Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9a
Our verdict: You'll pay £700.16 less overall on contract with the Google Pixel 9a than the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. On the other hand, both screen size and sharpness go to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 6.9" display at 458 PPI. Day-to-day comfort favours the Google Pixel 9a at 186g. Going SIM-free keeps things simple, and the Google Pixel 9a is the more affordable option at £349.00.
11 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| 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/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£75.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £675.00 | £349.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £331.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £75.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two — it's 41g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, 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 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.