Apple iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9a
Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £411 all-in, about £278 less than the iPhone 16.
12 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 3,561 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £479.00 | £289.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a 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 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 16g 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 9a?
The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), 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 and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.