Apple iPhone 13 vs Google Pixel 9a

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 13 undercuts Google Pixel 9a on SIM-free pricing. It starts at £199.95, while Google Pixel 9a is shown from £327.00. Screen quality leans toward Apple iPhone 13 for sharpness, with 457 PPI compared with Google Pixel 9a's 421 PPI. Google Pixel 9a has the higher-resolution rear camera figure at 48MP versus Apple iPhone 13's 12MP, Apple iPhone 13 offers more headroom at up to 512GB rather than Google Pixel 9a's 256GB. Apple iPhone 13 is lighter at 173g, compared with Google Pixel 9a at 186g, Google Pixel 9a lists the larger battery capacity, 5,100 mAh against Apple iPhone 13's 3,227 mAh. Use the listed differences to decide rather than the model names alone: Apple iPhone 13 is stronger in some areas, but Google Pixel 9a may suit buyers who care more about value and handling.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £411 all-in, about £22 less than the iPhone 13.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
2532 x 1170 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
457 421
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,227 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 15
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/6 tri-band
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
173 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£12.99/mo (£99.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£199.95 £289.99

Prices updated 20 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 2532 x 1170 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 457 421
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,227 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 15
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/6 tri-band
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 173 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £199.95 £289.99
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 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 13 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.

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

The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 or Google Pixel 9a?

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 9a?

The Apple iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 13g 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 9a?

The Apple iPhone 13 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), 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 13 and Google Pixel 9a run?

The Apple iPhone 13 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.