Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Google Pixel 9a

Our Verdict: If you are choosing between Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9a, portability is the main reason to lean one way. The Pixel has its P-OLED panel, a larger 5,100 mAh battery, and a lighter 186g body; the iPhone mainly responds with 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 iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Pixel is the Android choice. The Pixel is the better fit for portability, while the iPhone is the one to consider for display quality.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £415 all-in, about £363 less than the iPhone 16 Pro.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
1206 x 2622 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)
Battery
3,582 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage
128GB, 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
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
199 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
£29.50/mo (£20.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£569.99 £259.99
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 1206 x 2622 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)
Battery 3,582 mAh 5,100 mAh
Storage 128GB, 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 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 199 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 £29.50/mo
£20.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £569.99 £259.99
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 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £414.76 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

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 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £259.99.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 or Google Pixel 9a?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 9a is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is more compact. It's 13g lighter at 186 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is actually the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 and Google Pixel 9a run?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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.