Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 15 Plus's 48MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL packs the bigger battery, 5060mAh against 4383mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the iPhone 15 Plus 5G. There's not much between them beyond price, so the iPhone 15 Plus 5G is the easier pick.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 15 Plus 5G works out around £845 all-in, about £45 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
12 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 201 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 |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £376.00 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper on contract at £845.46 over the life of the deal from £67.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 460 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 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 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (201 grams vs 199 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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.