Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger battery of the two, 5100mAh against 4422mAh, 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 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 460 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G, up to 1TB against 256GB, and the Pixel 9a is the lighter phone at 186g against 221g. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 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, £344 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G.
12 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO 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 A17 Pro | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 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 | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 221 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 |
£28.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £459.95 | £292.99 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £292.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 35g 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 Pro Max is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Max and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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.