPhone 16 Plus 2024 Google Pixel 9 Pro 2024
Screen Size 6.7" (Better) 6.3"
Resolution 1290×2796 1280×2856 (Better)
Pixel Density (PPI) 460 497 (Better)
Optimal Viewing Distance 19cm 18cm (Better)
Panel Type OLED OLED
Viewing Angle 178° 178°
Aspect Ratio 215:466 160:357
Refresh Rate 60 Hz 120 Hz (Better)
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) None None
Response Time 1 ms GTG 1 ms GTG
HDR Certification None None
SDR Brightness 1000 nits 1000 nits
HDR Peak Brightness 2000 nits 3000 nits (Better)
Contrast Ratio 1:2,000,000 (Better) 1:1,000,000
Ports USB-C USB-C
Color Gamut sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 100% sRGB 100% · DCI-P3 100%
Year 2024 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has better PPI: Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro has 497 PPI compared to 460 PPI for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
Which has a closer optimal viewing distance?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro requires 18cm vs 19cm for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus to reach retina quality.
Methodology & Sources

Formula: Retina distance (cm) = 3438 / PPI. Displayed values are rounded for readability.

Sources: Official manufacturer spec sheets and product pages. Specs are normalized before comparisons.

Comparison winners are calculated metric by metric (higher is better for most specs; lower is better for distance/response time).

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