Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 9

Our Verdict: If you are choosing between Google Pixel 9 and Apple iPhone 17, portability is the main reason to lean one way. The iPhone has a sharper 458 PPI display, its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a higher-resolution 18MP front camera; the Pixel mainly responds with its OLED panel and a larger 4,700 mAh battery. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the Pixel is the Android choice, while the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem. The iPhone is the better fit for portability, while the Pixel is the one to consider for display quality.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9 works out around £700 all-in, about £88 less than the iPhone 17.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
458 421
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 4,700 mAh
Storage
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
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
177 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
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £54.83/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£697.00 £274.99
Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 458 421
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 10.5 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 4,700 mAh
Storage 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 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 177 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 £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £697.00 £274.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Lavender

Refurbished

250GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9

12 Months

128GB

Peony

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£54.83 a month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £700.46 over the life of the deal from £54.83 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £274.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 9 use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 21g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, and is slimmer at 7.95mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 9?

The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 and Google Pixel 9 run?

The Apple iPhone 17 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.