Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our verdict: You'll pay £212.21 less overall on contract with the Apple iPhone 16 than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. If screen real estate matters, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins at 6.8". If the camera matters most, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge at 50MP. For video calls and selfies, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 42MP front camera.

Screen
6.1" 6.8"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
461 460
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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
5.3, 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
£24.99/mo (£59.00 upfront) £71.08/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£485.00 £358.00
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Screen 6.1" 6.8"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 461 460
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 5.3, 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 £24.99/mo
£59.00 upfront
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £485.00 £358.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 461 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a 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 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £358.00.

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

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

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

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

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

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 XL?

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

The Apple iPhone 16 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.