Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 9a

Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a came out in 2025, after the Apple iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, so it's the more recent phone. The Pixel 9a packs the bigger battery, 5100mAh against 3274mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own, and the Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" against 6.1", while the iPhone 15 Pro 5G has the sharper one at 461 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 Pro 5G, up to 1TB against 256GB. Get the iPhone 15 Pro 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the Pixel 9a covers the basics for less.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £399 over a typical contract, £240 less than the iPhone 15 Pro 5G.

Expert Rating
4.3
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
1179 x 2556 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
461 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A17 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,274 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 15
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
187 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
£23.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £32.97/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£439.99 £259.99
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Apple iPhone 15 Pro Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Expert Rating 4.3
12 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 461 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A17 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,274 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 15
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 187 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 £23.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£32.97/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £439.99 £259.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro

24 Months

128GB

Black Titanium

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£18 a month, £20 upfront.

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

12 Months

128GB

Obsidian

6GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.97 a month, with FREE phone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £399.24 over the life of the deal from £32.97 per month with £0.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 15 Pro has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro uses a LTPO 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 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £259.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Google Pixel 9a?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Google Pixel 9a use?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (187 grams vs 186 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro and Google Pixel 9a run?

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro 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.