Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9

Our verdict: Over a typical contract, expect to pay £12.29 less with the Apple iPhone 16 than the Google Pixel 9. If you want a bigger screen, the Google Pixel 9 has 6.3"; if you prefer sharpness, the Apple iPhone 16 hits 461 PPI. On paper, the Google Pixel 9 wins the camera battle with 50MP on the rear. Up front, the Apple iPhone 16 wins with a 12MP selfie camera.

Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
461 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
170 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£24.99/mo (£59.00 upfront) £54.42/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£485.00 £331.49
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 461 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 170 grams 198 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £24.99/mo
£59.00 upfront
£54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £485.00 £331.49
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £671.62 over the life of the deal from £24.99 per month with £59.00 upfront.

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

The Google Pixel 9 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 has a OLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Google Pixel 9?

The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £331.49.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two — it's 28g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 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.