Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9 Pro
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's 48MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" against 6.3", while the Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper one at 497 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 512GB, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the lighter phone at 199g against 227g. Only pay up for the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you'll use what it offers; if not, the Pixel 9 Pro makes more sense.
The Pixel 9 Pro is the cheaper one to own: around £845 over a typical contract, £186 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
11 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 497 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £689.99 | £449.99 |
| Prices updated 16 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper display at 497 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £449.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 28g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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.