This question should have a good answer so it can help more people.
Chandelure
- Far better Special Attack than Delphox
- Better Defense than Delphox
- Flash Fire and Flame Body are both great Abilities
- Learns moves like Shadow Ball, Flamethrower, Psychic, Energy Ball, Dark Pulse, and Will-O-Wisp
- Doesn't learn any level up moves after evolving
- Litwick is available later than Fennekin
- Slower than Delphox
- Less specially defensive than Delphox
Delphox
- Solid Special Attack
- Better Special Defense, Speed, and HP than Chandelure
- Learns moves like Flamethrower, Will-O-Wisp, Psychic, Grass Knot, and Shadow Ball
- Potentially the first Pokemon you receive
- Fennekin/Braxien evolve earlier than Litwick
- Shallower movepool than Chandelure
- Blaze is arguably worse than Flame Body
- You can't get it if you picked a different starter
If you didn't pick another starter, Delphox is the better option. It has a lower Special Attack, but it comes earlier, evolves earlier, and is generally more efficient to level up and take through the game. Chandelure does of course work if you can't get a Delphox, but it's generally a bit worse.
Delphox @ Charcoal
Ability: Blaze
- Flamethrower
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Grass Knot / Will-O-Wisp
