Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max's 12MP, and only the Pixel 9a is a 5G phone; the iPhone 11 Pro Max maxes out at 4G. The Pixel 9a packs the bigger battery, 5100mAh against 3969mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.5" against 6.3" and sharper at 456 PPI. Only pay up for the Pixel 9a if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 11 Pro Max makes more sense.
Buying outright, the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at £159 SIM-free.
17 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 456 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £159.00 | £304.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the sharper display at 456 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9a has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £159.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 40g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is slimmer at 8.1mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.