Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro

Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3561mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Pixel 9 Pro has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.3" against 6.1" and sharper at 497 PPI, and the Apple iPhone 16 is the lighter phone at 170g against 199g. Get the Pixel 9 Pro if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 16 covers the basics for less.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 16 works out around £693 all-in, about £155 less than the Pixel 9 Pro.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
4.4
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
461 497
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,561 mAh 4,700 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
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, aptX HD
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
170 grams 199 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
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £67.33/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£483.65 £390.00
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
4.4
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 461 497
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,561 mAh 4,700 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
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, aptX HD
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 170 grams 199 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 £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £483.65 £390.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£26.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10 off)

Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro

12 Months

128GB

Hazel

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£67.33 per month, £30 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £692.76 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Google Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper display at 497 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a LTPO AMOLED.

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

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £390.00.

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

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

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 29g 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 Pro?

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 Pro run?

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