Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our Verdict: With Google Pixel 9 Pro XL versus Apple iPhone 16 Pro, the stronger argument is display quality. The Pixel has the useful edge there with a larger 6.8-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED panel, and a higher-resolution 42MP front camera. The iPhone still has a role if you prefer its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel. 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. The Pixel is the stronger choice for display quality, with the iPhone better suited to simplicity.

The iPhone 16 Pro is the cheaper one to own: around £778 over a typical contract, £487 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.8"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
458 460
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,582 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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, aptX HD
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
199 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
£29.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £49.00/mo (£39.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£569.99 £399.99
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.8"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 458 460
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,582 mAh 5,060 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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, aptX HD
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 199 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 £29.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£49.00/mo
£39.00 upfront
SIM-free £569.99 £399.99
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 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

24 Months

512GB

Porcelain

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£49 per month, £39 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper on contract at £778.00 over the life of the deal from £29.50 per month with £20.00 upfront.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

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

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £399.99.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (199 grams vs 199 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 Pro XL?

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 Pro XL run?

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