Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL suit different priorities. The Pixel is stronger for display quality, helped by its LTPO OLED panel, a higher-resolution 42MP front camera, and a larger 5,115 mAh battery, while the iPhone is better suited to its Super Retina XDR OLED panel and a lighter 199g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Pixel is the Android choice. Choose the Pixel for display quality; choose the iPhone if portability matters more.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 16 Plus works out around £772 all-in, about £176 less than the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.8"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO OLED
Resolution
2796 x 1290 1344 x 2992
Pixels Per Inch
460 482
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G6 (2 nm)
Battery
4,674 mAh 5,115 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Android 17
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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight
199 grams 226 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
£31.79/mo (£9.00 upfront) £29.99/mo (£199.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£489.00 £1099.00
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Apple iPhone 16 Plus Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.8"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO OLED
Resolution 2796 x 1290 1344 x 2992
Pixels Per Inch 460 482
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G6 (2 nm)
Battery 4,674 mAh 5,115 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Android 17
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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight 199 grams 226 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 £31.79/mo
£9.00 upfront
£29.99/mo
£199.00 upfront
SIM-free £489.00 £1099.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 16 Plus

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£31.79 a month, £9 upfront.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

24 Months

256GB

Obsidian

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £199 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is cheaper on contract at £771.96 over the life of the deal from £31.79 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the sharper display at 482 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has a LTPO OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 11 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 16 Plus or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £489.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G6 (2 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

It's a trade-off: the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is lighter but the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is more compact. It's 27g lighter at 199 grams, though the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is actually the more compact phone at 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Google Pixel 11 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL run?

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.