Apple iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our Verdict: The Pixel 9 Pro XL gives you more screen space at 6.8 inches versus 6.1 inches. Camera hardware is mixed: a 50MP rear camera versus 12MP, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the 42MP front camera. The iPhone 13 has the clearer value angle, with SIM-free pricing around £220 below the Pixel 9 Pro XL. For most buyers, the iPhone 13 is the pick for lower SIM-free cost, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger case for a larger screen.

The iPhone 13 is the cheaper one to own: around £433 over a typical contract, £457 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.8"
Display
OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
2532 x 1170 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
457 460
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,227 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
173 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£12.99/mo (£99.00 upfront) £71.08/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£199.95 £376.00

Prices updated 20 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.8"
Display OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 2532 x 1170 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 457 460
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,227 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Android 14
SIM Type nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 173 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £199.95 £376.00
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 13

24 Months

128GB

Green

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£12.99 per month, £99 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

12 Months

128GB

Hazel

5GB

Data

£71.08 per month, £30 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper on contract at £433.16 over the life of the deal from £12.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 13 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 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 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.95.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?

The Apple iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm, and is slimmer at 7.65mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 13 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?

The Apple iPhone 13 runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.