Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" against 6.9", while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper one at 458 PPI, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 512GB. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the lighter phone at 227g against 257g, and only the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a water-resistance rating (IP68); the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has none. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the cheaper one to own: around £1032 over a typical contract, £209 less than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
11 reviews 4.2
13 reviews
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.2 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Foldable LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 2076 x 2152 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 374 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 4,650 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 257 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£100.25/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £689.99 | £619.99 |
| 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 Fold cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is cheaper on contract at £1031.96 over the life of the deal from £41.79 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's 6.9", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 374, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a Foldable LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 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 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £619.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the more portable of the two: it's 30g lighter at 227 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slimmer at 5.1mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 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.