Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Google Pixel 9

Our Verdict: Google Pixel 9 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro suit different priorities. The Pixel is stronger for display quality, helped by its OLED panel and a larger 4,700 mAh battery, while the iPhone is better suited to a sharper 458 PPI display, its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and 128GB to 1000GB storage. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the Pixel is the Android choice, while the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem. Choose the Pixel for display quality; choose the iPhone if storage matters more.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9 works out around £698 all-in, about £80 less than the iPhone 16 Pro.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
458 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,582 mAh 4,700 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
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
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
199 grams 198 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
£29.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £54.83/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£569.99 £299.99
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 458 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,582 mAh 4,700 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
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 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 199 grams 198 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 £29.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £569.99 £299.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro

24 Months

128GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.50 per month, £20 upfront.

Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9

12 Months

128GB

Peony

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£54.83 per month, £30 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £697.96 over the life of the deal from £54.83 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 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 or Google Pixel 9?

The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £299.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (199 grams vs 198 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9?

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 and Google Pixel 9 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro runs Apple iOS and the Google Pixel 9 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.