Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16: The AI War Comes to India
Sometimes technology doesn’t whisper, it shouts. That’s what Google just did with the Pixel 10 series. For years, Apple kept saying “AI is coming next year.” Every September they stood on stage, waved hands, and promised a revolution tomorrow. Google has had enough. With the Pixel 10 launch, they didn’t just show a phone—they showed a mirror to Apple. And in that mirror, Siri is still sleeping.
Now that Pixel 10 is officially coming to India, let’s break it down in plain words: what models are launching, how much they cost here, what features matter, and whether you should go with Google or Apple this year.
The Pixel 10 Family – What India Gets
Google launched four models:
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold (the folding phone)
Indian Prices (official launch MRP)
- Pixel 10 (256 GB): ₹79,999
- Pixel 10 Pro (256 GB): ₹1,09,999
- Pixel 10 Pro XL (256 GB): ₹1,24,999
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold (256 GB): ₹1,72,999
The regular phones hit the market in late August. The Fold comes in October.
Pixel 10 Features – Why Everyone’s Talking
AI at the Center
Pixel 10 runs on Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, built not just for speed but for AI. Unlike Apple, which keeps saying “coming soon,” Google has put real AI in your hands right now.
- Magic Cue: Imagine you’re chatting about your flight. Pixel will automatically bring up your boarding pass or gate number without you even asking.
- Gemini Live: A personal assistant that can translate, answer, and hold conversations in real time, all on-device.
- Camera Coach: Helps you frame better shots while you’re clicking.
- Best Take and Add Me: If someone blinked or got cut out of the photo, AI fixes it instantly by stitching together multiple shots.
- Content Credentials: Every AI-edited photo gets a watermark tag, so people know it’s modified—no fake drama later.
Camera Power
The Pixel 10 Pro and XL come with AI-driven zoom up to 100×. That means distant objects look usable, not like mushy blobs. For Indian users who love photography without carrying a DSLR, this is a game-changer.
Hardware
- Brighter OLED screens, tough design, recycled materials.
- Big batteries with efficient AI-driven power management.
- Dust and water resistance (IP68).
- Fold model has a stronger hinge and bigger inside display.
iPhone 16 – Apple’s Latest in India
Apple also launched its new lineup: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
Indian Prices (official MRP)
- iPhone 16: from ₹79,900
- iPhone 16 Plus: from ₹89,900
- iPhone 16 Pro: from ₹1,19,900
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: from ₹1,44,900
What Apple Brings
- Strong hardware: Titanium build, the latest A-series chip, excellent battery life.
- Best video performance in the industry: For vloggers, YouTubers, and Reel makers, nothing beats iPhone’s video stability and color.
- Apple Intelligence (AI): This year, Apple finally rolled out basic AI features like writing tools, image suggestions, and a smarter Siri. But here’s the truth—the biggest Siri upgrade is still not here. Apple has delayed it again.
- Long support: iPhones usually get 5–6 years of updates, so your device stays fresh longer.
Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 – Head to Head
Price Value
- Pixel 10 starts at ₹79,999 for 256 GB.
- iPhone 16 starts at ₹79,900 for just 128 GB.
Same price, but Pixel doubles the storage.
AI Showdown
- Pixel 10: AI everywhere, working live—Magic Cue, Gemini Live, Camera AI.
- iPhone 16: AI exists, but feels half-baked. Siri is still the weakest link.
Cameras
- Pixel 10: AI makes casual users feel like pro photographers—Best Take, Add Me, 100× zoom.
- iPhone 16: Photos are excellent, but the real crown is video quality. Smooth, cinematic, reliable every single time.
Ecosystem
- iPhone: If you already use Mac, iPad, Apple Watch—staying in the Apple world is seamless.
- Pixel: Works beautifully if your life revolves around Gmail, Drive, Maps, Calendar.
Longevity
- iPhone: Predictable 5–6+ years of updates.
- Pixel: Good support, but resale value is lower in India compared to iPhone.
Pros and Cons in Simple Words
Pixel 10 Pros
- AI that actually works today.
- More storage for your money.
- Smarter cameras for people who just point and shoot.
Pixel 10 Cons
- Resale value is weaker.
- Fold is too expensive for most buyers.
iPhone 16 Pros
- Best video in the market.
- Strong resale value.
- Smooth Apple ecosystem with long updates.
iPhone 16 Cons
- AI features feel “under construction.”
- Base storage is still 128 GB at this price.
Which One Should You Buy in India?
- Buy Pixel 10 (or Pro/XL) if you want a phone that does things for you right now. If you rely on Gmail, Maps, or Google services all day, Pixel feels like magic. If you love taking photos and want AI to fix your shots automatically, Pixel is your new friend.
- Buy iPhone 16 (or Pro/Max) if you live in Apple’s world already. If you edit videos, shoot a lot of reels, or want to keep your phone 5–6 years without worry, iPhone is safer.
The Nishani Verdict
Pixel 10 is the first phone that makes AI more than a buzzword. It shows up in your calls, in your camera, and in your daily life. Apple is still playing the waiting game, postponing Siri’s real upgrade every year. Google even trolled them in ads, showing that AI is not “coming next year”—it’s already here.
But Apple still rules in ecosystem strength and video reliability. If you want stability, go iPhone. If you want bold new AI power, go Pixel.
This year, the choice is clear:
- For dreamers and doers who want the future in their pocket now—Pixel 10.
- For loyalists who want no surprises, long life, and smooth sailing—iPhone 16.
In below ad by google you can see how they are trolling apple from the AI perspective.