Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a packs the bigger battery, 5100mAh against 4383mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 460 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 Plus 5G, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the Pixel 9a is the lighter phone at 186g against 201g. The iPhone 15 Plus 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the Pixel 9a is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £411 over a typical contract, £434 less than the iPhone 15 Plus 5G.
12 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 201 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 |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £289.99 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 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 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 15g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 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 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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.